Overview

Ledger Live is the official companion app for Ledger hardware wallets, giving you a secure interface to manage cryptocurrency accounts, send & receive funds, and interact with DeFi and NFT services. This guide walks through installation, first-run configuration, security tips, and advanced options to help both new and experienced users.

What you'll get

  • 1
    Secure hardware integration: Pair your Ledger device and manage accounts.
  • 2
    Portfolio view: See holdings across assets and accounts.
  • 3
    Built-in buy/swap: Access on-ramps and swaps (region-dependent).
  • 4
    App catalog: Install blockchain apps on your Ledger device.

Before you start

Checklist and prerequisites to ensure a smooth install.

  • Hardware wallet: Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, or another supported Ledger device.
  • Recovery phrase: Your 24-word phrase if restoring (keep offline and private).
  • Computer or mobile device: Supported OS and internet connection.
  • USB cable / Bluetooth: USB-C / micro-USB or Bluetooth for Nano X.

Security brief

Always verify downloads from the official Ledger website and check signatures if available. Avoid installers from third-party sites. Consider using a dedicated device for your crypto activities.

Download & Install

Install Ledger Live on desktop or mobile. Follow the platform-specific steps below.

Desktop (Windows / macOS / Linux)

  1. Open your browser and go to ledger.com/ledger-live (verify URL carefully).
  2. Choose the correct OS and click Download. For macOS prefer the Apple-signed package when offered.
  3. Verify the checksum or signature if you are security-conscious (Ledger publishes checksums for releases).
  4. Run the installer and follow on-screen steps. On macOS you may need to allow installation in Security & Privacy settings.
# Example (Linux/macOS)
shasum -a 256 Ledger-Live-linux-x64.AppImage
# Compare the output with the checksum published on the Ledger website

Troubleshooting install issues

  • Installer won't open: check system Gatekeeper / SmartScreen settings.
  • App shows outdated version: uninstall older app first, then reinstall.
  • Permission errors: install as admin or use correct user permissions.

Mobile (iOS / Android)

  1. Open App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android) and search for Ledger Live.
  2. Install the official app published by Ledger.
  3. On Android, grant Bluetooth and location permissions if using Nano X over Bluetooth.
  4. Open the app to begin first-run setup.

First Run — Create or Restore your wallet

On first launch, Ledger Live guides you to pair your Ledger device and either create a new wallet or restore one from your recovery phrase.

Create a new device

  1. Choose Create a new device inside Ledger Live.
  2. Follow on-device prompts to set a PIN. Choose a strong PIN — 4 to 8 digits or longer if supported.
  3. Write down the 24-word recovery phrase exactly in order — use the recovery sheet provided with your device. Store this offline, in a safe place; never digitalize it.

Restore an existing wallet

  1. Choose Restore device from recovery phrase.
  2. Enter the 24 words when prompted by the device (not into Ledger Live!).
  3. Set your PIN and complete device initialization.
Security reminder: Ledger Live will never ask you to share your recovery phrase. If an app or support agent asks for it, it's a scam.

Familiarize yourself with the main tabs and features inside Ledger Live.

Accounts

Accounts show your balances per crypto asset and let you send/receive. Each account corresponds to a derivation path on your Ledger device.

Portfolio

Portfolio presents a consolidated view of your holdings' value, historical charts, and distributions by asset type.

Manager

Install blockchain apps (like Bitcoin, Ethereum) onto your Ledger device via the Manager. The device must be connected and unlocked to install apps.

Discover (Apps & Services)

Ledger Live includes a catalog of third-party integrations (swap providers, dapps, NFT galleries). Carefully review permissions before connecting.

Notifications & Settings

Enable update notifications for Ledger Live and firmware updates. Review Privacy and Data-Sharing options in Settings.

Security Best Practices

Security is the most important aspect. Follow these concrete steps to minimize risks.

  • Recovery phrase offline: Always keep the recovery phrase offline and physically secure.
  • Firmware & app updates: Keep device firmware and Ledger Live up to date to receive security fixes.
  • Check device screens: Always verify addresses on the Ledger device screen before approving a transaction.
  • Use passphrases carefully: Passphrases add security but introduce risk if lost — consider them for advanced users only.
  • Phishing vigilance: Never click links in unsolicited messages; verify websites and browser extensions.

Advanced: Multisig & Passphrase

Ledger supports advanced setups like multisig wallets via partner integrations (e.g., Electrum, Sparrow). Passphrases can create “hidden” wallets — handle with extreme care.

Advanced Setup

Custom Derivation Paths

If you're restoring accounts from other wallets, you may need to specify derivation paths. Ledger Live offers common defaults but advanced users can configure custom settings.

Connecting to a full node

For maximum trust-minimization, connect Ledger Live to your own full node (Bitcoin, Ethereum). This reduces reliance on public servers.

Using third-party tools

Power users can combine Ledger device security with desktop apps like Electrum (Bitcoin) or MetaMask (with Ledger hardware integration) for broader functionality.

Troubleshooting

Device not detected

  • Try different USB cable / port. Use original cable where possible.
  • Disable other wallet apps or applications that might grab USB access.
  • On macOS, ensure Ledger Live has necessary permissions; on Linux check udev rules.

Sync issues

  • Re-open Ledger Live and reconnect device.
  • Check Ledger Live status page for service outages.
  • If a specific currency shows wrong balance, remove and re-add the account (it will re-sync).

Firmware update failed

Do not unplug the device during an update. If an update fails, follow Ledger's recovery steps on their official site. If in doubt, contact official Ledger support (never share recovery phrase).

FAQ

Q: Can Ledger Live manage NFTs?
A: Yes — Ledger Live provides NFT viewing for certain chains and interacts with NFT marketplaces through integrations. For full functionality, you may need a browser wallet + Ledger integration.
Q: Is Ledger Live free?
A: Yes — Ledger Live is free to download and use. Transaction fees are charged by networks or third-party providers (buy/sell/swap).
Q: What if I lose my Ledger device?
A: If you have your recovery phrase, you can restore funds on a new Ledger device or compatible wallet. If you lose both device and recovery phrase, funds are irrecoverable.

Resources & Further Reading

  • Official Ledger documentation and support.
  • Community guides for multisig and full-node setups.
  • Security audits and best practices from reputable crypto security firms.