Ledger® Live Wallet – Getting Started™

A concise, practical walkthrough to download, set up, secure, and begin using Ledger Live with your Ledger hardware wallet.

1. Download & Install Ledger Live

Official source & recommended clients

Always download Ledger Live from Ledger’s official site. Choose the desktop or mobile client to match your device (Windows / macOS / Linux / iOS / Android). After download, run the installer and follow the interactive prompts to start the setup process.

Tip: official download page and signatures are published on Ledger's site — verify you are on ledger.com before installing.

Ledger Live (overview) Ledger Live — Download Ledger Live on Google Play Ledger Live on the App Store

2. Initial Setup: Hardware + Ledger Live

Initialize your Ledger device

Power up your Ledger device and follow on-screen prompts to set it up as a new device or restore from an existing recovery phrase. Ledger Live will guide you step-by-step to create accounts and install apps for each cryptocurrency you want to manage.

Quick steps

Connect device via USB or Bluetooth (Nano X).
Follow on-device PIN creation prompts — never skip a PIN.
Write down the recovery (seed) phrase exactly as shown — this is the only backup to restore funds.
Open Ledger Live and complete device pairing and account creation.

See device-specific setup guides on Ledger’s support center for Nano S, Nano X, and other models.

3. Security: Protecting your recovery phrase & passphrase

Fundamental rules

Never disclose your 24-word recovery phrase. Do not enter it into software, websites, or message threads. Prefer offline, physical storage (paper or metal backup) stored in a secure location such as a safe or safety deposit box.

Advanced option — passphrase

Ledger provides an optional passphrase (an extra word added to your seed) that creates separate wallet namespaces. Use a passphrase only if you understand the implications: lost passphrases = lost access.

Security alert: Fake Ledger apps and installers have been used in scams. Only download from Ledger's official site and app store pages; if any interface asks for your recovery phrase, it's a scam.

4. Using Ledger Live: features at a glance

Manage, buy, swap, stake

Ledger Live lets you manage accounts, send/receive crypto, buy and sell via integrated partners, swap tokens, and stake supported assets. Install coin-specific apps (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana) on your device via Ledger Live’s Manager.

Extensions & ecosystem

Ledger Live integrates with services like Ledger Recover (optional backup service) and other Ledger ecosystem features. Evaluate optional services carefully and store credentials securely.

5. Troubleshooting & official support

Where to get help

If you encounter install errors, device pairing issues, or suspect a security incident, consult Ledger’s support center and step-by-step knowledge base articles. Do not follow help from unverified social accounts or untrusted downloads.

Ledger Support Download & Install Ledger Live (support article) Set up Ledger Nano X (support) Restore accounts from recovery phrase Best safety practices

6. Quick checklist (before you transact)

Ready-to-send checklist

Downloaded Ledger Live only from ledger.com or official app stores.
Device PIN set and recovery phrase written and stored securely.
Device firmware up to date and apps installed via Ledger Live Manager.
Double-checked recipient address before confirming on the device.

Keeping the hardware device physically secure and the recovery phrase private gives you true self-custody — but with responsibility. If you’re unsure, consult official Ledger Support articles or the Ledger Academy for deeper explanations.