A practical, security-first, step-by-step guide to safely download Ledger® Live, install it on desktop and mobile, set up your Ledger hardware wallet, add accounts, and perform your first transactions.
Overview
Ledger® Live is the official companion application for Ledger hardware wallets. It provides a secure local interface to view portfolio balances, add and manage accounts, prepare transactions, sign them on your Ledger device, install blockchain-specific apps, and update device firmware. The key security principle: private keys remain on the hardware device and signing always happens there — Ledger Live only prepares transactions and displays information.
Important: Your recovery phrase (seed) is the ultimate backup. Ledger Live will never ask you to type or reveal that phrase. If anyone asks for it, it's a scam. Keep the phrase offline and secure.
Before you download — preparation & safety checklist
Buy your Ledger device (e.g., Nano S Plus, Nano X) from an official Ledger store or authorized reseller.
Use a trusted, personal computer or a personal smartphone for setup; avoid public or shared machines.
Have a genuine USB cable (or Bluetooth for Nano X when pairing mobile) and a quiet, private workspace to write your recovery phrase.
Be ready to record the recovery phrase on the supplied recovery sheet or a durable metal backup plate — do not photograph or save it digitally.
Bookmark the official Ledger downloads/start page after typing it manually once to reduce phishing risk later.
How to download Ledger® Live (desktop & mobile)
Always download Ledger Live from Ledger's official website or the verified app stores. Typing the URL yourself reduces the chance of landing on a phishing mirror. Ledger typically offers installers for Windows (.exe), macOS (.dmg), and Linux (AppImage or package), plus mobile apps on the iOS App Store and Google Play.
Desktop
Open your browser and manually navigate to the official Ledger downloads/start page.
Choose the appropriate desktop installer for your operating system and download it.
Save the installer and, if available, the checksum or PGP signature files for optional verification.
Run the installer and follow system prompts to complete installation.
Mobile
Open the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android).
Search for Ledger Live and confirm the publisher is Ledger.
Install the app and allow only the permissions it needs (Bluetooth/USB for pairing).
Do not download Ledger Live from third-party sites, email attachments, or search results you cannot trust. Phishing and fake apps are common.
Optional: verify the installer (recommended for added safety)
When provided, verifying a checksum or PGP signature guards against tampered downloads. On many systems you can compute a SHA-256 checksum (for example sha256sum LedgerLiveSetup.exe) and compare it to the value on Ledger's site. If Ledger publishes PGP signatures, import Ledger's official signing key and verify the installer signature.
Verification is especially worthwhile if you're setting up a device that will secure large amounts of value — it reduces supply-chain attack risk.
Install and initial onboarding
After installing Ledger Live, launch it and follow the initial onboarding screens. Ledger Live walks you through the high-level options: create a new device, restore an existing device, or simply open the app to manage an already initialized device. You may choose settings for language, currency display, and optional data sharing/telemetry preferences.
On macOS Gatekeeper or Windows SmartScreen may warn about the new app — confirm you downloaded it from the official site before bypassing such warnings.
Setting up your Ledger device (new or restore)
Create a new wallet
Power on your Ledger device and select "Create a new device".
Choose a secure PIN using the device's buttons — never enter the PIN on your computer.
The device will display the recovery phrase (usually 24 words). Write the words down in order on the provided recovery sheet or a metal backup; double-check spelling and order.
Confirm the recovery phrase on the device when prompted to complete initialization.
Restore an existing wallet
Select "Restore from recovery phrase" on the device.
Enter each word using the device interface when prompted.
After restoration, connect to Ledger Live and add accounts to view balances derived from that seed.
Never type or photograph your recovery phrase on a computer or phone. If a party asks you for your recovery phrase (including "support"), it is malicious — do not share it.
Adding accounts and organizing assets in Ledger Live
Accounts in Ledger Live map to wallets derived from your device seed. To add an account, open Ledger Live, go to Accounts → Add account, pick the currency, connect and unlock the device, and open the corresponding app on the device. Ledger Live will scan for addresses and present accounts you can add and name for clarity.
You can create multiple accounts for the same currency to separate funds (savings, spending, trading). Removing Ledger Live does not delete funds — re-add accounts by reconnecting the device.
Receive & send: trusted on-device verification
Receiving
Select the account and click Receive in Ledger Live.
Open the matching app on your Ledger device when prompted.
Compare the address shown in Ledger Live with the address displayed on your Ledger device screen — they must match before sharing.
Sending
In Ledger Live click Send, enter the recipient address and amount.
Ledger Live prepares an unsigned transaction and sends it to the device for signing.
The device displays recipient address, amount, and fee — carefully verify these details on the device screen, then confirm physically to sign.
Clipboard malware and UI spoofing can alter addresses on the host. The device display is your sole trusted confirmation — never rely only on the computer screen or clipboard.
Firmware updates & app management
Ledger periodically releases firmware updates that improve security and add features. Use Ledger Live Manager to update firmware and to install or uninstall blockchain apps on your device. Always update only through official Ledger Live prompts and confirm each step on the device. Do not interrupt firmware updates.
Keep a secure copy of your recovery phrase before performing major updates in case you need to restore the device.
Essential security best practices
Download Ledger Live only from the official Ledger site and official app stores; bookmark the official download page after verifying it once.
Buy devices new from official channels and inspect packaging for tamper evidence.
Never share your recovery phrase; keep it offline on paper or metal backups in secure locations.
Use a non-obvious PIN and do not store the PIN with the recovery phrase.
Always verify addresses and transaction details on the device screen before approving.
Use a trusted machine; avoid public computers when managing funds.
If you plan to enable advanced features like passphrases or third-party dApps, understand how they change your recovery process and threat model before enabling.
Troubleshooting common issues
Device not detected: Try another genuine USB cable and port, avoid hubs, unlock the device before launching Ledger Live, and on Linux install the udev rules provided by Ledger.
Firmware update failed: Reconnect the device, restart Ledger Live, and follow official recovery steps; do not follow random forum instructions that ask for your recovery phrase.
Forgot PIN: After several incorrect attempts the device will wipe. Restore from your recovery phrase on a new device.
Lost recovery phrase: Without your recovery phrase, funds are irrecoverable. Back up your seed securely before using substantial amounts.
When contacting support, use official Ledger support channels and never share your recovery phrase with anyone — legitimate support will never ask for it.
Final checklist before using Ledger Live for real funds
Downloaded Ledger Live from the official source and, if desired, verified the installer.
Installed Ledger Live and connected your Ledger device with a genuine cable.
Initialized the device or restored from your recovery phrase; recorded the recovery phrase offline.
Added at least one account, received a small test transfer, and practiced sending a small amount.
Stored recovery backups securely (paper/metal) and planned geographic redundancy if needed.