Ledger® Live — Download & Getting Started™

Download Ledger Live for desktop or mobile and follow this complete guide to set up your Ledger® hardware wallet, secure your recovery phrase, install accounts, and start managing your crypto and NFTs safely. This page contains clear steps, best practices, and troubleshooting tips aimed at both new and experienced users.

Landing — Why download Ledger Live?

Ledger Live is the official app that connects your Ledger® hardware wallet to the world of blockchain. It’s your primary interface for checking balances, sending and receiving crypto, interacting with decentralized apps (dApps), buying and swapping coins, and staking supported assets. The app keeps your private keys offline on your Ledger device, ensuring ownership and strong protection against online threats.

Whether you plan to hold, trade, stake, or collect NFTs, Ledger Live centralizes these tasks in a single, secure, user-friendly environment. This guide covers the download process, initial setup, account management, security essentials, integrations, and common troubleshooting scenarios.

1. Supported platforms & downloads

Ledger Live is available for major desktop platforms and mobile devices. Choose the correct installer for your operating system and follow the on-screen prompts during installation.

Windows (64-bit)
Download the .exe installer and run it. If prompted, allow the installer to make changes. For added security, verify the checksum or signature when available.
macOS (Intel & Apple Silicon)
Download the .dmg file, open it, and drag Ledger Live to your Applications folder. You may be asked to approve permissions in System Settings for newer macOS versions.
Linux (.AppImage)
Download the AppImage, make it executable (chmod +x), and run it. Depending on your distribution, you may need to install additional dependencies.
Mobile (iOS & Android)
Get Ledger Live from the App Store or Google Play. Use the mobile app to manage assets on the go and pair with a Ledger Nano X via Bluetooth if needed.

2. Verify your download (recommended)

To ensure you downloaded the official Ledger Live application and not a malicious copy, verify the installer’s digital signature or checksum when possible. This step is especially important if you downloaded the app on a public or shared network.

  • On Windows and macOS, Ledger provides checksums and signed packages for validation.
  • On Linux, verify the AppImage signature or checksum using the command line.
  • If you’re unsure, use the official Ledger website and bookmarked links — avoid search results that might lead to phishing sites.

3. Initial setup: create or recover a wallet

When you first open Ledger Live, you’ll choose between creating a new wallet with a Ledger device or restoring an existing wallet using your recovery phrase.

Option A — Create a new wallet

  • Follow the on-screen instructions to connect your Ledger device (Nano S Plus, Nano X, etc.).
  • Set a secure PIN on the device. This protects access to the device if it’s physically lost or stolen.
  • Write down your recovery phrase exactly as it appears on the device — this is the only way to recover funds if the device is lost.
  • Confirm the recovery phrase using the device prompts.

Option B — Recover from an existing recovery phrase

  • If you already have a 24-word recovery phrase from Ledger or another compatible hardware wallet, choose the "Recover" option.
  • Enter the words securely using the device (never type your recovery phrase into a computer or phone).
  • Once recovered, Ledger Live will allow you to add accounts and view balances tied to the recovered keys.

4. Adding accounts and managing assets

Accounts correspond to blockchain addresses derived from your Ledger device. Add one account per asset (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana) to view balances and transact.

  • In Ledger Live, select "Accounts" → "Add account" → choose the coin and follow prompts.
  • Ledger Live will synchronize the account and display on‑chain balances and recent transactions.
  • For certain tokens, you may need to add custom token contracts for visibility (especially on EVM networks).
  • NFTs can be viewed in supported chains; metadata may depend on third-party indexing services.

5. Send, receive, buy, and swap

Ledger Live provides integrated flows for basic operations. Always verify transaction details on your Ledger device before approving.

Receive

  • Click "Receive" in an account, select the correct address type and confirm the address shown in Ledger Live matches the device display.
  • Use this address to receive funds; do not reuse it if you prefer enhanced privacy (use a fresh address).

Send

  • Click "Send", enter the recipient address, amount, and fees, then confirm the transaction on your device.
  • Always verify the recipient address on the device screen before approving — malware can alter clipboard contents.

Buy & Swap

  • Ledger Live partners with regulated providers to facilitate on‑ramp (buy) services. Availability depends on region and provider terms.
  • Swaps are performed through integrated liquidity providers. Compare rates and confirm trades on your device.

6. Staking, rewards, and DeFi integrations

Ledger Live supports staking for several networks, offering a simple way to earn network rewards while maintaining custody of your keys.

  • Navigate to a supported coin and follow the staking flow; you’ll typically choose a validator and confirm operations on‑device.
  • Rewards and unbonding periods vary by network; check the specific coin details in Ledger Live.
  • For advanced DeFi interactions, use Ledger Live in combination with Web3 wallet connectors that prompt on‑device signature confirmations.

7. Security best practices (must read)

Security is the core purpose of using a hardware wallet. Follow these practices to keep your holdings safe.

  • Never share your recovery phrase. Ledger Support will never ask for it. Store it offline — consider a metal backup for fire and water resistance.
  • Confirm everything on‑device. Always verify addresses and transaction details on the Ledger device screen before approving.
  • Keep firmware and app updated. Install updates from the official Ledger Live app and perform firmware updates when prompted.
  • Protect your computer. Use updated OS, reputable antivirus, and avoid visiting suspicious websites while interacting with crypto apps.
  • Beware of phishing and fake apps. Use bookmarks for official Ledger pages, confirm URLs, and never download Ledger Live from unofficial sources.

8. Troubleshooting & common issues

If you encounter problems during download, installation, or device connection, try these steps first.

  • Connection issues: Try a different USB cable, USB port, or restart your computer. On mobile, ensure Bluetooth is enabled and the device is paired.
  • App won’t open: Re-download the installer from the official site and reinstall. Check OS security settings that may block the app.
  • Device not recognized: Ensure the Ledger device is unlocked and on the home screen. For macOS, allow permissions for the app to access USB devices if prompted.
  • Missing accounts or balances: Use the "Resync" or "Add account" flows in Ledger Live. For tokens on smart-contract chains, add custom tokens if necessary.
  • Lost recovery phrase: If you lose the recovery phrase and the device is gone or broken, funds cannot be recovered. Store the phrase securely.

Final words

Ledger Live is designed to make crypto management accessible while keeping custody secure. The combination of a hardware wallet and the Ledger Live app gives you control over your private keys while providing tools to interact with modern blockchain services. Always prioritize security over convenience and consult official Ledger support for device-specific questions.