Welcome to your journey into secure crypto ownership with Ledger® Live – the official application that empowers you to safely manage, buy, sell, stake, and view your digital assets in one powerful interface. Whether you're holding Bitcoin, Ethereum, or exploring NFTs and DeFi, Ledger Live is your all-in-one platform to get started with confidence and control.
This guide walks you step-by-step through downloading and using Ledger Live the right way — secure, simple, and scam-free.
Ledger Live is the official companion app for your Ledger hardware wallet — such as the Ledger Nano X or Nano S Plus. It’s available on desktop and mobile and designed to give you full control over your crypto.
With Ledger Live, you can:
Initialize your Ledger device safely
Install blockchain apps to your device
Create and manage accounts
Buy, sell, stake, and swap crypto
Send and receive securely
Manage your NFTs
Access Web3 features via secure apps
All while your private keys remain offline, protected inside your Ledger hardware wallet.
Here’s why you should only use Ledger Live and download it from the official source:
✅ All operations are confirmed on your physical device
✅ Ledger never sees or stores your keys
✅ It supports over 5,000 coins and tokens
✅ You get built-in features for DeFi, NFTs, staking, and buying crypto
✅ It updates regularly with security enhancements and new features
To begin using your Ledger device, the first thing you need is the Ledger Live app. Here's how:
Go to the official Ledger website.
Navigate to the Download section.
Select your platform:
Windows
macOS
Linux (.AppImage or .deb)
Or visit your device's app store for iOS or Android
Click Download Ledger Live and wait for it to complete.
⚠️ Always verify you're on the real Ledger site. Fake downloads are a major scam vector.
Follow your operating system's standard installation process:
Windows/macOS: Open the installer file and follow the instructions
Linux: Run the AppImage or install via terminal with .deb
Mobile: Download from the App Store or Google Play
After installation, launch the app. You’ll see a welcome screen with the option to “Get Started.”
Ledger Live will prompt you to select:
Set up a new device – for brand new users
Restore from recovery phrase – if you’re recovering a wallet
Connect your existing device – if already initialized
Choose the option that fits your situation.
If you're setting up for the first time:
Choose a secure PIN using your Ledger device
Write down your 24-word recovery phrase
Confirm the phrase by re-entering selected words
Complete the process in the app
🛑 Never take a photo or digital copy of your recovery phrase. Keep it on paper, stored securely offline.
If you're restoring a wallet, enter the phrase using your Ledger device.
Ledger Live will perform an automatic security check to confirm your device is genuine.
✅ Connect your Ledger
✅ Unlock it with your PIN
✅ The app verifies authenticity through Ledger’s secure servers
🛑 If verification fails, stop and contact Ledger support. This protects you from counterfeit hardware.
Now that your device is ready, you need to install apps for each coin or blockchain you plan to use.
Go to the Manager tab in Ledger Live
Unlock your Ledger and allow connection
Browse the list of available apps (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana)
Click Install next to each one you need
These apps enable your Ledger to interact with different blockchains.
After installing coin apps, add accounts to Ledger Live so you can manage your holdings.
Go to the Accounts tab
Click Add Account
Select the coin (e.g., Ethereum)
Connect and sync with your device
The account appears in your dashboard
Each account is derived from your Ledger’s master keys and secured by your device.
Open your crypto account
Click Receive
Ledger Live will show an address
Verify the address on your Ledger device screen
Use this address to receive funds
Always double-check the receiving address on the hardware screen.
Click Send
Paste the recipient address and amount
Confirm transaction details
Approve the transfer physically on your device
This process ensures only you can sign and approve transactions.
Ledger Live supports much more than just sending and receiving:
Exchange one coin for another without leaving the app using integrated services. All swaps require your confirmation.
Buy crypto directly in Ledger Live with providers like MoonPay and Ramp.
Earn rewards with staking for coins like:
Ethereum
Polkadot
Cosmos
Tezos
You keep full custody while earning yield.
Manage Ethereum and Polygon NFTs directly inside Ledger Live. View metadata, send NFTs, and confirm everything on-device.
For maximum security:
Update Ledger Live regularly
Install firmware updates on your Ledger hardware wallet
Keep blockchain apps on your device current
The app notifies you of available updates. Only use official sources.
✅ Never share your recovery phrase – not with Ledger, not with anyone
✅ Ignore scam sites, popups, and emails pretending to be Ledger
✅ Verify all addresses and transactions on your device screen
✅ Use offline, secure storage for your recovery sheet
✅ Consider a backup Ledger device for emergency recovery