Ledger® Live - Getting Started | official Ledger Wallet App
Ledger® Live is the official desktop and mobile application designed to work with Ledger hardware wallets. It acts as a secure interface that allows users to manage, track, and interact with their cryptocurrency while keeping private keys safely stored offline on a Ledger device. Whether you are new to digital assets or moving from a software wallet, Ledger Live provides a structured and secure way to get started.
What Is Ledger® Live?
Ledger® Live is not a wallet on its own. Instead, it is a management app that connects to a Ledger hardware wallet such as the Ledger Nano S Plus or Ledger Nano X. The hardware wallet stores your private keys offline, while Ledger Live allows you to view balances, install blockchain apps, send and receive crypto, and monitor your portfolio.
This separation is important for security. Even if your computer or phone is compromised, your private keys never leave the Ledger device, and transactions must be physically approved on the hardware wallet itself.
What You Need Before Setup
Before getting started with Ledger Live, make sure you have:
- A genuine Ledger hardware wallet purchased from an official or trusted source
- A computer or smartphone compatible with Ledger Live
- A stable internet connection
- A private space to safely record your recovery phrase
Avoid using public or shared computers when setting up your wallet for the first time.
Installing the Ledger® Live App
To begin:
- Download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, or iOS).
- Install and launch the app.
- Select “Get Started” and choose your Ledger device model.
The app will guide you through each step and perform basic checks to ensure the software is authentic.
Setting Up Your Ledger Hardware Wallet
When you power on your Ledger device for the first time, you will be prompted to:
- Choose a PIN code
- Generate a recovery phrase (usually 24 words)
The recovery phrase is the most critical part of your wallet. It represents the master key to your cryptocurrency.
Important security rules:
- Write the recovery phrase down on paper
- Store it in a safe, offline location
- Never take photos or store it digitally
- Never share it with anyone
If your Ledger device is lost, stolen, or damaged, this phrase is the only way to restore access to your assets.
Connecting Ledger Live to Your Device
Once your device setup is complete:
- Connect your Ledger device to your computer or phone using USB or Bluetooth (for Nano X).
- Open Ledger Live and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Confirm the connection on the Ledger device screen.
Ledger Live will verify the device’s authenticity, ensuring it has not been tampered with.
Installing Blockchain Apps
Ledger devices use small apps to support different cryptocurrencies. To install them:
- Open Ledger Live and go to the My Ledger section.
- Unlock your Ledger device and approve access.
- Install apps for cryptocurrencies you want to use, such as Bitcoin or Ethereum.
Installing apps does not affect your funds. If you later uninstall an app, your assets remain safe on the blockchain and can be accessed again by reinstalling the app.
Adding and Managing Accounts
After installing a blockchain app:
- Go to the Accounts tab in Ledger Live
- Click Add account
- Select the cryptocurrency
- Open the corresponding app on your Ledger device
Ledger Live will then create an account that allows you to receive, send, and view balances for that asset.
You can manage multiple accounts and cryptocurrencies within the same app, making Ledger Live useful for portfolio tracking.
Sending and Receiving Cryptocurrency
Receiving crypto:
- Choose the account
- Click Receive
- Verify the address on both Ledger Live and the hardware device
- Share the address with the sender
Always verify addresses on the Ledger device screen, not just on your computer or phone.
Sending crypto:
- Select Send
- Enter the recipient’s address and amount
- Review fees and transaction details
- Physically confirm the transaction on the Ledger device
No transaction can be completed without your approval on the hardware wallet.
Keeping Your Ledger Wallet Secure
Using Ledger Live safely requires good habits:
- Keep your Ledger device and recovery phrase separate
- Ignore emails or messages claiming to be “Ledger support”
- Never enter your recovery phrase into a website or app
- Keep Ledger Live and your device firmware updated
Ledger Live may display security alerts or update notifications—these are important to read and follow carefully.
Final Thoughts
Ledger® Live is designed to make secure cryptocurrency management accessible without sacrificing safety. By combining an easy-to-use interface with a hardware wallet that keeps private keys offline, it offers a strong foundation for managing digital assets responsibly.
While the setup process may seem detailed, each step exists to protect your funds. Taking time to understand Ledger Live, properly store your recovery phrase, and verify transactions on your device can help ensure long-term security and confidence as you explore the world of cryptocurrency.