Ledger® Live — Login & Getting Started | Getting Started Guide

Introduction

Ledger® Live is the official desktop and mobile companion app for Ledger hardware wallets. This guide walks you through every step required to download Ledger Live, sign in, initialize or restore a device, secure your recovery phrase, and perform your first cryptocurrency transaction.

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Requirements & Preparations

What you'll need

• A supported Ledger device (e.g., Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X).
• A computer (Windows / macOS / Linux) or a mobile device with internet access.
• Access to your personal email (for downloads) and a secure place to store your 24-word recovery phrase offline.

Security checklist

1. Only download Ledger Live from Ledger's official site (use the official link buttons below).
2. Never type your 24-word recovery phrase into any website or app — it should remain offline and private.
3. Use a strong device passcode and enable OS-level encryption on your devices.

Download & Install Ledger Live

Step-by-step

1. Open the official Ledger Live download page (one of the colored buttons below).
2. Choose your platform: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, or iOS.
3. Download the installer package and verify the file hash if you prefer added assurance.
4. Run the installer and follow on-screen prompts to complete installation.

Quick command for advanced users (Linux Example)

sudo apt install ./ledger-live-desktop-*.deb

Note

Ledger Live periodically updates. Keep the app up to date to receive security patches and new features.

First-time Setup: Create or Restore

Create a new wallet

If you have a new Ledger device, follow the on-device prompts: choose a PIN (never share), then write down the generated 24-word recovery phrase exactly in order. Confirm the phrase on-device as requested.

Restore from an existing recovery phrase

If you already have a recovery phrase from another device, choose "Restore device" on the Ledger device during initialization and enter the words when prompted.

Best practices for recovery phrase safety

• Store the phrase offline and in multiple secure physical locations (e.g., two safe deposit boxes).
• Consider using a metal backup plate to protect against fire, flood, or decay.
• Never share the phrase, and beware of social engineering attempts.

Logging in to Ledger Live & Device Pairing

Pair your device

Launch Ledger Live, open Settings → Device, and follow the prompts to connect and pair your Ledger device using the supplied USB cable or Bluetooth (if supported by your device). Approve any pairing requests directly on the hardware device.

Account management

After pairing, use Ledger Live to add accounts for supported blockchains (BTC, ETH, etc.). Ledger Live shows read-only addresses derived from your device — private keys never leave the hardware wallet.

Troubleshooting pairing

• Try a different USB cable or port.
• Restart Ledger Live and your computer or phone.
• Ensure device firmware is up to date via the Manager in Ledger Live.

Sending & Receiving Crypto — Quick Guide

Receive

To receive funds, open the account in Ledger Live → Receive, connect your device and verify the address shown on your hardware wallet. Only accept funds to verified addresses.

Send

To send funds, create a transaction in Ledger Live, review details, and confirm the transaction on your hardware device. Ledger Live will display fees and allow you to adjust fees for supported chains.

Common warnings

If a site asks for your recovery phrase, it's fraudulent. If a transaction looks unfamiliar, cancel and verify addresses manually.

Maintenance, Firmware & App Management

Firmware updates

Keep device firmware updated via Ledger Live → Manager. Update only when connected to the official Ledger Live app and after reading the release notes.

App management

Use the Manager inside Ledger Live to install or remove blockchain apps on your device (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum).

Backup & restore testing

Consider a dry-run restore on a spare device or test the phrase recovery flow to ensure backups are valid — only if you can do so safely.

Official Resources (10 quick links)

These colorful buttons link to official Ledger resources to get you started, update firmware, and access support. Use them for downloads, tutorials, and safety articles.

Tip

Bookmark your preferred Ledger Live download for your platform, and verify any checksums if you want maximum assurance when installing files.

Troubleshooting & FAQ

Common issues

• Device not recognized: Try a different USB cable, port, or enable debug mode in OS if necessary.
• App installation errors: Ensure Ledger Live has permissions and your OS is up to date.
• Missing accounts: Add the correct account type (legacy/SegWit) in Ledger Live; some chains require specific app versions.

If you suspect compromise

If you believe your recovery phrase has been exposed, immediately move funds to a new wallet whose seed you control (use a new hardware device and new recovery phrase).