Introduction — why Ledger Live matters
Ledger® Live is the official desktop and mobile application that pairs with Ledger hardware wallets (Nano S Plus, Nano X, and others). Its purpose is simple but crucial: let you interact with your coins while keeping private keys inside the hardware device. Ledger Live provides onboarding, firmware updates, app management, account viewing, transaction sending/receiving, and integrations such as swaps and staking — all while ensuring that every sensitive cryptographic action is authorized on your Ledger device.
What you’ll find in this guide
This guide walks you through: downloading and verifying Ledger Live, initializing or restoring a device, the login model (why your hardware is your login), installing coin apps, sending & receiving safely, backup strategies, firmware updates, security best practices, troubleshooting, and advanced tips for confident users.
Step 0 — quick safety checklist
- Download Ledger Live only from
ledger.com/start. - Use a trusted computer or phone — avoid public machines for critical steps.
- Have a pen and the recovery sheet ready; never photograph the seed.
- Ledger support will never ask for your recovery phrase or PIN.
Step 1 — download and verify Ledger Live
Open a browser and navigate to ledger.com/start. Choose the installer for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux) or download the mobile app from official stores. For higher assurance, verify the installer checksum if provided. Install the application and launch Ledger Live. The app will present the onboarding flow when you first open it.
Step 2 — connect your Ledger device
Connect your Ledger hardware wallet via USB (or Bluetooth for Nano X on mobile). Ledger Live will detect the device and ask whether you want to set up a new device or restore an existing wallet. If it’s new, choose to create a new device; if you have an existing recovery phrase, choose restore.
New device: generate recovery phrase
During setup the device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase (some configurations may use 12 words, but 24 is standard). Write the words in order on the supplied recovery sheet. Store that sheet in a secure, offline location — a safe, safety deposit box, or a metal backup for durability. Never store the seed digitally (photos, cloud, notes). Ledger Live will prompt you to confirm certain words as part of the verification flow.
Restore: enter your existing phrase on-device
If restoring, use the device’s input method to enter your existing recovery words — never type the full seed into your computer. Entering on-device minimizes exposure to keyloggers or malicious host software.
Step 3 — set a PIN
After recording the seed, the device will ask you to create a PIN. The PIN prevents unauthorized local access if someone obtains the device. Choose a PIN that is memorable for you but not obvious (avoid birthdays, repeated numbers). If you forget the PIN, use your recovery phrase to restore on another device.
Logging in — Ledger device is your login
Ledger Live does not use a username/password login. Instead, access to your accounts is gated by possession of your Ledger device and knowledge of its PIN. To “log in”:
- Open Ledger Live on your computer or phone.
- Connect and unlock your Ledger device by entering the PIN on the device.
- Ledger Live will then synchronize account data and display your portfolio.
This login model is powerful: even if someone gains remote access to your computer, they cannot sign transactions without the physical device and the PIN.
Step 4 — install coin apps & add accounts
Within Ledger Live, open the Manager tab. Connect and unlock your device and approve the "Allow Ledger Manager" prompt. Install coin apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) required for the blockchains you use. After installing an app, add the corresponding account under the Accounts section to view balances and transaction history. Installing apps does not expose private keys — it enables the device to derive and sign for those chains.
Receiving crypto — verify on-device
To receive funds, generate a receiving address in Ledger Live. IMPORTANT: verify the exact same address is shown on your Ledger device screen before sharing it. Malware can alter addresses displayed in software, so the device screen is the final authority.
Sending crypto — approve on-device
Create a transaction in Ledger Live and review the summary. The device will display the final transaction details — recipient address, amount, and fee. Confirm that what you see on the device matches your intent, then approve by physically interacting with the device. Never approve transactions where the on-device details do not match.
Firmware & app updates
Keep Ledger Live and your device firmware up to date. Ledger releases updates to fix vulnerabilities and improve features. Perform firmware and app updates only via Ledger Live and always confirm updates on the device screen. Avoid third-party firmware or unofficial installers.
Backup strategies — durability & redundancy
Your recovery phrase is the canonical backup. For long-term safety consider:
- Using metal seed backup plates to resist fire, water, and aging.
- Keeping copies in separate secure locations (home safe, bank vault).
- Minimizing digital exposure — no photos, no cloud backups.
Balance redundancy with exposure: more copies reduce single-point risk but increase the number of locations that must be secured.
Security best practices
- Always download Ledger Live from
ledger.com/start. - Verify addresses and transaction details on the device display, not just in the app.
- Never share your recovery phrase, PIN, or passphrase. Ledger support will never ask for them.
- Use trusted, updated devices and avoid public Wi-Fi for high-value transactions.
- Test new services with small transactions before moving large sums.
Optional advanced: passphrase (hidden wallets)
Ledger devices support an optional passphrase that acts as an extra secret (like a 25th word). It creates a hidden wallet separate from your standard accounts. Passphrases provide extra security or plausible deniability, but losing the passphrase makes that hidden wallet unrecoverable. Use passphrases only if you can securely manage an additional secret.
Troubleshooting common issues
Device not recognized: Try a different USB cable/port and ensure the device is unlocked.
Bluetooth pairing (Nano X): Re-pair in the OS Bluetooth settings and Ledger Live mobile settings.
Firmware update failed: Restart Ledger Live and the device; if persistent, consult official support.
Forgot PIN: Recover your wallet on a new device using the recovery phrase.
Advanced tips for confident users
- Consider using a dedicated machine for high-value operations to reduce attack surface.
- For very large holdings, explore multisig setups (distributing keys across multiple devices/parties).
- Regularly review third-party integrations and revoke access when not in use.
- Keep a plan for inheritance that explains how trusted persons can recover funds without exposing seeds unnecessarily.
Final thoughts — owning your keys responsibly
Ledger Live together with a Ledger hardware wallet gives you a secure path to self-custody. Its login model — physical device + PIN — minimizes remote attack risk while enabling a practical user experience. The safety of this model relies on habits: keep firmware and software current, protect and store your recovery phrase offline, verify everything on-device, and be cautious with third-party services. With these practices in place, Ledger Live becomes a reliable control plane for long-term crypto custody.
Ready to start? Download Ledger Live from the official start page and follow the guided onboarding inside the app.
Download Ledger Live — ledger.com/start