A clear, friendly walkthrough for beginners to download Ledger Live, connect a Ledger device, complete first-time setup, and follow security best practices.
Ledger Live is the official application that pairs with Ledger hardware wallets to manage cryptocurrencies securely. It provides portfolio tracking, sending/receiving, staking, and firmware updates — while keeping your private keys offline on the device.
Quick tip: Always download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website and never share your recovery phrase with anyone.
Ledger Live acts as the user interface — your private keys remain on your Ledger device (Nano S, Nano X, or Stax) while Ledger Live orchestrates signed transactions when you confirm them on-device.
Always download Ledger Live directly from Ledger’s site — select the correct OS (Windows/macOS/Linux) and follow the installer instructions.
When Ledger Live opens for the first time you'll create a password to protect the app on your computer (this is not your recovery phrase).
Official downloads and instructions are on Ledger’s Ledger Live download pages. Download Ledger Live.
If you bought a Ledger device new, follow the included setup steps to initialize a device: choose a PIN and write down your 24-word recovery phrase on the provided recovery sheet. Store that sheet somewhere secure and offline.
Ledger’s step-by-step start guide shows how to set up hardware wallets safely. Start with Ledger.
Connect your Ledger device via USB (or Bluetooth for compatible devices), unlock with your PIN, and allow Ledger Live to communicate when prompted.
In Ledger Live go to Accounts → Add account, choose the cryptocurrency and follow the on-screen instructions to sync addresses and balances.
Ledger maintains a comprehensive list of supported coins and tokens. Supported assets.
Regularly check the My Ledger / Manager screen inside Ledger Live to install app updates or new device firmware. Firmware updates often include important security patches.
See the official device OS update guide for details on applying firmware safely. Ledger OS update guide.
Ledger offers an Academy and security library covering scams and precautions. Ledger Academy.
If you need to restore accounts (lost device or new hardware) you can recover using your 24-word phrase on a Ledger device or compatible wallet — follow Ledger’s official recovery instructions carefully.
Detailed recovery steps are provided in Ledger Support. Restore with recovery phrase.
Ledger Support is the official help center for guides, articles, and contact options. Ledger Support.
No. Ledger never has access to your private keys or recovery phrase. Your keys remain on the device.
If you suspect compromise, move funds to a new wallet with a new recovery phrase as soon as possible.
Ledger Live, paired with a Ledger hardware device, offers a robust combination of convenience and security for managing cryptocurrency. Follow Ledger’s official setup guides, keep your recovery phrase offline, and never enter your seed phrase into software — these habits drastically reduce the risk of theft.
Get Ledger Live — Official