Ledger™ Live: Download | Getting Started

Introduction

Ledger Live is the official companion application for Ledger hardware wallets. It provides a secure, intuitive interface to manage cryptocurrencies while keeping private keys safely inside your Ledger device. This guide walks you through downloading Ledger Live, installing it on desktop and mobile, pairing with Ledger hardware devices, initializing and restoring wallets, adding accounts, transacting, staking, NFT handling, integrations, critical security practices, troubleshooting, and a final checklist to help you go live with confidence.

Why download Ledger Live?

Ledger Live is designed to give you full control of your crypto assets without exposing your private keys to the internet. When used with a Ledger hardware device, Ledger Live acts as the user interface — creating transactions locally, sending them to your device for secure signing, and only broadcasting signed transactions to the network. This model protects you against malware, phishing sites, and other remote attacks that target software wallets.

Core benefits:

Private keys remain on the hardware device (Secure Element).
Supports thousands of tokens and multiple blockchains.
Built-in features: buy, sell, swap, staking, NFT viewing, portfolio tracking, and exports for reporting.

Step 1 — Download Ledger Live (desktop & mobile)

Always download Ledger Live from the official Ledger domain. Avoid links sent via email, social media, or third-party sites that might be phishing attempts. The official download page is the single source of truth for Ledger Live installers and mobile apps.

Desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux)

Open your browser and go to https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live.
Select the appropriate installer for your operating system and download.
Run the installer and follow the platform-specific prompts to complete installation.
On first launch, Ledger Live may update to the latest version — allow updates to ensure you have security fixes.

Mobile (iOS & Android)

Open the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
Search for "Ledger Live" and confirm the developer is Ledger (Ledger SAS) before downloading.
Install the app and open it. Follow the guided onboarding for mobile pairing.

Verification tip: When possible, verify checksums or digital signatures for desktop installers. On mobile, check the app store listing details and reviews to avoid imitations.

Step 2 — First run & onboarding

When you first open Ledger Live, you'll be welcomed with an onboarding screen. Choose whether to set up a new Ledger device, restore an existing one from a recovery phrase, or pair a device you already own. Ledger Live offers a guided experience that walks you through PIN creation, writing your recovery phrase, installing blockchain apps, and creating accounts.

Options you'll see

Set up as a new device: For brand new Ledger hardware — creates PIN and generates recovery phrase.
Restore device: Use this if you already have a recovery phrase and wish to restore on a new Ledger device.
Pair an existing device: Connect a device already initialized to manage accounts in Ledger Live.

During onboarding, Ledger Live will also check firmware authenticity and prompt for updates when needed. Always read and approve update prompts on the device’s physical screen — never confirm updates that you did not initiate.

Step 3 — Initialize your Ledger hardware (PIN & recovery phrase)

Initialization happens on the device itself. Ledger Live coordinates the flow, but the device's smaller screen and buttons are used to perform critical security steps such as selecting a PIN and revealing recovery words. These steps are intentionally done on-device so that private keys and sensitive secrets are never exposed to your computer or phone.

Create a strong PIN

Choose a PIN that balances memorability and unpredictability. Avoid simple sequences like 1234 or repeated digits. The PIN protects the device from casual physical access.

Write down your recovery phrase

The device will display a 24-word recovery phrase (some advanced setups may use different lengths). This phrase is the ultimate backup for your funds — if the device is lost, stolen, or damaged, the recovery phrase lets you restore your wallets on any compatible device.

Write the words exactly in order on the provided recovery sheet or another trusted physical medium.
Never store the recovery phrase digitally (no photos, no screenshots, no cloud notes).
Consider metal backup solutions for durability against fire and water.
Never share the recovery phrase with anyone; Ledger support will never ask for it.

Security reminder: If anyone asks for your recovery phrase — it's a scam. Entering your phrase into a website or app hands full control of your funds to the requester.

Step 4 — Ledger Manager & installing blockchain apps

Each blockchain (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.) requires a specific app to be installed on the Ledger device. Ledger Live's Manager tab installs these apps safely. Installing an app does not expose private keys — instead it equips the device to handle that chain’s transaction formats.

How to install apps

Open Ledger Live and go to Manager.
Connect and unlock your Ledger device.
Find the blockchain app you need and click Install.
Uninstall unused apps if storage gets full — uninstalling does not remove funds or account data derived from your recovery phrase.

Step 5 — Add accounts & receive funds

Accounts in Ledger Live are interface entries linked to addresses derived from your device's keys. Add accounts for each blockchain you plan to use and start receiving funds using addresses provided by Ledger Live and verified on your device.

Adding an account

Go to the Accounts tab and click Add account.
Select the blockchain and follow prompts while your device is connected and unlocked.
Ledger Live will fetch and display account balances and history.

Receive safety checklist

Always verify the receiving address on your Ledger device screen before sharing it.
Send a small test amount when first sending to a new address or counterparty.
Beware of address replacement malware — device confirmation prevents this attack.

Step 6 — Sending & approving transactions

When you initiate a send in Ledger Live, the transaction data is routed to your Ledger device where it must be physically approved. The device displays the destination address, amount, and fees. Confirm every detail on the device before approving to ensure you are signing exactly what you expect.

Use appropriate fee levels for speed vs. cost trade-offs depending on network congestion.
Double-check destination addresses, memo fields, and destination tags when applicable.
Consider multi-step testing for very large transfers (send a smaller test amount first).

Key Ledger Live features

Portfolio & analytics

Consolidated portfolio valuation across accounts, historical charts, and performance metrics.

Buy, sell & swap

Integrated partners allow fiat on-ramp/off-ramp and token swaps directly inside Ledger Live (third-party fees and terms apply).

Staking & rewards

Delegate supported proof-of-stake assets to earn rewards while keeping custody of your keys.

NFT management

View and manage NFTs for supported chains with native previews and metadata where available.

Exports & reports

Export transaction history to CSV for tax or accounting workflows.

Third-party integrations

Connect to certain dApps and partner services while using your Ledger device to sign securely.

Advanced topics

Passphrase (25th word)

A passphrase is an optional extra secret you can combine with your recovery phrase to create hidden wallets. This provides enhanced privacy and security but adds complexity — if you lose the passphrase, funds in the protected wallet cannot be recovered. Use only if you understand the implications.

Multisig & Shamir (enterprise)

For organizational or high-value custody, consider multisignature setups or Shamir Secret Sharing (SSS) where keys/backups are split across parties or devices. These approaches reduce single-point-of-failure risk but increase operational complexity.

Developer tools

Developers can integrate Ledger hardware signing into custom applications using official SDKs and APIs — useful for building secure signing flows for dApps, enterprise tools, or automated workflows.

Security best practices — must read

Security combines the right tools with disciplined habits. Below are prioritized recommendations to protect your assets:

Top checklist

Buy genuine hardware: Purchase only from Ledger’s official store or authorized resellers to avoid tampered devices.
Never share your recovery phrase: No support agent or service should ever ask for it.
Verify everything on-device: Always confirm addresses, amounts, and firmware prompts on the Ledger device screen.
Keep backups offline: Use paper or metal backups stored securely in different locations if necessary.
Avoid phishing: Bookmark official Ledger pages and manually type URLs when possible. Do not click suspicious links.
Update regularly: Install updates to Ledger Live and device firmware when prompted by official sources.

Important: If you encounter someone requesting your recovery phrase, stop immediately — it’s a scam.

Troubleshooting & FAQ

Common issues

Device not recognized

Try another USB cable or port, ensure the device is unlocked (enter PIN), and disable USB hubs or extension adapters during troubleshooting. On mobile, ensure Bluetooth permissions are granted for models that support it.

Forgot PIN

If you forget your PIN, you must reset the device which clears local data. You can then restore using your recovery phrase. Without the recovery phrase, funds cannot be recovered.

Firmware update failure

Retry the update using a direct USB connection and the original cable. Follow Ledger Live’s prompts and consult official support if the problem persists. Never enter your recovery phrase to "fix" an update.

Frequently asked questions

Is Ledger Live free?: Yes — Ledger Live itself is free to download and use. Integrated partner services (buy/swap) may charge fees set by those providers.
Can I restore my wallet on another device?: Yes — with your recovery phrase you can restore on any compatible hardware wallet or supported recovery solution.
What happens if Ledger SAS stops operating?: Ledger Live is an interface; your assets are secured by your private keys and recovery phrase. If Ledger were unavailable, you could restore wallets using your recovery phrase on other compatible wallets that follow the same derivation standards.
Does Ledger Live store my funds?: No. Ledger Live is an interface. Funds always reside on the blockchain; Ledger devices hold the private keys needed to sign transactions.

Final checklist — ready to go live

Downloaded Ledger Live from the official Ledger domain and installed it on your device.
Initialized your Ledger hardware, set a strong PIN, and recorded your 24-word recovery phrase offline.
Installed only the blockchain apps you need via Manager and added accounts in Ledger Live.
Verified receive addresses and transaction details on the device screen before approving.
Followed the security best practices: backups, firmware updates, and phishing awareness.

Ledger Live continues to evolve with new chains, improved UX, and integrations. Always consult official documentation and support for the latest instructions, release notes, and security advisories.