Ledger™ Live: Download | Getting Started

Introduction — why Ledger Live matters

Ledger Live is the official desktop and mobile application for managing Ledger hardware wallets. It combines a polished user interface with a security-first architecture: Ledger Live constructs unsigned transactions and relays them to your Ledger device, where private keys remain securely isolated and every signature requires a physical confirmation on the device itself. This separation is the defining advantage of hardware wallets — an attacker who compromises your computer or phone still cannot sign transactions without your explicit on-device approval.

This guide assumes you have a Ledger device (Nano family) or plan to buy one. It covers safe download and installation, initial device setup, features and workflows, dApp connectivity, advanced options, backups, troubleshooting, and a practical checklist you can use each time you prepare to sign a transaction.

Section 1 — Download Ledger Live (official and safe)

The first and most important rule: always get Ledger Live from the official Ledger start page. Typing the URL manually or bookmarking it is the safest route. Avoid links in emails, social posts, search ads, or third-party mirrors — attackers frequently create convincing fake installers and phishing sites that mimic Ledger.

Open your browser, go to ledger.com/start and select your platform (Windows, macOS, Linux) or choose the mobile version from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Download the installer and verify the filename and any checksums or signatures Ledger publishes where available. Veriﬁcation adds assurance that the file hasn't been tampered with.
Run the installer and accept OS-level permissions if prompted. On macOS you may need to allow the app in System Preferences > Security & Privacy. On Windows you may need administrative rights for installation.

Tip: bookmark the official start page after verifying it once. If a future search result or emailed link points somewhere else, prefer your verified bookmark.

Section 2 — Hardware & software you’ll need

A Ledger hardware wallet (Nano S, Nano S Plus, Nano X or other Ledger device) and the official cable. Avoid cheap third-party cables that may be faulty.
A computer for the desktop app or a smartphone for the mobile app. Initial setup and firmware updates are often smoother on a desktop machine.
A quiet, offline space to write and store your recovery phrase — ideally on the supplied recovery card or a steel backup plate for long-term resilience.
15–30 minutes to read prompts and verify your seed — rushing increases risk of error.

Security warning: Ledger or official support will never ask for your recovery phrase. If any site, person, or pop-up requests your seed words, stop immediately — it is a scam.

Section 3 — Initial setup: initialize or restore

Once Ledger Live is installed, open it and choose “Get started.” Ledger Live will detect your connected device and guide you through two main flows: creating a new wallet (initializing) or restoring an existing recovery phrase.

Initialize as a new device

Choose “Set up as new device” on the device and in Ledger Live.
The device will generate a recovery phrase (commonly 24 words, depending on device and firmware). Write down each word exactly and in order. Do not photograph or store the phrase digitally.
Ledger Live will prompt you to confirm a few randomly chosen words to ensure the backup was recorded correctly.
Set a device PIN — choose something memorable but not trivial. The PIN prevents unauthorized local use; if you forget it you can recover using the recovery phrase on another device.

Restore from an existing recovery phrase

Select the restore flow when prompted and enter your recovery phrase on the Ledger device (do not type it into the computer or phone) to recreate your wallet.
After restoring, Ledger Live will allow you to add accounts and install apps as needed.

If you upgrade to a new Ledger device, restore your seed on the new device using the restore flow — do not transfer secrets over the internet.

Section 4 — Firmware & app management

Ledger devices regularly receive firmware updates that provide security fixes and feature improvements. Ledger Live manages firmware updates and on-device app installations (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.). Always install firmware only through Ledger Live and confirm every action on the device screen.

Manager: the Ledger Live Manager lets you install and remove blockchain apps on-device. App size is limited; uninstalling an app removes the app binary but not the keys or funds — they remain recoverable from your seed.
Firmware updates: install updates when Ledger Live prompts. The device will show you what is being updated and require on-device confirmation for security.

Tip: keep a minimal set of apps installed for day-to-day use. If you interact with many chains, install/uninstall as needed rather than overcrowding device storage.

Section 5 — Accounts, tokens & portfolio

After installing apps, add accounts in Ledger Live for each blockchain you use. Ledger Live will index addresses, display balances, and show transaction history. For token standards (e.g., ERC-20 on Ethereum), Ledger Live can display token balances; sometimes you’ll need to add token contracts manually.

Ledger Live can optionally sync account metadata and allow you to track portfolio performance across assets. Remember, this metadata is separate from your private keys and is not sensitive in the same way as your recovery phrase.

Section 6 — Sending & receiving safely

Receiving

To receive crypto, generate a receive address in Ledger Live and always verify that the same address appears on your Ledger device screen. Verifying on the device prevents clipboard or UI tampering from redirecting funds to an attacker’s address.

Sending

When sending, create the transaction in Ledger Live (or via a connected decentralized app). Ledger Live constructs the unsigned transaction and sends it to the device. The device displays human-readable fields — destination address, amount, and network fees — that you must physically confirm. Only after you confirm does the device produce the signature. This step is the core security guarantee: no remote code can sign transactions for you without that explicit physical confirmation.

Do this every time: verify the destination address on the device screen before signing. If the device screen is blank or the fields don’t match expectations, cancel the operation.

Section 7 — dApp connectivity: WalletConnect & native integrations

To interact with decentralized applications (DEXes, NFT marketplaces, DeFi protocols), Ledger Live supports WalletConnect — an open protocol that lets dApps request signatures via QR codes or deep links. Many dApps also integrate natively with Ledger Live for a smoother user experience.

Open the dApp and choose “Connect Wallet.” Select WalletConnect if the dApp supports it.
Scan the QR code with Ledger Live (mobile) or paste the WalletConnect URI into Ledger Live (desktop) to establish a secure session.
When the dApp requests a transaction or approval, Ledger Live relays the unsigned payload to your device for on-device review and confirmation.

Avoid blind-signing. If a contract call appears opaque or you don’t understand the intent, pause. Use block explorers and contract introspection tools, or refuse the signature.

Section 8 — Clear Signing & avoiding blind-signing

Blind-signing — approving transactions without understanding them — is one of the most common threats when interacting with smart contracts. Ledger devices aim to reduce this risk by presenting meaningful, human-readable transaction fields where possible. When contract calldata is complex or intentionally obfuscated, the device will show as much information as it can, but human judgment remains essential.

Prefer dApps that implement clear signing standards and show readable summaries of contract interactions. Use minimal allowances for token approvals and revoke them after use.

Section 9 — Backup strategies & passphrases

Your recovery phrase is the ultimate backup: it restores your accounts on any compatible wallet. Treat the phrase as the single most valuable asset — protect it accordingly.

Physical backups: write your seed on the supplied recovery card or use a metal backup plate that resists fire and water.
Geographic separation: for large holdings, store multiple backups in geographically separated secure locations (e.g., a personal safe and a safe-deposit box).
Do not digitize: avoid storing the seed in photos, cloud storage, password managers, or notes apps.
Passphrase (optional): an additional secret (passphrase) can create hidden wallets derived from your seed. A passphrase increases privacy and plausible deniability but is unforgiving: losing it loses access to funds in that hidden wallet.

Important: never enter your full recovery phrase or passphrase into any website, app, or chat. Ledger or official support will not ask for it.

Section 10 — Troubleshooting & common issues

Device not detected: try another USB cable or port, avoid unpowered hubs, restart Ledger Live and your computer, and ensure OS permissions permit USB access.
Bluetooth pairing problems (Nano X): ensure device is charged, Bluetooth is enabled on both ends, and try toggling Bluetooth or re-pairing the device.
Firmware update failed: keep the device connected, follow Ledger Live prompts, and if needed restore from your recovery phrase on another device.
App storage full: uninstall unneeded apps from Manager — uninstalling an app removes the binary but not your funds, which remain recoverable from the seed.
Fake apps / phishing: if prompted for your recovery phrase or shown urgent popups asking for secrets, stop and verify the source. Use official Ledger support channels only.

When in doubt, check Ledger’s official documentation and support channels for device-specific steps. Avoid following instructions from unknown sources that request seed words.

Section 11 — Everyday checklist (before you sign anything)

Downloaded Ledger Live from the official start page (ledger.com/start) or official app stores.
Device firmware and Ledger Live are up to date.
Device initialized with a PIN and recovery phrase recorded and verified offline.
Installed only the apps you need and added accounts in Ledger Live.
For receiving: verify the receive address on the device screen before sharing.
For sending or dApp interactions: verify destination address, amount, and contract details on the device screen before confirming.
Limit token allowances and revoke them after use where possible.
Perform a small test transaction for unfamiliar dApps or contract interactions.

Section 12 — FAQs

Q: Can I use Ledger Live without a Ledger device?

A: Ledger Live can display some data in view-only mode, but signing transactions always requires a connected Ledger hardware device because keys must be present on-device to create valid signatures.

Q: What happens if I lose my Ledger device?

A: If you have your recovery phrase you can restore your funds on another Ledger or compatible wallet. If you lose both the device and recovery phrase, the funds are unrecoverable — so protect your seed.

Q: Is uninstalling an app dangerous?

A: No — uninstalling an on-device app only removes the app binary. Funds are derived from the recovery phrase and will be available again after reinstalling the app and re-adding the account in Ledger Live.

Q: How do I know Ledger Live is authentic?

A: Always download Ledger Live from the official start page or trusted app stores. Verify checksums if published and avoid third-party mirrors or unsolicited email links. If something looks suspicious, compare the download URL to your verified bookmark.

Section 13 — Final thoughts

Ledger Live is a thoughtfully designed companion for Ledger hardware devices that balances usability with a robust security model. By keeping private keys inside the secure element and requiring on-device confirmation for every signature, Ledger Live reduces many attack surfaces. However, no system is impermeable — your practices around seed storage, verifying on-device prompts, and cautious interaction with dApps determine the ultimate safety of your assets.

Follow the checklist above, prefer small test transactions for unfamiliar interactions, and rely only on official Ledger resources for downloads and support. With careful habits, Ledger Live plus a Ledger device provides a strong foundation for secure crypto ownership on both desktop and mobile.