A practical, step-by-step presentation to get you set up, log in securely, and manage your crypto with Ledger Live and your Ledger hardware device.
Ledger Live is the desktop and mobile companion app for Ledger hardware wallets. It allows you to manage accounts, install apps on your device, send and receive crypto, and access add-on services (buy, swap, stake). The core security principle: private keys stay on your Ledger device — Ledger Live is the interface only.
Always download Ledger Live from Ledger’s official website or your device’s official app store. Never download from third-party links you don’t trust; scams mimic Ledger Live to steal seed phrases.
When you initialize a Ledger device it creates a recovery (24-word) phrase — this is the ONLY backup. Write the words physically, store securely offline and never share them. Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase.
Visit the official Ledger Live download page and choose your OS (Windows / macOS / Linux) or get the mobile app from the App Store / Google Play.
Install the app and launch it. On first run, the app will ask whether you already have a device or need a new one. Choose the option matching your situation.
If you have a new Ledger device follow the device prompts to create a PIN and record your recovery phrase. If restoring, pick the restore option and enter your recovery phrase on the device only — never in the computer.
Connect your Ledger device to your computer (USB or Bluetooth where supported). Open Ledger Live and choose Connect. You may need to allow Ledger Live to access USB on your OS.
Enter your device PIN on the Ledger itself. Ledger Live will then detect accounts on your device and sync balances.
You can optionally add a password to the desktop Ledger Live installation to prevent local access to the app UI. This is different from your device PIN and does not replace the recovery phrase.
In Ledger Live go to Accounts → Add account, select the cryptocurrency and add the account. Ledger Live reads public keys from the device — your private keys stay on the device.
Use the Manager in Ledger Live to install or update coin-specific apps (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana). Each coin app lets the device create and manage keys for that blockchain.
To receive, select the account in Ledger Live → Receive → verify the address shown on your device matches the address in the app. For sending, create a transaction in Ledger Live and confirm the details on your Ledger device before approving.
Advanced users can enable a passphrase (an extra secret added to the recovery phrase). This creates additional wallets derived from the same seed — powerful but easy to lock yourself out if not managed carefully.
Ledger offers optional services and recovery solutions; weigh convenience vs custody carefully and read the official documentation about how those services work.
Below are official Ledger resources you can open directly (colors added for clarity):
If you experience issues (device not detected, update failures, connection errors) consult the official support center and follow the steps: update Ledger Live, check the Manager, verify cable/port, and consult the specific support article for your device model.
Record it physically, keep it offline, and never type it into a website or app.
Verify signatures when possible and keep your OS free from suspicious software.
Never approve a transaction if the address or amount looks wrong.