Ledger® Live — Getting Started™

Overview

Ledger Live is the official companion app for Ledger hardware wallets (Ledger Nano S, Nano S Plus, Nano X). It provides a secure interface for managing cryptocurrencies while keeping private keys isolated on the hardware device. This "Getting Started" guide walks you through every step — from unboxing your device to sending your first transaction and exploring advanced features like staking and swaps.

Before you start — what you’ll need

A new Ledger hardware device (Nano S, Nano S Plus, or Nano X). Buy only from Ledger's official store or authorized resellers.
A computer (Windows, macOS, Linux) or a smartphone (iOS, Android) with internet access.
The latest version of Ledger Live (download from the official Ledger website).
A pen and the recovery sheet that came with your device to safely write and store your 24‑word recovery phrase.

Security tip: Never enter your recovery phrase into Ledger Live or any website. Your recovery phrase should only be written by hand and stored offline.

Step 1 — Download & install Ledger Live

Visit the official Ledger website and download Ledger Live for your platform. Verify the URL carefully to avoid phishing sites.
Install the application following on‑screen instructions.
Open Ledger Live and follow the initial setup wizard.

Ledger Live will ask whether you are setting up a new device or already have a recovery phrase. Choose the appropriate option.

Step 2 — Initialize your Ledger device

If your device is brand new, do the following:

Connect the Ledger device to your computer (or pair via Bluetooth for Nano X on mobile).
Choose Create a new device on the device when prompted.
Set a PIN code on the device. Choose a PIN you'll remember but that isn't easily guessable.
The device will generate a 24‑word recovery phrase. Write each word in order on the recovery sheet provided. Double‑check spelling and order.

Do not: take photos, type the words into a computer or phone, store them in cloud services, or share them with anyone.

Step 3 — Verify your recovery phrase

After writing down the 24 words, the device will ask you to confirm a few words to ensure you recorded them correctly. Only after successfully confirming will the device complete setup.

If you make a mistake, reset the device and repeat the initialization process.

Step 4 — Install blockchain apps on the device

Ledger devices use small blockchain-specific "apps" to support different coins (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.). Install apps using Ledger Live's Manager:

Open Ledger Live and go to the Manager tab.
Connect and unlock your Ledger device and allow manager access when prompted.
Search for the blockchain (e.g., Bitcoin) and click Install. Repeat for each asset you plan to use.

Note: Device storage is limited on some models. You can uninstall apps without losing funds — accounts are derived from your recovery phrase and reappear when you reinstall the app.

Step 5 — Add accounts in Ledger Live

Open the Accounts tab in Ledger Live.
Click Add account, choose the app you installed (e.g., Bitcoin), and follow the prompts to sync the account.
Repeat to add multiple accounts (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple).

Ledger Live will scan the blockchain for addresses associated with your accounts and show balances. Your private keys never leave the device.

Step 6 — Receiving funds

To receive crypto:

Select the account in Ledger Live and click Receive.
Connect and unlock your Ledger device; open the blockchain app if required.
Ledger Live will display an address and the device will show the same address. Confirm the address on the device screen before sharing it with the sender.

Always verify the full receiving address on the device to prevent address substitution attacks.

Step 7 — Sending funds

Open the account in Ledger Live and click Send.
Enter the recipient address and amount. Optionally choose a memo or tag if the network requires it.
Adjust the network fee based on how fast you want the transaction confirmed.
Click Continue. Review the transaction details on your Ledger device and approve to sign.

Tip: Send a small test amount first for unfamiliar addresses or services.

Step 8 — Using Swap & Buy features

Ledger Live integrates third‑party partners for buying crypto with fiat and swapping tokens:

Buy: Use integrated on‑ramps to purchase crypto via card, bank transfer or partner services.
Swap: Exchange tokens through liquidity providers without leaving Ledger Live.

Fees and availability vary by region and partner. Review partner terms before completing transactions.

Step 9 — Staking and Earn features

Ledger Live supports staking for multiple proof‑of‑stake networks. To stake:

Navigate to the Earn or Staking section.
Select the asset and choose a validator or staking option.
Confirm the delegation or stake on your Ledger device.

Understand unbonding periods, validator commissions, and lockup rules before staking.

Security checklist — essential practices

Buy devices only from Ledger's official store or authorized resellers.
Never reveal your recovery phrase. Ledger support will never ask for it.
Store your recovery sheet in a secure offline location (e.g., safe deposit box).
Keep firmware and Ledger Live updated from official sources only.
Verify addresses on the device screen before approving transactions.
Consider using a passphrase for advanced protection; store it securely if used.

Troubleshooting common issues

Device not detected

Try a different USB cable or port, ensure the device is unlocked, and check that you allowed the manager connection. On mobile, ensure Bluetooth permissions are granted for Nano X.

Apps won’t install

Device storage limits can prevent new app installs. Uninstall apps you don’t use (this does not delete funds). Update device firmware and Ledger Live and retry.

Recovery phrase lost

If you lose your recovery phrase and still have your device, create a new recovery backup immediately by resetting and re-initializing the device with a new phrase, then transfer funds to the new seed. If you have neither the device nor the recovery phrase, funds are irrecoverable.

Advanced topics

Using a passphrase

A passphrase acts as an additional word added to your recovery phrase. It creates a new set of accounts inaccessible without the passphrase. Passphrases increase security but add complexity: losing the passphrase means permanent loss of access to those accounts.

Using Ledger with third‑party wallets and dApps

Ledger can be used with compatible third‑party wallets and decentralized applications (dApps). When connecting, ensure the dApp is reputable and always verify signing requests on your device.

Business & Institutional options

Ledger offers enterprise-grade solutions for teams and organizations requiring shared custody, policy controls, and compliance features. Explore Ledger's business products for institutional workflows and supported integrations.

FAQ

Is Ledger Live free?

Yes. Ledger Live is free to download and use. Blockchain network fees and third‑party service fees may apply for transactions, swaps, and purchases.

Can I restore my wallet on another device?

Yes. Use your 24‑word recovery phrase to restore accounts on a new Ledger device or a compatible wallet that supports BIP39/BIP44 derivation standards.

Can I use Ledger Live without the hardware device?

Ledger Live offers a read‑only mode for some features, but signing transactions requires a Ledger device for full functionality and security.

Final checklist before you go

Device purchased from an authorized seller
Ledger Live installed and updated
Device initialized and recovery phrase securely written down
Apps for needed blockchains installed
Accounts added and balances synced
Small test transaction completed successfully