Quick overview: This page walks you through downloading Ledger® Live, installing it on your computer or mobile, connecting your Ledger hardware device, creating/adding accounts, and securely sending & receiving crypto. Follow the steps carefully and keep your recovery phrase safe.
What is Ledger® Live?
Ledger® Live is the official desktop and mobile application for managing cryptocurrencies with a Ledger hardware wallet (e.g., Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X). It provides a single interface to install app packages on your device, create accounts, check balances, and perform secure transactions while the private keys remain offline on your hardware wallet.
Important: Always download Ledger® Live from the official source. Do not install versions from untrusted websites, torrents, or email attachments. Ledger's official site is the intended source for the installer and verification instructions.
Before you download — checklist
Have your Ledger hardware device on hand and charged (if it has a battery).
Prepare a secure, private place to write down your recovery phrase if you are initializing a new device.
Ensure your computer or mobile device is free from malware and running a supported operating system.
Use a strong, unique password for any OS user accounts — Ledger® Live will prompt for an app password if you enable it.
Back up your recovery phraseIN YOUR OWN HANDWRITING — never store it unencrypted on a cloud drive or phone photo.
Download Ledger® Live
Ledger® Live is available for Windows, macOS, Linux (desktop) and Android / iOS (mobile). Choose the build that matches your platform.
Desktop (Windows / macOS / Linux)
Open your browser and navigate to the official Ledger download page. Look for a prominent link labeled Ledger® Live or Download.
Select your operating system and download the installer package (for example .exe for Windows, .dmg for macOS, or .AppImage/.deb/.tar.gz for Linux).
Verify the installer if you are comfortable using file signatures — some advanced users validate checksums or signatures; Ledger publishes guidance on verification.
Run the installer and follow on-screen instructions.
Mobile (Android / iOS)
Open the Google Play Store (Android) or App Store (iOS).
Search for Ledger Live and ensure the developer/publisher is Ledger (the official app will have high ratings and tens of thousands of installs).
Install the app. Open it and follow initial prompts.
Security tip: On mobile, prefer downloads from the official app stores. On desktop, double-check the domain before downloading — official Ledger downloads are hosted on Ledger's site.
Install & first run
After installation, launch Ledger® Live. The first run will guide you through the steps specific to your situation: setting up a new Ledger device, restoring an existing device from your recovery phrase, or connecting an already initialized device.
Set up a new device
Choose Set up as new device in Ledger Live.
Follow on-device prompts to choose a PIN code. Choose a PIN you can remember but that is not easily guessed.
The device will display your recovery phrase — write it down on the provided recovery sheet, in the order shown. Keep the sheet physically safe and never share the phrase.
Confirm the recovery phrase on the device when prompted.
Return to Ledger® Live to complete device pairing.
Restore from recovery phrase
Choose Restore device in Ledger® Live.
Enter the recovery phrase directly into the device — not into the computer or phone. Ledger devices require you to confirm the words on-device to avoid exposing your phrase to the internet.
Set a new PIN and continue.
Never enter your recovery phrase into a computer, phone, or website. Ledger devices are designed so the recovery phrase is only entered on the device itself.
Add accounts & install cryptocurrency apps
Ledger hardware wallets use small, currency-specific applications (apps) installed on the device to manage individual blockchains. Ledger® Live manages those apps through the “Manager” section.
Open Ledger® Live and go to Manager. Connect and unlock your device when prompted.
From the Manager you can install or uninstall blockchain apps (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana). Click Install for the app you want.
Return to Accounts and click Add account. Choose the cryptocurrency and follow the prompt to add an account; the device will confirm it.
Repeat the process for every coin/token family you want to manage. Note: tokens on the same chain (like ERC-20 tokens on Ethereum) are usually accessible from a single Ethereum account — just add the token in Ledger® Live if supported.
Installing multiple apps is possible, but device storage is finite. Remove unused apps from the device if you need space — removing an app does not delete the associated accounts, which remain recoverable via your recovery phrase.
Receiving crypto
Open Ledger® Live and select the account you want to receive into.
Click Receive, and follow on-screen prompts: select the account, open the corresponding app on your Ledger device, and connect.
Ledger® Live will display the receive address and require that you physically verify the address shown on your device screen. Always confirm the address on the device before sharing it.
Use the confirmed address in the sending wallet/exchange to transfer funds.
Never trust an address shown only on your computer or phone without confirming it on the Ledger device. Malware can substitute addresses — the safety comes from the device display verification.
Sending crypto
Go to the account and click Send.
Enter the destination address and the amount. Ledger® Live may suggest fees or allow custom fee settings depending on the blockchain.
Review the transaction summary carefully. Confirm the transaction details and the fee.
When prompted, open the relevant app on your device and validate the transaction on the device screen. Approve with the device buttons.
Transaction is broadcast — you can monitor status in Ledger® Live or on a block explorer if you have the transaction ID.
Always double-check destination addresses, especially when copying and pasting between apps. For large transfers, it’s good practice to send a small test amount first.
Security best practices
Keep your recovery phrase offline and private. Store it in a secure physical location, preferably in a fire/water-resistant safe or using a metal backup option.
Never share your recovery phrase. Ledger support will never ask for your full 24-word phrase.
Beware of phishing. Bookmark the official Ledger website; don’t click links in unsolicited emails. Verify URLs carefully and ignore offers that pressure you to reveal your keys or phrase.
Use a passphrase (optional advanced feature). A passphrase adds an extra word to your seed and creates hidden wallets. Only use this if you understand the tradeoffs — passphrases are irreversible if lost.
Keep firmware & Ledger® Live up to date. Firmware updates may contain security patches. Read release notes before updating and only update using official Ledger instructions.
Troubleshooting — common issues
Ledger® Live not recognizing device
Try a different USB cable (data-capable, not charge-only) and USB port.
Unlock the device and open the appropriate app (e.g., open the Bitcoin app when accessing a Bitcoin account).
Restart Ledger® Live and reconnect the device. Reboot your computer if necessary.
App crashes or transactions failing
Ensure Ledger® Live and device firmware are up to date.
Confirm you have the correct blockchain app installed on the device.
Check network status for the blockchain — occasional congestion can delay transactions or increase fees.
Lost recovery phrase
If you lose your recovery phrase and still have access to your device, create a new secure backup immediately (Ledger devices allow generating a new seed via device initialization). If you lose both the device and the recovery phrase, the funds are unrecoverable.
Advanced features
Ledger® Live includes features for more experienced users:
Staking & Earning: Some supported blockchains allow staking or earning interest directly from Ledger® Live with third-party integrations. Review terms and smart contract risks before delegating funds.
Exchange integrations: In-app partners may provide swap or buy services. These are third-party services and may charge fees or have KYC requirements.
Multiple accounts & custom derivation paths: Ledger® Live supports multiple accounts per currency. Advanced users may use additional tools to derive custom addresses, but be cautious and ensure compatibility.
FAQ
Q: Is Ledger® Live free?
A: Yes — the Ledger® Live application is free to download and use. Network fees and third-party service fees (for swaps, buys, or staking) still apply.
Q: Can I recover my accounts on a new device?
A: Yes — use your recovery phrase to restore all accounts on a replacement Ledger device. After restoring, open Ledger® Live and add your accounts back; the app will scan the blockchains and repopulate balances.
Q: Is Ledger® Live open source?
A: Ledger provides components of their software as open source. For the most accurate and current licensing details, consult Ledger’s official documentation and repositories.
Q: What if I forget my PIN?
A: After three incorrect PIN attempts, the Ledger device will wipe itself for security. Restore access by initializing the device with your recovery phrase.
Final checklist before you transact
Device is genuine and firmware up to date.
Ledger® Live is the official build and up to date.
You have your recovery phrase written down and stored securely.
You verified the recipient address on the device display before sending.
For large transfers: do a small test send first.
If you follow these steps, you drastically reduce the risk of loss through phishing, malware, or careless handling of recovery secrets.