Ledger Live — Official Getting Started (No Background)

A clear, step-by-step walkthrough to set up and begin using Ledger Live on desktop. This guide focuses on secure setup, account management, and best practices.

Overview

Ledger Live is a desktop application that lets you manage your hardware wallet, view balances, send and receive cryptocurrencies, and install device apps. This document walks you through the required preparations, the installation process, initial device setup, and essential security tips so you can start managing crypto assets safely.

What you need before you start

A compatible Ledger hardware device (Ledger Nano S, Nano S Plus, or Nano X).
A modern desktop computer running Windows 10/11, macOS 10.14+, or a recent Linux distribution.
A USB cable (or Bluetooth for Nano X) and a stable internet connection.
A secure, private space to write down your recovery phrase — do not store it on a computer or online.

Step 1 — Download and install Ledger Live

Download Ledger Live from the official source, then install the application.

Open your browser and visit the official Ledger download page.
Choose the correct desktop installer for your operating system and save the file.
Run the installer and follow on-screen instructions to complete installation.

Security tip: Always verify you downloaded Ledger Live from the official site and not from third-party links. Do not download installers from email links or random forums.

Step 2 — Launch Ledger Live and create a manager profile

Open Ledger Live. The application shows a welcome screen and prompts you to create or restore a device.

Select Get Started in Ledger Live.
When prompted, choose whether you have a new Ledger device or you want to restore an existing one using a recovery phrase.
Create a Ledger Live password — this secures the app on your computer but is not a substitute for your device passphrase or recovery phrase.

Note: Your Ledger device's PIN and recovery phrase are the core of your device security. The Ledger Live password protects only the local application profile.

Step 3 — Initialize your Ledger device

Follow the device prompts to set your PIN and record your recovery phrase. These steps happen on the hardware device itself — never using your computer to reveal or store the recovery phrase.

Connect the Ledger device to your computer with the USB cable (or pair via Bluetooth for Nano X).
On the device, choose to Set up as new device (unless restoring).
Create a PIN on the device using the physical buttons to confirm each digit.
Write down the recovery phrase (24 words) exactly as shown. Use a pen and recovery sheet; keep it offline and secure.

Do not: take a photo of the recovery phrase, type it in a note on your phone, or share it with anyone. Anyone with access to your recovery phrase can control your funds.

Step 4 — Connect Ledger Live with your device

After initializing the device, connect it to Ledger Live and grant the app permission to manage apps.

In Ledger Live, open the Manager tab.
Allow the app to access your device when the device shows the Allow Manager prompt.
Install the specific cryptocurrency apps you want to use (for example Bitcoin, Ethereum) directly from the Manager.

Each Ledger app consumes space on your device. You can remove and reinstall apps at any time without affecting your accounts or recovery phrase.

Step 5 — Add accounts and sync

With the necessary apps installed on your device, add accounts in Ledger Live to view balances and prepare transactions.

Navigate to the Accounts tab and click Add account.
Select the cryptocurrency and follow the on-screen prompts. Confirm any instructions on your device.
Ledger Live will synchronize account balances from the network. This may take a few moments depending on network speed and the number of accounts.

Using Ledger Live — Sending and receiving funds

Ledger Live provides simple flows for sending and receiving cryptocurrencies, but every transaction requires confirmation on the hardware device.

To receive: open the account, click Receive, select the currency and address, then verify the address on your device before sharing it.
To send: click Send, enter the recipient address and amount, then confirm the transaction details on your hardware device.

Always verify the full address on the device screen. Software can be compromised; the device display is the source of truth.

Important security practices

Keep your recovery phrase offline and in a secure location—consider a fireproof safe.
Do not share screenshots, photos, or typed copies of your recovery phrase.
Enable a passphrase (optional advanced feature) only if you understand how it works—losing the passphrase means losing access to funds.
Never install third-party firmware on your device. Only follow official Ledger instructions.
Update Ledger Live and your device firmware when official updates are available. Read release notes and confirm updates from the device display.

Troubleshooting

If Ledger Live doesn't detect your device or an operation fails:

Try a different USB cable or port.
Ensure the device is unlocked and showing the home screen.
Restart Ledger Live and your computer if necessary.
Make sure you have the latest Ledger Live version and device firmware (only after confirming the official update path).

If problems persist, consult official support channels. Do not share your recovery phrase with anyone who claims to be support.

Advanced features and integrations

Ledger Live supports portfolio tracking, staking for selected cryptocurrencies, and integrations with third-party dApps via the Ledger Connect or native apps. Explore these features only after completing a secure setup and understanding the risks.