Ledger® Live — Getting Started with Ledger

Official companion app for Ledger hardware wallets — setup, manage, buy/sell, stake, and secure your assets.
Keep private keys on-device • Verify official downloads • Confirm on-device

Welcome — quick overview

Ledger Live is the official desktop and mobile application that pairs with Ledger hardware wallets. It provides a secure, user-friendly interface to manage accounts, send and receive crypto, buy/sell through integrated partners, stake supported assets, and update device firmware — all while keeping your private keys safely inside your Ledger hardware device. This guide will walk you through the full getting-started flow and share practical security advice and ten official Ledger links you should bookmark.

1. What you need before you begin

Gather your Ledger device (Nano S Plus, Nano X, or other supported model), the official USB cable, a computer or mobile device, a private workspace, and a reliable method to write down and store your recovery phrase. Avoid taking photos of the seed and do not store it digitally. Consider a metal backup for long-term durability.

Authenticity & supply-chain safety

Buy Ledger devices only from the official shop or authorized resellers. Inspect packaging for tamper evidence and verify order numbers. If anything looks suspicious, stop and contact official Ledger support before connecting the device.

2. Install Ledger Live

Download Ledger Live from the official page linked above. Install the desktop or mobile app that matches your device. Ledger Live guides you through device initialization and app installation; avoid third-party installers or clones.

Verification tip

For higher assurance workflows you can verify installer checksums or signatures when available. For most users downloading directly from ledger.com and bookmarking the page is sufficient to reduce phishing risk.

3. Initialize your Ledger device — step-by-step

  1. Open Ledger Live and choose “Get started”.
  2. Connect your Ledger device and follow on-screen prompts.
  3. Create a new wallet (or restore from recovery phrase if migrating).
  4. Write down the recovery phrase exactly as shown on-device — this is the only way to recover your funds if the device is lost.
  5. Set a device PIN to protect access to the hardware.
  6. Install the apps for the coins you plan to manage using Ledger Live.

Why the recovery phrase matters

The recovery phrase (seed) is the master key for your accounts. Anyone with the seed can restore your wallet and access funds. Keep it offline and secure. Ledger staff or legitimate support will never ask for your seed — treat it as the single most sensitive secret you own.

4. Add accounts & perform a test transaction

After installing the required coin apps on your device through Ledger Live, add accounts for each asset. Always start with a small test receive and send to verify the end-to-end flow. Confirm that the receive address displayed in Ledger Live matches the address shown on your device before sharing it with an external sender.

Transaction verification checklist

  • Verify full destination address on-device before approving.
  • Check network selection and fees in Ledger Live.
  • Use small test amounts before larger transfers.

5. Buy, sell, swap, and stake in Ledger Live

Ledger Live integrates trusted partner services for buying, selling, and swapping assets. Partners vary by region and may require KYC. Ledger Live also supports staking for certain assets — the app shows estimated rewards and validator info. Review fees, slippage, and partner terms before transacting.

Staking considerations

Staking rules vary by asset (lockup periods, unbonding times). Keep these rules in mind when delegating funds. Ledger Live surfaces validator information — choose delegations carefully and monitor rewards.

6. Firmware & app updates

Keep Ledger Live and your device firmware up to date. Updates are digitally signed and delivered via Ledger Live. Only apply updates from the official Ledger Live interface. If an update fails, retry using a different cable/port or consult support; do not follow unofficial "fixes" that request your seed.

7. Troubleshooting common issues

If Ledger Live does not detect your device, try a different USB cable (data-capable), change ports, restart the app, or try another computer. For web flows, ensure Bridge is installed and running. Check the Ledger status page if you see service-related errors.

Quick troubleshooting steps

  • Swap the USB cable or try another USB port.
  • Restart Ledger Live and the host device.
  • Install/restart Ledger Bridge for web connectivity if needed.
  • Consult official Support if the issue persists.

8. Advanced & power-user workflows

Advanced users can use PSBT workflows for air-gapped signing, integrate Ledger with a full node, register hardware wallets in multi-sig setups, and manage passphrase-protected hidden wallets. These workflows increase security and complexity — test thoroughly and document recovery steps.

Passphrase warning

A passphrase adds an extra secret and can create hidden wallets. If you lose the passphrase you lose access to funds in that hidden wallet — use passphrases only when you understand the trade-offs.

9. Ten official Ledger links to bookmark

Always use official Ledger resources for downloads, support, and documentation — bookmark these:

10. Final checklist & ongoing hygiene

  • Always download Ledger Live from ledger.com and bookmark official pages.
  • Never enter your recovery phrase into a website or share it with anyone.
  • Use a hardware wallet for custody of significant sums; consider cold storage for long-term holdings.
  • Keep firmware and Ledger Live updated and verify update prompts.
  • Use passphrases and advanced features only with full understanding of recovery implications.

Prepared as a comprehensive, landing-style getting-started guide for Ledger Live and Ledger hardware devices. For device-specific or account-specific support, always use the official Support link above.