Ledger® Live: | Getting started with Ledger
What is Ledger Live?
Ledger Live is the official app that connects to your Ledger hardware wallet. It lets you manage accounts, send & receive crypto, monitor portfolio value, and access Ledger's services while keeping private keys on the device. Use the official app only from Ledger’s website to avoid impostors. Learn more on Ledger.com.
Before you begin — essentials
- Your Ledger device (Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Flex).
- Computer or smartphone & the Ledger Live app installed from the official site.
- USB cable (or Bluetooth for Nano X) and a quiet place to write down your recovery phrase.
Never enter your 24-word recovery phrase into any app or website. Write it on the supplied card and keep it offline and secure.
Install Ledger Live (step-by-step)
Visit ledger.com/start, download the right version (Windows/macOS/Linux/Android/iOS), and follow the on-screen installer. After installation, open Ledger Live and choose “Get started.” The app walks you through choosing a device and setting up a PIN. For full official support articles see the Ledger support center.
Initial device setup
When powering your device for the first time you will: set a PIN; receive a 24-word recovery phrase (write it down); confirm the recovery words on the device. This phrase is the only backup of your private keys — keep it offline and secret. If anyone asks for it, it’s always a scam.
Connect Ledger Live to your device
Open Ledger Live, add an account for the cryptocurrency you want (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum), then connect & unlock the device. Follow the app prompts to install the coin-specific app on the device when requested. Your keys remain on-device; Ledger Live only reads public addresses to show balances and create unsigned transactions.
Sending & receiving securely
To receive, generate an address in Ledger Live and verify it on your device screen before sharing. To send, prepare the transaction in Ledger Live then confirm and physically approve it on your Ledger device. That on-device confirmation prevents remote attackers from silently sending funds.
Keep Ledger Live & device firmware updated
Ledger periodically releases firmware and app updates that improve security and support new coins. Update through Ledger Live when a trusted update prompt appears. Only update when connected to official Ledger Live and never from untrusted sources.
Safety checklist
- Download Ledger Live only from ledger.com.
- Never share your 24-word recovery phrase.
- Always verify addresses on the device screen.
- Beware of fake apps & phishing pages — check URLs and signatures.
Security tip: use a passphrase (optional advanced feature) for additional protection, but learn how it works before enabling it.
Troubleshooting & support
If something looks wrong (unexpected prompts or apps asking for your recovery phrase), stop and visit Ledger's official support pages or the Ledger Academy for tutorials. Ledger publishes guides and videos to walk you through common tasks. If you suspect compromise, move to a new device and restore from your recovery phrase in a safe environment.
Next steps & resources
Start small: test with a small transfer first. Learn staking, swaps, and portfolio tracking inside Ledger Live. Official resources: Ledger Start, Ledger Live page, and Ledger Academy. Bookmark them and follow Ledger’s official channels for announcements.