Introduction
Ledger Live is the official desktop and mobile application from Ledger that lets you manage your crypto assets securely with your Ledger hardware device. This guide walks you through everything you need to know to download, install, login, and begin using Ledger Live — including best practices, troubleshooting tips, and an FAQ.
What you will learn
- How to download and install Ledger Live on desktop and mobile.
- How to connect and authenticate with a Ledger hardware wallet.
- How to add accounts, send/receive crypto, and check balances.
- Essential security tips and common troubleshooting fixes.
Before you begin (Important)
Before you start, ensure you have a genuine Ledger device (such as Ledger Nano S Plus or Ledger Nano X), a secure recovery phrase written down on the provided recovery sheet, and access to the official Ledger website to download the Ledger Live app. Never enter your recovery phrase into any app or website.
Checklist
- Genuine Ledger hardware device in hand.
- Recovery phrase written and stored offline.
- Trusted computer or mobile device.
- Official Ledger Live installer downloaded from an official source (links below).
Download & Install Ledger Live
Desktop (Windows / macOS / Linux)
1. Visit the official Ledger Live download page and choose the correct installer for your operating system. Run the installer and follow the on-screen steps. After installation, open Ledger Live.
Mobile (iOS / Android)
1. Install Ledger Live from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Search for "Ledger Live" and verify publisher is "Ledger". Open the app after install.
First-time Setup & Login
Connect your Ledger device
Connect your Ledger device to your computer or pair it via Bluetooth (if supported, e.g., Ledger Nano X) and unlock it with your PIN. On the device’s home screen, open the appropriate app (for example, "Bitcoin" or "Ethereum") when prompted by Ledger Live.
Initialize Ledger Live
- Open Ledger Live and choose "Get started".
- Choose whether you already have a device or need to set up a new one.
- Follow the guided prompts: set PIN on device, verify recovery phrase if creating a new wallet, and install recommended apps through Ledger Live Manager.
Login vs. Device Authentication
Ledger Live uses your device to authorize transactions — there’s no centralized password stored on Ledger’s servers. Logging into Ledger Live on your computer or phone provides access to the interface, but any action that moves funds must be physically confirmed on your hardware device.
Adding Accounts & Managing Assets
After setup, click "Add account" in Ledger Live and choose the cryptocurrency you want to manage. Ledger Live will derive accounts from your device's seed and display balances and transaction history.
Send & Receive
- Receive: Click "Receive", choose an account, verify the address displayed in Ledger Live matches the address shown on your device, and share the verified address to receive funds.
- Send: Click "Send", enter the recipient address and amount, then confirm details on Ledger Live and finally verify and confirm the transaction on your Ledger device.
Security Best Practices
Do
- Always download Ledger Live from official sources and verify the website URL before downloading.
- Keep your recovery phrase offline and never enter it into any app or website.
- Use a strong PIN and enable additional device protections where available.
Don't
- Don't share your recovery phrase with anyone.
- Don't click unknown links or approve transactions you don't recognize.
Troubleshooting (Quick fixes)
Ledger Live not connecting to device
Try unplugging and reconnecting the device, updating Ledger Live, ensuring the device firmware is up-to-date, and checking USB/Bluetooth permissions.
App not showing balances
Make sure you have the correct app installed on your device (e.g., Bitcoin app for BTC), allow time for synchronization, and ensure the network status is normal.
Official Resources & Quick Links
Below are 10 official Ledger links (displayed in colorful badges) to help you find installers, support, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q1: Do I need a Ledger device to use Ledger Live?
- A: Yes — Ledger Live is designed to work with Ledger hardware wallets. While some features like portfolio tracking may be available without a device, sending or receiving funds requires a connected Ledger device to sign transactions.
- Q2: What if I lose my Ledger device?
- A: If you lose your device but have your recovery phrase, you can recover your accounts on a new compatible Ledger device or a supported wallet that accepts BIP39 seeds. If you lose both device and recovery phrase, funds are unrecoverable.
- Q3: Can Ledger Live be used on multiple devices?
- A: Yes — you can install Ledger Live on multiple computers and phones. Ledger Live itself stores only local data (e.g., settings) and will prompt for device connection for secure operations.
- Q4: How do I update Ledger Live and device firmware?
- A: Ledger Live will notify you of available app and firmware updates. For firmware updates, follow instructions in the app and confirm actions on your Ledger device.
- Q5: Is Ledger Live open-source?
- A: Ledger publishes parts of Ledger Live and many related tools as open-source. Check the Ledger GitHub repositories for source code and contributor information.
- Q6: What should I do if Ledger Live shows an unexpected transaction?
- A: Immediately cross-check with your transaction history on-chain using a block explorer, and ensure you did not approve the transaction on your device. Contact Ledger support if you suspect compromise.
- Q7: Can I manage NFTs with Ledger Live?
- A: Ledger Live supports some NFT features depending on the blockchain and wallet integrations; for deeper NFT management, specialized wallet apps may be recommended.
- Q8: Is my recovery phrase stored by Ledger?
- A: No — Ledger never stores your recovery phrase. The seed is generated and stored locally on your device; Ledger cannot access it.
- Q9: How do I verify the authenticity of Ledger Live?
- A: Always download Ledger Live from official ledger domains and verify digital signatures where provided. Avoid third-party download sources.
- Q10: Where can I get more help?
- A: Use the official Support Center link above, consult Ledger Academy for tutorials, or open a support ticket through Ledger's contact page.
Closing notes
Ledger Live combined with a Ledger hardware wallet provides a robust solution for long-term crypto security. The most important elements are protecting your recovery phrase, keeping your device firmware updated, and verifying addresses before confirming transactions. Use the official links above for downloads and support.