Ledger® Live: Download | Getting Started™ – en-ledger
Introduction to Ledger® Live
Ledger® Live is the all-in-one platform developed by Ledger, allowing users to manage, store, and trade cryptocurrencies with unmatched security. Designed to complement Ledger’s hardware wallets — like the Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, and Ledger Stax — the app empowers users to oversee their crypto portfolios, stake tokens, access DeFi, and more, all while maintaining full control of their private keys.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to safely download Ledger® Live, install it, set up your hardware wallet, and get started managing your digital assets.
Why Choose Ledger® Live?
Cryptocurrency ownership comes with the responsibility of protecting your private keys. Ledger® Live pairs with a Ledger hardware wallet to give you:
- Offline key storage (cold wallet)
- Secure transaction signing
- Real-time portfolio monitoring
- Support for over 5,000 cryptocurrencies
- DeFi, NFT, and staking integration
Unlike exchanges or software wallets, Ledger doesn’t hold your keys — you do.
Step 1: Downloading Ledger® Live
To avoid scams or phishing attempts, always download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website:
Ledger Live is available for:
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
- iOS
- Android
After navigating to the site, select your operating system and begin the download. Avoid using third-party websites or app stores with unverified listings.
Step 2: Installing Ledger® Live
After the download is complete:
For Desktop:
- Open the installer file (.exe, .dmg, or .AppImage)
- Follow the on-screen instructions
- Allow necessary permissions for installation
For Mobile:
- Open the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android)
- Search for “Ledger Live”
- Ensure the app is published by Ledger before downloading
Once installed, launch Ledger Live and prepare to set up your wallet.
Step 3: Setting Up Your Ledger Device
You’ll need a Ledger hardware wallet (Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Stax) to use Ledger Live securely.
New Device Setup:
- Turn on the Ledger device
- Choose "Set up as new device"
- Set a secure PIN code
- Write down your 24-word recovery phrase on the provided sheet
- Confirm the recovery phrase to complete the setup
Restoring from Recovery Phrase:
If you already own a wallet and are restoring:
- Choose “Restore from recovery phrase”
- Enter your 24 words in exact order using the device
This step is crucial — Ledger never stores your phrase. Keep it offline and safe.
Step 4: Pairing with Ledger® Live
Once the device is initialized:
- Open Ledger Live
- Choose "Get Started"
- Confirm your device type
- Connect your device via USB (or Bluetooth for Nano X)
- Verify connection and allow Ledger Manager access
- Update firmware if prompted
Once connected, you can access all app features from the Ledger Live dashboard.
Step 5: Adding Crypto Accounts
To manage specific coins:
- Go to “Accounts” > “Add Account”
- Choose the cryptocurrency (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana)
- Open the corresponding app on your Ledger device
- Ledger Live will sync and display your balance
You can add multiple accounts for different coins and tokens.
Step 6: Receiving Crypto
To receive funds:
- Click on “Receive”
- Select the asset/account you wish to receive
- Generate a receiving address
- Verify the address on your Ledger device screen
- Share the address with the sender
Never share your private key or recovery phrase. Only share public receiving addresses.
Step 7: Sending Crypto
To send funds:
- Click “Send”
- Enter the recipient address and amount
- Confirm the transaction details
- Approve the transaction on your device
Ledger Live ensures each transaction must be verified physically on your device, preventing unauthorized transfers.
Additional Features of Ledger Live
1. Buy and Sell Crypto
Partner services like MoonPay, Transak, and Coinify are integrated to let you buy crypto with fiat and receive it directly in your Ledger wallet.
2. Swap Cryptocurrencies
You can swap coins (e.g., ETH to BTC) through built-in services without leaving Ledger Live.
3. Earn by Staking
Ledger Live supports staking for several coins:
- Ethereum (via Kiln or Lido)
- Tezos (XTZ)
- Solana (SOL)
- Polkadot (DOT)
- Cosmos (ATOM)
You earn rewards while keeping your assets secure in your wallet.
4. NFT Management
Manage Ethereum and Polygon NFTs:
- View NFTs in your portfolio
- Send and receive NFTs
- Keep NFTs secure in your Ledger
Ledger Live Mobile App
The mobile app offers all the core functionality of the desktop version. For Nano X users, Bluetooth connectivity makes mobile access seamless.
Features include:
- Portfolio monitoring
- Buy/sell crypto
- Send and receive
- Bluetooth transactions
- Account syncing
For added security, enable biometric login and PIN protection.
Web3 and DeFi Access
Use Ledger Live to connect with:
- MetaMask
- WalletConnect
- DeFi platforms like Uniswap, Aave, Compound
By integrating with Web3, you can interact with dApps while keeping your keys offline — transactions must be signed on your device.
Security Best Practices
- Use only the official Ledger website
- Always verify receiving addresses on your device
- Keep your recovery phrase offline
- Update firmware and apps regularly
- Never share personal seed or PIN
Troubleshooting & Support
Ledger provides robust support at support.ledger.com. You’ll find solutions to:
- Device not recognized
- Connection issues
- Firmware updates
- Lost PIN or recovery phrase
Support is available in multiple languages, with live chat and documentation.
Final Thoughts
Ledger® Live provides a secure, intuitive, and powerful environment to manage your crypto assets. With features like portfolio tracking, staking, NFT management, and built-in buy/sell functions — it’s the perfect companion for Ledger’s industry-leading hardware wallets.