Ledger® Live: Download | Getting Started™ with Ledger®

Introduction to Ledger® Live

Ledger® Live is the official software application from Ledger, designed to be the central interface for users to manage their Ledger hardware wallets. Whether you’re storing Bitcoin, Ethereum, or hundreds of other digital assets, Ledger Live ensures secure, seamless, and user-friendly crypto management across both desktop and mobile platforms.

Downloading and getting started with Ledger Live is the first step toward taking full control of your crypto portfolio. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know—from downloading the app and connecting your Ledger device, to sending, receiving, buying, and staking crypto.

Why Choose Ledger Live?

Ledger Live is more than just a wallet management app—it’s a complete ecosystem for crypto users. Here’s why it stands out:

1. Security-First Design

All sensitive actions, such as signing transactions, occur on your Ledger hardware device—not on your computer or smartphone. This ensures that your private keys never leave the secure element inside your Ledger device.

2. All-in-One Crypto Manager

From buying and selling to swapping and staking, Ledger Live integrates a wide range of services under one interface. You don’t need multiple apps or websites to manage your digital assets.

3. Cross-Platform Availability

Ledger Live is available on:

Desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux)
Mobile (iOS and Android)

Step-by-Step: Downloading Ledger Live

1. Visit the Official Ledger Website

Always download Ledger Live from the official website:
👉 https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live

Avoid third-party websites to prevent installing malicious or fake software.

2. Choose Your Platform

Click the “Download” button that corresponds with your operating system:

Windows
macOS
Linux
Or use the App Store / Google Play for mobile.

3. Install the Application

For Windows/macOS: Open the downloaded .exe or .dmg file and follow on-screen instructions.
For Linux: You may need to set permissions and run the file using terminal commands.
For Mobile: Install directly from the App Store or Google Play.

Note: Ensure your computer has the latest drivers and firmware updates for compatibility with Ledger Live.

Setting Up Ledger Live

After installing Ledger Live, you can begin the setup process. Here’s how:

1. Launch the App

Open Ledger Live on your device and choose the following options:

Get Started
Select your device: Ledger Nano X, Ledger Nano S Plus, or Ledger Nano S

2. Initialize or Restore Your Device

You’ll be prompted with two options:

Set up as new device (for first-time users)
Restore from recovery phrase (if you have a backup from a previous device)

3. Security Checklist

Ledger Live will walk you through a quick checklist to ensure you’re using a genuine Ledger device:

Confirm that you purchased it from the official source
Device screen shows “Welcome to Ledger”
Run a genuine check via USB/Bluetooth

4. Connect Your Ledger Device

Plug in your Ledger device via USB or connect via Bluetooth (Nano X only on mobile). Follow instructions to pair it with the Ledger Live app.

Creating or Importing a Wallet

1. Create a New Wallet

Choose Set up as a new device on your Ledger device
Follow instructions to generate a 24-word recovery phrase
Write down your recovery phrase on the provided sheet and store it in a safe place
Set a secure PIN

2. Restore a Wallet

Choose Restore from recovery phrase
Enter your existing 24-word phrase
Set a new PIN

Once your wallet is initialized or restored, you're ready to manage your assets.

Adding Accounts in Ledger Live

1. Go to the “Accounts” Tab

Click “Accounts” and then “Add Account”

2. Select a Crypto Asset

Pick from supported assets like:

Bitcoin (BTC)
Ethereum (ETH)
Solana (SOL)
Polygon (MATIC)
+5000 other tokens

3. Synchronize with Device

Your Ledger device will ask for confirmation. Once verified, Ledger Live will scan and add your account.

Sending and Receiving Crypto

Receiving:

Click “Receive” from the main dashboard.
Select your account and connect your Ledger device.
The app will display your public address.
Confirm the address shown on your device matches the one in the app.

Tip: Always verify the address on your hardware screen to avoid scams or tampering.

Sending:

Click “Send”
Enter recipient address, amount, and network fees
Confirm details on your Ledger device
Click Send to broadcast the transaction

Buying Crypto in Ledger Live

Ledger Live allows you to purchase crypto directly via integrated partners such as:

MoonPay
Ramp
Banxa
Transak

How to Buy:

Go to the Buy/Sell tab
Choose the crypto and amount
Select payment method (card, bank transfer, etc.)
Enter wallet address and confirm
Funds will be deposited to your Ledger account once confirmed

Swapping Crypto

With Ledger Live’s swap feature, you can easily convert one crypto asset into another.

How to Swap:

Click the Swap tab
Choose the crypto pair (e.g., BTC → ETH)
Confirm the amount and wallet address
Verify details on your Ledger device
The exchange will process and deposit new coins

Staking in Ledger Live

Ledger Live allows users to stake and earn rewards directly within the app.

Supported Assets Include:

Ethereum (ETH)
Tezos (XTZ)
Cosmos (ATOM)
Polkadot (DOT)
Algorand (ALGO)

Steps to Stake:

Click Earn Rewards or navigate to your account
Select Stake and the amount
Choose a validator (optional)
Confirm and sign the staking transaction using your device

You’ll start earning passive rewards, which can be tracked from your dashboard.

Managing Your Portfolio

The Portfolio tab provides an overview of:

Total balance
Individual asset performance
Charts (daily, weekly, monthly)
History of transactions

Use this section to keep tabs on your portfolio’s value and performance over time.

Security Tips for Ledger Live Users

✅ Always Verify URLs

Only use https://www.ledger.com to download or access Ledger Live.

✅ Enable Password Lock

Set a password to protect Ledger Live on your desktop/mobile app.

✅ Keep Firmware Up to Date

Ledger frequently releases updates to improve security and compatibility.

✅ Backup Your Recovery Phrase

Your 24-word recovery phrase is the only way to recover your crypto if your device is lost or stolen.

❌ Never Share Your Recovery Phrase

Not even with Ledger support. Ledger will never ask for it.

Ledger Live Mobile App Features

The mobile version of Ledger Live offers similar functionality to the desktop app, including:

Real-time portfolio tracking
Bluetooth pairing with Ledger Nano X
Buy, swap, and stake crypto
Push notifications for transactions

Great for managing your portfolio on-the-go.

Advanced Features in Ledger Live

1. Custom Transaction Fees

Advanced users can set manual gas/fee options for networks like Ethereum or Bitcoin.

2. Ledger Live Developer Mode

Activate this mode to access experimental features, primarily useful for developers and advanced users.

3. Third-Party DApp Integration

Ledger Live now supports integration with DApps like:

Lido (ETH staking)
Paraswap (DeFi swap aggregator)
WalletConnect-based DApps

Troubleshooting & Support

If you run into any issues:

Visit Ledger Support
Use the Help tab in Ledger Live
Join the Ledger Community

Common issues:

Device not detected: Check cable, drivers, or USB port
App not syncing: Update app and clear cache
Firmware update failed: Retry with a different port or system

Conclusion

Ledger Live simplifies the way you interact with your Ledger hardware wallet. From setup to staking, it provides a streamlined experience with the highest level of security in mind. Whether you're a crypto newbie or a seasoned investor, Ledger Live empowers you to manage your digital assets with confidence.

Download Ledger Live today and start taking full control of your crypto journey with the trusted security of Ledger®.