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Ledger® Live — Getting Started

A friendly, step-by-step guide to install Ledger Live, set up your Ledger device, add accounts, and manage your crypto safely.

What is Ledger Live?

Ledger® Live is the official desktop and mobile companion app for Ledger hardware wallets. It lets you manage your cryptocurrency assets (Bitcoin, Ethereum, and many others), install device apps, update firmware, and perform transactions — all while keeping your private keys safely stored on your Ledger device.

Quick reminder: Your recovery phrase (24 words for most Ledger devices) is the single most important piece of backup information. Never share it or enter it into any app or website.

Before you begin — basic requirements

Security tip: Always download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website and verify the URL. Avoid installing third-party modified versions.

Step 1 — Download & install Ledger Live

  1. Open your web browser and go to the official Ledger website (type it manually instead of clicking links you didn't request).
  2. Find the Ledger Live download page and choose your platform (Windows/macOS/Linux/iOS/Android).
  3. Download the installer and run it. On mobile, install from the App Store or Google Play.
  4. Launch Ledger Live and accept the terms to begin the setup flow.

Do not use a public or shared computer for the initial setup if possible. Use a trusted device you control.

Step 2 — Set up your Ledger device

If your Ledger device is brand new, follow the on-device prompts to create a new wallet. If you already have a device, you can choose to restore using your recovery phrase.

Creating a new device

  1. Turn on the device and choose Create a new device on the screen.
  2. Choose a PIN code (4–8 digits) that you'll enter on the device when prompted. Memorize it — don’t write it down next to the device.
  3. Your device will display your recovery phrase words one-by-one. Write them down in order on the supplied recovery sheet. Keep this sheet safe and offline.
  4. Confirm the recovery phrase when prompted by selecting the words shown on the device.

Restoring from an existing recovery phrase

  1. Turn on the device and select Restore from recovery phrase.
  2. Choose your PIN, then enter each word of your recovery phrase when the device prompts you.
  3. Once completed, your device will derive the same private keys and accounts as before.

Never enter your recovery phrase into your computer or phone. It must only be entered on the Ledger device itself.

Step 3 — Connect Ledger Live to your device

  1. Open Ledger Live and go through the initial onboarding screens.
  2. When prompted, connect your Ledger device to the computer with the USB cable (or pair via Bluetooth for Nano X).
  3. Allow the connection by confirming on the device when it shows Allow Ledger Manager (or similar).
  4. Follow Ledger Live's prompts to verify and finish the connection.

If the app asks you to install the Ledger Manager app on the device, confirm on-device. This app is required to manage other cryptocurrency apps.

Step 4 — Add accounts

Accounts represent cryptocurrency wallets derived from the private keys on your Ledger device. Adding an account lets Ledger Live show balances and send/receive transactions.

  1. In Ledger Live click Accounts → Add account.
  2. Select the cryptocurrency (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) and follow the on-screen steps. You’ll need to open the matching app on your Ledger device (e.g., the Bitcoin app) and confirm.
  3. Ledger Live will scan the blockchain and display your account(s). Give them friendly names to keep organized (e.g., “BTC Savings”).

You can add multiple accounts for the same currency (for example, several Bitcoin accounts). Each account uses a different derivation path/address set.

How to receive crypto

  1. Open Ledger Live and navigate to the account you want to receive into.
  2. Click Receive.
  3. Choose the address type if relevant (e.g., legacy vs native SegWit for Bitcoin).
  4. Connect and unlock your Ledger device and open the corresponding app on-device.
  5. Ledger Live will display an address. Verify that the same address is shown on your Ledger device screen — always verify the address on the device, not just on your computer.
  6. Share that address with the sender or scan its QR code.

Using previously used addresses can reduce privacy; for many currencies Ledger Live will show you new addresses automatically.

How to send crypto

  1. Open the account and click Send.
  2. Enter the recipient address and amount. Double-check the address (and use a small test amount when sending to a new address).
  3. Set the network/fee settings if offered (higher fees usually mean faster confirmations).
  4. Click Continue. Ledger Live will prepare the transaction and ask you to confirm on your Ledger device.
  5. On the device verify the transaction details (amount, recipient address, fees) and physically confirm to sign the transaction.
  6. Ledger Live broadcasts the signed transaction to the network and shows the pending status.

If the on-device address or amount does not match the on-screen preview, do not approve the transaction.

Keeping your device up to date — firmware & apps

Ledger periodically releases firmware updates that improve security and add features. Ledger Live also manages the individual crypto apps installed on your device.

  1. Open Ledger Live and go to Manager.
  2. If a firmware update is available, Ledger Live will prompt you. Follow the instructions — you’ll often need to connect the device and confirm on-device.
  3. To add or remove cryptocurrency apps on your device, use the Manager tab. Installing an app doesn't change your private keys or recovery phrase.

Firmware updates usually require you to keep your recovery phrase safe; you will not be asked to reveal it, but keep it accessible in the event of device replacement or loss.

Extra features

Staking & Earning

Ledger Live supports staking for several proof-of-stake assets. You can delegate assets directly from the app to earn rewards while keeping keys on-device.

Swap & Buy

Ledger Live may offer integration with third-party providers to buy crypto with fiat or swap between assets. Always check provider fees and terms.

Security best practices

FAQ & Troubleshooting

Q: I lost my device — what now?
A: If you have your recovery phrase, you can restore accounts on a new Ledger device or a compatible wallet that supports the same seed standard. If you do not have the recovery phrase, the assets are unfortunately unrecoverable.
Q: Ledger Live says my device firmware is outdated but I don’t see an update option.
A: Ensure your Ledger Live is the latest version. If the update still doesn't appear, try reconnecting the device, using a different USB cable/port, or restarting Ledger Live. If issues persist, consult official Ledger support resources.
Q: Can I use Ledger Live on multiple devices?
A: Yes — Ledger Live can be installed on multiple computers or mobile devices. Your accounts are derived from the hardware wallet, not from the app installation, so you can connect the same Ledger device to any trusted Ledger Live installation.
Q: What is a passphrase and should I use one?
A: A passphrase is an optional extra word (or phrase) appended to your recovery phrase to create a hidden wallet. It increases security but also complicates recovery — losing the passphrase means losing access to those assets. Only use this if you fully understand the tradeoffs.

Quick fixes

Further resources