Ledger Live is the essential companion application for your Ledger hardware wallet, turning the world’s most secure crypto storage into a comprehensive, all-in-one management hub. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting your crypto journey, Ledger Live provides a single, intuitive interface to check your portfolio, send/receive assets, and explore the Web3 ecosystem—all while your private keys remain securely offline on your Ledger device.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know: from downloading the official app to successfully setting up your Ledger device on both desktop and mobile.
The first step to managing your digital assets is to install the official Ledger Live application on your computer.
Operating System: Windows 10+, macOS 10.14+, or Linux.
Hardware: Minimum 4GB RAM recommended.
Connection: A USB port for your Ledger device and a stable internet connection.
⚠️ Only Download from the Official Source: To safeguard against malicious software, always download Ledger Live directly from the official Ledger website. Avoid third-party sites or direct search links that aren't verified.
Download the Installer: Visit the official Ledger website's download page and select the installer file corresponding to your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
Run the Installer:
Windows/macOS: Double-click the downloaded file and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation.
Linux: Follow the specific instructions for your distribution (often involving an AppImage or command-line setup).
Launch the App: Once installed, launch the Ledger Live application. You will be greeted with the welcome screen.
For ultimate flexibility, the Ledger Live mobile app (for iOS and Android) allows you to manage your portfolio and perform transactions while on the move, especially when paired with a Bluetooth-enabled device like the Ledger Nano X.
iOS: Requires iOS 14 or above.
Android: Requires Android 10 or above.
Connectivity: Bluetooth must be enabled for wireless Ledger Nano X connections.
Official App Stores Only: Search for "Ledger Live" in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Do not download the app from any other source.
Download and Install: Tap "Install" and wait for the application to download and set up on your smartphone.
Launch the App: Open the Ledger Live app on your mobile device.
Once Ledger Live is installed, you need to connect and initialize your Ledger hardware wallet.
If this is your first time using your Ledger device, you must set it up as a New Device in Ledger Live.
Start Setup: Open Ledger Live and click "Get started." Choose your specific Ledger device (e.g., Nano S Plus, Nano X).
Select Setup Option: Choose the option "Set up a new device."
Follow On-Screen Prompts (PIN & Recovery Phrase):
Choose a PIN: Your Ledger Live screen will guide you to set a 4- to 8-digit PIN code on your physical Ledger device. This code unlocks your device.
Write Down Recovery Phrase: You will be prompted to carefully write down your unique 24-word Secret Recovery Phrase on the provided recovery sheet. This phrase is the only backup to your crypto assets. Store it securely and offline. Never digitize it or share it with anyone.
Security Checklist: Ledger Live will run a Genuine Check to confirm your device is authentic and not tampered with, verifying that your device is genuine and ready to use.
If your Ledger device is already initialized (PIN and Recovery Phrase set), you can simply connect it.
Select Connection Option: In Ledger Live, choose "Connect your device."
Connect:
Desktop: Connect your Ledger device to your computer using the USB cable. Unlock the device with your PIN.
Mobile (Nano X): Ensure Bluetooth is on for both your phone and Nano X. Follow the on-screen pairing instructions to connect wirelessly.
Genuine Check: Ledger Live will automatically perform a check to ensure your device is authentic.
With your hardware wallet connected and verified, Ledger Live is your control center for your digital assets.
View Portfolio: See a consolidated, real-time view of all your crypto holdings.
Add Accounts: Easily add accounts for supported cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.). Ledger Live will install the necessary app on your device for you to start using the asset.
Send & Receive: Generate receiving addresses and securely send transactions, which must be verified and confirmed on your Ledger device's secure screen.
Discover: Explore the Web3 ecosystem by safely accessing integrated services like buying, selling, staking, and swapping crypto directly within the app, always maintaining the highest level of security.
The combination of your offline Ledger hardware wallet and the secure, user-friendly Ledger Live app gives you total peace of mind and complete financial freedom.