Introduction
Ledger Live is the official companion application designed to work with Ledger hardware wallets. It provides a polished, secure user interface to manage multiple cryptocurrencies, view portfolio value, add and remove blockchain apps on the device, send and receive tokens, stake supported assets, and access vetted third-party integrations such as swaps and DeFi providers. Crucially, private keys remain on your Ledger hardware device; Ledger Live acts as the management layer and requires the device to confirm sensitive operations.
This guide focuses on downloading Ledger Live safely, installing it on desktop or mobile, configuring your device, and establishing workflows that balance convenience with security. It is written for beginners but includes advanced sections for users who want to do more — like staking, exporting data for taxes, or integrating with third-party wallets.
Where to download Ledger Live
Always download Ledger Live from an official, trusted source. The safest place to download is Ledger’s official start page: ledger.com/start. Avoid downloading from search results that point to mirror sites, file-sharing pages, or third-party blog links; attackers often distribute tampered installers that look legitimate but include malware.
Supported platforms
Ledger Live is available for:
- Windows (installer / portable options)
- macOS (dmg)
- Linux (AppImage, deb)
- Android (Google Play)
- iOS (App Store)
Tip: On desktop, verify the downloaded installer’s checksum if the vendor provides it. While not always necessary for every user, checksum verification ensures the file you downloaded matches the file published by the vendor.
Installing Ledger Live
Desktop installation
- Download the installer for your OS from ledger.com/start.
- Run the installer (.exe on Windows, .dmg on macOS, AppImage/.deb on Linux) and follow the on-screen prompts.
- On first launch, Ledger Live will perform initialization checks and guide you through onboarding options (set up a new device, restore from recovery phrase, or just connect an existing device).
Mobile installation
Install Ledger Live Mobile from the App Store or Google Play. Mobile is especially useful for quick balance checks and smaller transactions; for advanced management (app manager, firmware updates, bulk exports), the desktop app remains more feature-rich.
Important: When installing on mobile, ensure the app store listing is published by the official vendor (Ledger). The app icon, developer name, and user reviews can help confirm authenticity.
Initial setup & connecting your Ledger device
New device vs existing seed
When you first connect a Ledger hardware wallet to Ledger Live, you’ll choose between creating a new wallet (generate a new seed) or restoring an existing wallet (entering a previously generated recovery phrase on a new Ledger device). If you already have a seed, restoring is straightforward and brings your existing accounts under the Ledger Live UI.
Creating a new wallet — step-by-step
- Connect the Ledger device to your computer via USB (or pair via Bluetooth for compatible models).
- Follow on-device prompts to set a secure PIN. The PIN protects access to the physical device.
- The device will generate a recovery phrase (typically 24 words). Write these words down, in order, on the supplied recovery card. Confirm the phrase when prompted.
- Complete onboarding in Ledger Live by naming the device and proceeding to the Manager to install coin apps.
Restoring a wallet
If you are restoring from seed, select the restore option and follow on-device prompts to input your recovery phrase using the device buttons. Never type your recovery phrase into a computer or phone keyboard unless explicitly guided by an offline, air-gapped recovery process you fully trust.
Pro tip: After setup, perform a small test transaction (tiny amount) to ensure the send/receive flow works as expected before moving larger funds.
Using Ledger Live — core workflows
Adding accounts
Ledger Live discovers accounts derived from your seed once you install the pertinent blockchain app on the device (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum). Use the "Add account" flow to scan and add accounts to your dashboard.
Receive funds
- Select an account and click “Receive”.
- Ledger Live will show an address. Confirm that the address displayed in the app exactly matches the address on your Ledger device screen before sharing it with a sender.
Send funds
Create a transaction in Ledger Live, verify amounts and recipient address, then confirm and sign the transaction on your Ledger device. The signature is produced inside the device and only the signed transaction leaves to be broadcast to the network.
Portfolio & reporting
Ledger Live displays portfolio value, historical charts, and transaction history. Use the export tools if you need CSVs for tax reporting or accounting. Ledger Live does not hold funds; it simply queries the blockchain and assists with transaction creation while the hardware wallet secures keys.
Security best practices
Ledger Live and a Ledger hardware wallet form a robust security model when paired with careful user behavior. Follow these best practices:
- Official downloads only: ledger.com/start is the canonical source.
- Protect your recovery phrase: write the 24 words on paper or store on a metal backup product; never photograph or digitize the phrase.
- Confirm on-device: always verify addresses and transaction details on the Ledger device screen before approving.
- Use a PIN: set a PIN to protect the device from unauthorized physical use.
- Apply firmware updates: install firmware updates via Ledger Live only; updates patch vulnerabilities and add improvements.
- Beware phishing: Ledger Live will never ask for your full recovery phrase; treat any request as malicious.
If your recovery phrase is ever exposed: immediately create a new wallet with a fresh seed on a new device and transfer funds to addresses derived from the new seed. Do not reuse an exposed seed.
Advanced features & integrations
App Manager
Ledger devices use a modular app model. Install the specific coin apps from Ledger Live’s Manager to enable signing for those blockchains. Removing an app frees device space — it does not delete your assets, since those are recoverable from the seed.
Staking & Rewards
Ledger Live supports staking (delegation) for a number of proof-of-stake chains either natively or via partner integrations. When staking, review chain-specific lockup and unbonding periods as they affect liquidity.
Third-party integrations
Ledger Live includes curated third-party services (swaps, bridges, DeFi connectors). When using these, the Ledger device still performs signing, but smart contract risk remains — vet the service and consider starting with small amounts.
Using Ledger with Web3 wallets
For advanced dApp interactions, connect your Ledger to hardware-wallet-compatible Web3 wallets (e.g., MetaMask in hardware mode). Always verify contract approvals on-device and limit token approvals to the minimum required.
Troubleshooting common issues
Device not detected
- Try a different USB cable or port (some cables are power-only).
- Ensure device is unlocked and the correct app is open for the coin you're managing.
- Restart Ledger Live and your computer or mobile device.
Firmware update failed
Do not disconnect the device during an update. If an update fails, follow official recovery instructions in Ledger Live or consult vendor support. Never share your recovery phrase with support.
Incorrect balances or missing transactions
Use the Sync/Rescan option in Ledger Live. Sometimes provider nodes lag or reorgs cause temporary display inconsistencies. Allow a short time and resync.
Frequently asked questions
Does Ledger Live hold my crypto?
No. Ledger Live is an interface. Your private keys remain on the Ledger device; Ledger Live prepares transactions which are signed on-device.
Can I use Ledger Live without a device?
Ledger Live supports some read-only features, but sending or signing transactions requires the hardware wallet connected.
Is Ledger Live safe for DeFi?
Ledger Live provides hardware-backed signing which reduces key-exposure risk. However, smart-contract vulnerabilities and malicious dApps are still possible. Always use caution and verify operations on-device.
What if I forget my PIN?
If you forget the PIN, you can reset the device (it will wipe) and then restore your wallet with your recovery phrase. That is why protecting the seed is crucial.
Conclusion & next steps
Downloading Ledger Live from the official start page and following secure setup procedures gives you a powerful and safe way to manage crypto assets. The essential sequence is: download from a trusted source, install on desktop or mobile, initialize or restore your Ledger hardware device, secure your recovery phrase offline, and adopt on-device verification habits for all transactions.
Start with small test transactions to gain confidence, keep firmware and Ledger Live updated, and use advanced features like staking and integrations only after you’ve mastered the basics. With these practices, Ledger Live plus a Ledger hardware device forms a robust foundation for long-term custody and active use of cryptocurrency.