Ledger® Live — Getting Started

A colorful, step-by-step introduction to setting up Ledger Live and connecting your Ledger hardware wallet securely.

Welcome — quick overview

Ledger Live is the desktop and mobile app that lets you manage your crypto portfolios with a Ledger hardware wallet. This guide walks you through the essentials — installation, first-time setup, adding apps and accounts, sending and receiving crypto, and safety best practices. It's written for beginners but includes practical tips for intermediate users too.

Important: Always download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website and never share your recovery phrase with anyone — Ledger Support will never ask for it. Treat your recovery phrase like the key to your digital vault.

Step 1 — Install Ledger Live

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Go to the official Ledger website, download Ledger Live for your platform (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, or Android) and run the installer or install from your mobile app store. When installing, watch for the official Ledger icon and certificate; avoid third-party links.

  • Desktop: Run the installer and follow the wizard.
  • Mobile: Install the Ledger Live app from the App Store or Google Play.
Pro tip: Use the official site URL, bookmark it, and verify the SSL certificate (lock icon) before downloading.

Step 2 — Connect your Ledger device

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Connect your Ledger hardware wallet (Nano S, Nano X, or other Ledger devices) via USB or Bluetooth (Nano X). Open Ledger Live, choose Get started, and follow the on-screen pairing instructions.

  • If your device is brand-new, select Set up as new device on the device screen.
  • If you already have a recovery phrase, choose Restore device and enter the phrase securely on the device.

Step 3 — Create your PIN & recovery phrase

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Your Ledger device will ask you to choose a PIN (4–8 digits). Choose a PIN you can remember but that is not trivial. Then the device will display your recovery phrase — the 24-word seed. Write these words down on the provided recovery sheet and store it somewhere very safe.

Security rule: Never enter your recovery phrase into a computer, phone, or web form. Ledger's recovery is offline on the device only — do not photograph or store it digitally.

Pro tip: Consider a fireproof safe or a bank deposit box for long-term storage. For advanced protection, use metal seed backups designed for durability.

Step 4 — Install apps & add accounts

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Ledger Live uses small apps on the device to support different blockchains (Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, etc.). From Ledger Live:

  • Open the Manager tab and allow Ledger Live to connect to your device.
  • Install the apps for the coins you want to manage (for example, Bitcoin and Ethereum apps).
  • Then go to Accounts → Add account and follow the prompts to create accounts for each asset.

Accounts in Ledger Live reflect addresses derived from your device's recovery phrase; the device signs transactions securely when you approve them.

Step 5 — Sending & receiving crypto

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To receive funds, select the account in Ledger Live and click Receive. Confirm the address displayed in Ledger Live matches the address shown on your device's screen before sharing it. To send funds, click Send, enter the destination address, choose the amount and fees, and confirm the transaction on your device.

Pro tip: Always verify addresses on the hardware device screen — not just on your computer. This prevents address spoofing by malware.

Security checklist

  • Only download Ledger Live from the official Ledger site.
  • Never share your 24-word recovery phrase. Ledger Support will never ask for it.
  • Verify addresses on your hardware device before confirming a transaction.
  • Keep firmware and Ledger Live updated; updates often include security fixes.
  • Use a secure PIN and consider a passphrase (advanced users) for added privacy.
Reminder: A passphrase is an optional extra word added to your recovery phrase. It creates a new wallet (hidden wallet). If you forget the passphrase, the hidden wallet is inaccessible — so use this only if you understand the implications.

Troubleshooting & common questions

Why can't Ledger Live detect my device?
Try a different USB port or cable, enable browser/USB permissions if prompted, restart the app and device, and ensure firmware is up to date. For Bluetooth connection, ensure your device is paired and Bluetooth is enabled.
Can I recover my Ledger wallet on another Ledger device?
Yes. The 24-word recovery phrase can be used to restore your wallet on any compatible Ledger device or other wallets that support the same seed standard (BIP39/BIP44), though using another hardware wallet is recommended for security.
How do firmware updates work?
Ledger Live notifies you about firmware updates. Follow the instructions in Ledger Live — updates usually require connecting your device and following on-device confirmations. Only update using Ledger Live to minimize risk.

Final tips — best practices for daily use

  • For small, frequent payments, consider a separate "hot" account with minimal holdings; keep larger sums offline in cold storage.
  • Use two-factor authentication (2FA) for exchanges and services where available — but remember 2FA doesn't replace hardware wallet security.
  • Periodically review connected third-party apps and revoke access if you no longer use them.
  • Keep a small test transaction when sending to a new address or dApp (decentralized app) to ensure everything behaves as expected.