Getting Started with Ledger Live

Step-by-step guide to download Ledger Live, install and set up your Ledger hardware wallet, secure your recovery phrase, and begin managing cryptocurrencies and NFTs safely.

Why Ledger Live?

Ledger Live is the official companion app for Ledger hardware wallets (Nano X, Nano S Plus). It provides a secure interface for viewing your portfolio, sending and receiving crypto, buying and selling, swapping tokens, staking, and managing NFTs. Crucially, sensitive operations are signed on your Ledger device — your private keys never leave the hardware.

Download Ledger Live Official Getting Started

Before you begin

You’ll need a Ledger hardware wallet, a computer or mobile device with internet access, the USB cable that came with your Ledger, and a safe place to write down your 24‑word recovery phrase. Avoid public or shared devices during setup.

Hardware-first security

All private keys remain on the device; Ledger Live is the control panel only. Confirm every transaction on the wallet screen before approving.

Multi-asset support

Manage hundreds of coins and tokens, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and ERC‑20 tokens, with clear accounts and balances.

Buy, swap & stake

Integrated partners let you buy or sell crypto, swap between tokens, and stake supported assets for rewards — all while keys remain secured by your device.

NFT & Web3 access

View and manage NFTs on supported networks and connect to dApps safely — signatures are confirmed on-device.

Step-by-step setup

  1. Download Ledger Live from Ledger.com or your device’s official app store. Verify the site or publisher to avoid fake installers.
  2. Install the app and open it. Choose "Set up as a new device" if you're initializing a new Ledger, or "Restore device" to recover from an existing recovery phrase.
  3. Connect and choose a PIN on your Ledger device. Select a PIN you won’t forget but is not guessable (avoid birthdays, repeated digits).
  4. Write down your recovery phrase exactly as shown on the device. This 24‑word seed is the ultimate backup — store it offline in multiple secure locations.
  5. Update firmware if Ledger Live prompts you to do so; confirm authenticity checks in-app and on-device before proceeding.
  6. Add accounts in Ledger Live for your desired blockchains, install the necessary apps on the device, and receive a small test transfer to verify everything.

Security best practices

  • Always download Ledger Live from the official site or verified stores; bookmark the official page.
  • Never store your recovery phrase digitally — no photos, screenshots, or cloud backups.
  • Confirm all transaction details on your Ledger device screen before approving in Ledger Live.
  • Keep Ledger Live and your Ledger firmware up to date to receive security patches.
  • Consider a metal seed backup for long-term durability and fire resistance.

Common troubleshooting

If your device isn’t recognized, try a different USB cable or port. For Bluetooth pairing issues with Nano X, re-pair via your phone’s Bluetooth settings. If you forget your PIN, reset the device and restore from your recovery phrase. For persistent problems, use Ledger’s official support channels.