Introduction
Ledger Live is the companion application for Ledger hardware wallets. It allows you to manage accounts, send and receive crypto, buy and exchange assets via partners, and track the value of your portfolio. Ledger Live is available for desktop and mobile and must be downloaded from Ledger's official site to avoid counterfeit apps and phishing risks.
Why use a hardware wallet with Ledger Live?
A hardware wallet like Ledger Nano S Plus or Nano X stores your private keys offline on a secure chip. Ledger Live acts as the user interface that talks to your device: transactions are prepared in the app but must be physically approved on the hardware wallet, keeping your keys isolated from the internet.
Before you begin (critical safety checklist)
1. Only download Ledger Live from ledger.com
Never download Ledger Live from third-party stores or click links from unsolicited emails — fake apps exist that steal seed phrases. Always verify the domain is ledger.com.
2. Keep your 24-word recovery phrase private
Ledger will never ask you to share your recovery phrase. Your recovery phrase—generated by the device—must remain offline. If anyone asks for it (customer support, apps, or websites), it is a scam.
3. Use the Recovery Check app after backing up
After you write down your recovery phrase, use the Recovery Check feature on Ledger devices to verify the words match. This reduces the risk of typos or lost words.
Step-by-step: Install and set up Ledger Live
Step 1 — Download
Visit Ledger’s official download page and choose your platform. Install the app and follow the on-screen prompts. Ledger Live installers are signed and published on the official site; avoid mirrored or archived installers from unknown sources.
Step 2 — Initialize or restore device
When you first connect a Ledger device, you can create a new wallet (generate a fresh 24-word phrase on-device) or restore an existing wallet using your recovery phrase. Creating the phrase on the hardware device is the secure option — never type your seed into a computer.
Step 3 — Add accounts in Ledger Live
In Ledger Live, use the "Add account" flow to create accounts for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and supported tokens. The app shows supported assets and installs the required apps to your Ledger device as needed.
Step 4 — Receive and verify
When receiving funds, always verify the deposit address on your device screen before copying or sharing it from Ledger Live. Confirming the address on the device prevents malware from substituting addresses.
Best practices for everyday use
Keep software up to date
Update Ledger Live and your device firmware when official updates are available. Updates include security improvements and support for new assets. Always confirm updates via official Ledger channels.
Use a PIN and set a strong passphrase (optional)
Use the device PIN to prevent physical misuse. Advanced users may enable an optional passphrase (a 25th word) to create hidden wallets — treat passphrases with the same (or more) care than your recovery phrase.
Backup strategy
Keep at least one physical backup of your recovery phrase in a secure location. Consider geographic redundancy (e.g., safe deposit box) and materials that resist fire/water for long-term storage.
Troubleshooting and support
Ledger’s official Support site contains step-by-step guides for common tasks: download & install instructions, restoring accounts, and security notices. If you suspect malware or fake software, consult Support immediately and avoid entering your recovery phrase anywhere.
Quick resources
- Ledger Live overview and download (official)
- Getting started documentation and troubleshooting
- Product pages for Nano S Plus, Nano X — compare features