Ledger™ Live: Download | Getting Started™

A concise, practical guide to download Ledger Live, set up your Ledger device, manage assets, and follow security best practices for a safe self-custody experience.

Introduction

Ledger Live is the official companion application for Ledger hardware wallets. It provides a secure, feature-rich interface to manage crypto assets while your private keys remain inside your Ledger device. This guide covers downloading Ledger Live on desktop and mobile, initialization and restoration, installing blockchain apps, adding accounts, basic transactions, security essentials, and troubleshooting.

Download Ledger Live (official sources)

Always download Ledger Live from Ledger’s official site or official app stores to avoid counterfeit apps and phishing pages. The official download page is the single source of truth for installers and mobile apps.

Desktop (Windows / macOS / Linux)

  1. Open your browser and navigate to https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live.
  2. Choose the correct installer for your operating system and download it.
  3. Run the installer and follow the platform-specific prompts.
  4. On first launch, allow Ledger Live to update to the latest version if prompted.

Mobile (iOS / Android)

  1. Open the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
  2. Search for "Ledger Live" and confirm the developer is Ledger (Ledger SAS) before installing.
  3. Install and open the app; follow the guided mobile onboarding experience.
Verification tip: Where available, verify checksums or digital signatures for desktop installers. On mobile, confirm developer identity and recent updates in the app store listing.

First run & onboarding

When you open Ledger Live for the first time you'll see options to set up a new device, restore an existing device, or pair a previously initialized device. Choose the option that matches your situation and follow the step-by-step prompts.

  • Set up as new device: Use this for a brand-new Ledger device to create a PIN and get a recovery phrase.
  • Restore device: Restore from an existing 24-word recovery phrase onto your hardware.
  • Pair an existing device: Connect a device already initialized and add its accounts to Ledger Live.

Initialize your Ledger hardware (PIN & recovery phrase)

Critical setup actions happen on the device itself. The device generates a recovery phrase and enforces PIN entry using physical buttons so that secrets never transit through your computer or phone.

Create a PIN

Choose a PIN that is difficult to guess but memorable. Avoid simple sequences and reuse across devices. The PIN protects the device from casual physical access.

Write down your recovery phrase

The device will display a 24-word recovery phrase (in most default setups). This phrase is the ultimate backup to recover funds if your device is lost, stolen, or damaged.

  • Write the words in order on the supplied recovery sheet or a trusted physical medium.
  • Never store the recovery phrase digitally (no photos, screenshots, or cloud notes).
  • Consider a metal backup for long-term durability against fire, water, and corrosion.
  • Ledger support will never ask for your recovery phrase—if asked, it’s a scam.

Ledger Manager & installing blockchain apps

Ledger devices require dedicated apps for each blockchain (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.). Use Ledger Live’s Manager to install these apps. Installing an app does not expose private keys — it allows the device to interpret and sign transactions for that blockchain.

  1. Open Ledger Live and go to Manager.
  2. Connect and unlock your device.
  3. Find the blockchain app and click Install.
  4. Uninstall apps you do not use to free device storage (uninstalling doesn't remove funds).

Add accounts & receive funds

After installing the appropriate app on your device, add accounts in Ledger Live to generate receive addresses and monitor balances.

How to add an account

  1. Navigate to Accounts → Add account.
  2. Select the blockchain and follow prompts while the device is connected and unlocked.
  3. Ledger Live will derive addresses from the device and display account balances and history.

Receive safely

  • Always verify the receive address shown in Ledger Live against the address displayed on the device to prevent address-replacement malware.
  • For large deposits, send a small test transaction first.

Send transactions & confirm on-device

When sending, Ledger Live constructs the transaction and the Ledger device displays the details (destination, amount, fee). You must confirm on the device to sign the transaction – this step ensures the integrity of what you are approving.

  • Verify recipient address, amount, and fee on the device screen before approving.
  • Choose fee levels appropriate to network congestion for timely confirmation.
  • Use memos or tags correctly for chains that require them (XRP, XLM, etc.).

Built-in features & integrations

Ledger Live includes portfolio tracking, staking, NFT viewing (for supported chains), buy/swap integrations with partners, and CSV export for reporting. Third-party services integrated into Ledger Live may charge fees—review partner terms carefully.

Security best practices — essential

Protecting your funds is about both technology and habits. Use these prioritized practices:

  • Buy genuine devices from Ledger’s official store or authorized resellers.
  • Never share your 24-word recovery phrase; Ledger support will never request it.
  • Verify all transaction details on the device screen, not just in the app.
  • Keep Ledger Live and your device firmware up to date via official prompts.
  • Maintain offline backups of your recovery phrase; consider metal backups for durability.
  • Beware of phishing: bookmark official Ledger pages and avoid unsolicited links.
If anyone asks for your recovery phrase or offers to "help" by requesting it, stop immediately — it’s a scam.

Troubleshooting & FAQ

Common issues

Device not recognized: Try another USB cable/port, ensure the device is unlocked, and avoid USB hubs. On mobile, check Bluetooth permissions for compatible models.

Forgot PIN: Resetting the device clears its local data; restore using your recovery phrase. Without the recovery phrase funds cannot be recovered.

Firmware update failed: Retry on a direct USB connection; consult official support if problems persist. Never enter your recovery phrase to "fix" an update.

Quick FAQ

Is Ledger Live free?
Yes. Ledger Live is free to download and use. Integrated third-party services may charge fees.
Can I restore my wallet on another device?
Yes — with your recovery phrase you can restore wallets on compatible devices or supported recovery tools.
Does Ledger Live hold my funds?
No. Funds reside on the blockchain. Ledger Live is an interface and Ledger devices hold private keys required to sign transactions.

Final checklist before going live

  • Downloaded Ledger Live from the official domain and installed it on your device.
  • Initialized your Ledger device, created a strong PIN, and recorded your recovery phrase offline.
  • Installed necessary blockchain apps in Manager and added accounts in Ledger Live.
  • Verified addresses and transaction details on your device screen before approving.
  • Followed security best practices and considered durable backups for long-term safety.

When in doubt, consult official Ledger documentation or contact Ledger support via the official website.