In the ever-expanding world of cryptocurrency, managing digital assets securely and efficiently has become a necessity for both beginners and experienced investors. That’s where Ledger® Live, the official companion app to the Ledger® hardware wallets, makes its mark. It’s designed to give you complete control over your crypto—securely, all in one place.
Whether you're just starting with your first Bitcoin purchase or already hold a diversified crypto portfolio, this guide will walk you through how to start with Ledger® Live, what it offers, and why it's a must-have for anyone serious about protecting their digital wealth.
Ledger Live is a powerful desktop and mobile application developed by Ledger®, designed to integrate with Ledger’s secure hardware wallets like the Nano S Plus and Nano X. It enables users to manage thousands of cryptocurrencies and tokens in a secure environment that prioritizes privacy and asset protection.
With Ledger Live, you can:
Set up your Ledger device
Send and receive over 5,500 digital assets
View your real-time portfolio value
Buy, sell, or swap cryptocurrencies
Stake supported coins
Install and manage apps on your Ledger device
Connect to Web3 and DeFi platforms securely
Starting with Ledger Live isn’t just convenient—it’s the safest path into the world of crypto.
Here’s why:
Security First: Ledger Live works only with your Ledger hardware wallet. Your private keys never leave the device, keeping you protected from online hacks and phishing attempts.
User-Friendly Interface: Whether you’re new to crypto or a seasoned trader, Ledger Live offers a clean, intuitive dashboard to track your portfolio and manage transactions with ease.
All-in-One App: No need to juggle multiple wallets or platforms. Ledger Live combines hardware-level security with a full-featured app, so you can stake, trade, and explore Web3—all from one place.
Start by visiting the official Ledger website and downloading the version of Ledger Live that matches your device (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, or Android). Avoid downloading from third-party sources to prevent malware or phishing risks.
Connect your Ledger Nano S Plus or Nano X to your computer or mobile device using the USB cable (or Bluetooth for Nano X).
Power on the device
Follow the on-screen instructions to choose a PIN
Write down your 24-word recovery phrase on the provided recovery sheet
Confirm the phrase on the device
This 24-word phrase is your only backup—keep it safe, private, and offline.
Once your hardware wallet is set up:
Open Ledger Live
Click “Get Started”
Select “Initialize as new device” or “Restore from recovery phrase”
Follow the prompts to sync the device with the app
You’re now ready to use Ledger Live to manage your crypto securely.
Ledger Live offers a visual, real-time snapshot of your entire crypto portfolio—including price movements, asset allocation, and performance trends. You can filter by day, week, or month and track gains over time.
Need to send Bitcoin to a friend or receive Ethereum from an exchange? With Ledger Live, you can generate receive addresses, confirm transactions, and sign securely using your device.
Thanks to integrations with partners like MoonPay and Changelly, Ledger Live allows users to buy, sell, or swap crypto directly within the app. All trades are executed without compromising your private keys.
Ledger Live supports staking for coins like Tezos (XTZ), Polkadot (DOT), Solana (SOL), and Ethereum (ETH) (via third-party validators). Earn passive income while keeping your funds secure.
Ledger hardware wallets require specific apps for each crypto you want to manage. Ledger Live makes it easy to install, uninstall, or update apps with one click.
If you're diving into decentralized finance (DeFi), NFTs, or DAOs, Ledger Live can serve as a secure bridge to platforms like MetaMask and WalletConnect. This allows you to interact with dApps without exposing your private keys—ensuring your assets stay safe even in the Web3 world.
Never share your 24-word recovery phrase. No one from Ledger will ever ask for it.
Enable the Ledger Live password lock in settings for extra local protection.
Bookmark official URLs to avoid fake login pages.
Update your device firmware and app regularly to benefit from new features and security patches.
Purchase devices only from Ledger’s official store or authorized resellers to avoid tampered products.
If you get stuck during setup or encounter any issues using Ledger Live, Ledger Support is available to help:
Browse the Ledger Help Center for step-by-step guides
Reach out via official chat or ticket support
Access firmware updates and troubleshooting tools
Receive security alerts and best practice updates
Remember: Ledger Support will never ask for your PIN or recovery phrase.
Getting started with Ledger Live is more than just downloading an app—it's about empowering yourself to manage your crypto safely, confidently, and independently. Whether you’re buying your first coin or expanding into DeFi, Ledger Live is the trusted gateway to a secure crypto future.
Start smart. Start secure. Start with Ledger®.