Why this guide?

Ledger Live is the official desktop and mobile app that connects to your Ledger hardware wallet and lets you manage your crypto, NFTs and DeFi activities from one place. This guide walks you through logging in (connecting your device), initial setup, common troubleshooting, best practices for security, and quick-start tasks like receiving and sending crypto.

Quick links (10 official Ledger resources)

Below are official Ledger pages you may want open while following this guide — downloads, step-by-step support articles, and learning resources.

Tip: Always download Ledger Live and firmware only from ledger.com or the official app stores listed on the Ledger site. Never share your recovery phrase with anyone.

Before you begin — hardware & security checklist

These steps ensure a safe setup:

• Unbox only devices bought from trusted sellers (manufacturer sealed).
• Never enter your 24-word recovery phrase in any app or website. Ledger never asks for it.
• Download Ledger Live from the official Ledger site or the official app stores. (Do not use random search-engine links.)
• Keep paper backups of your recovery phrase in a secure, offline place.

Security highlight: threat actors have distributed counterfeit Ledger apps in the past. If an app asks for your seed/recovery phrase, it's a scam—close the app immediately and verify sources.

Essential terminology (H3)

Ledger device: the physical hardware wallet (Nano S / Nano X, etc.).

Ledger Live: the app (desktop or mobile) that pairs with the device to manage accounts and transactions.

Recovery phrase (seed): your 24-word backup — the single ultimate key to restore funds. Keep it secret and offline.

Step 1 — Download & install Ledger Live

Visit the official Ledger Live download page and pick the correct installer for your OS. Ledger provides desktop (Windows/macOS/Linux) installers and mobile apps on official stores. After download, run the installer and open the app.

Official download & install instructions: Ledger's download page and install guides provide step-by-step installers for Windows/macOS/Linux. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Step 2 — Connect your Ledger device & initial setup

When Ledger Live launches it will ask whether you want to set up a new device or restore an existing one. Follow the prompts and connect your Ledger hardware via USB (or Bluetooth for some models like Nano X).

Set up as a new device (H3)

1. Choose your device model (e.g., Nano S Plus, Nano X).
2. Set a PIN directly on the device using the device buttons.
3. Write down the 24-word recovery phrase shown on the device screen — use the recovery sheet provided with the device.
4. Confirm a few words when prompted to ensure you copied them correctly.

Important: The recovery phrase is shown only on the device screen—not in Ledger Live. Ledger Live never asks you to type this phrase into the app or a website.

Official device setup walkthroughs (Nano X / Nano S) walk through these steps with screenshots and troubleshooting advice. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Step 3 — Add accounts in Ledger Live

After device initialization, Ledger Live will let you install currency-specific apps on the device and add accounts inside the Ledger Live interface. Accounts are how Ledger organizes addresses for Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.

How to add an account

1. Open Ledger Live → Manager and install the blockchain app you need (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum).
2. Go to Accounts → Add account and follow prompts—confirm actions on your device if requested.

Each blockchain may require its own app on the device. Installing an app does not expose your keys — they remain stored inside the secure element of your Ledger device. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Hitting common issues when adding accounts

• If Ledger Live says device not connected, reconnect USB, try a different cable or USB port, and ensure the device screen is unlocked.
• If an app fails to install, check for Ledger Live updates and device firmware updates (Ledger Live will prompt if needed).
• For Bluetooth connectivity (Nano X), enable Bluetooth on your phone and accept pairing prompts on the device carefully.

Logging in & authenticating transactions

There is no classic username/password for Ledger device authentication. Instead, you unlock the device with a PIN and verify transactions physically on the device — that's the core of how Ledger secures operations.

Signing a transaction — what to expect

1. Initiate a send in Ledger Live and fill in recipient and amount.
2. Ledger Live forms the unsigned transaction and asks the device to sign it.
3. Your device displays transaction details (amount, destination, fees). Carefully verify these on-screen.
4. Press the physical buttons to confirm—only then will the transaction be signed and broadcast.

If a transaction screen shows odd addresses or amounts you didn't expect, cancel immediately. Double-check the destination address's first and last characters on your device screen before approving.

Receiving your first crypto

Receiving crypto is safer when you always verify the receiving address on your Ledger device (not only the app).

Quick receive steps

1. Open Ledger Live → Accounts → Receive.
2. Select the account and currency, click Show address.
3. Ledger Live shows an address; the device will also display it. Verify the address on the device matches the app — confirm if correct.

Confirmation on the hardware device is required — this prevents malware on your computer from replacing addresses.

Restoring from a recovery phrase

If you need to restore a wallet (lost device or new device), choose the "Restore device" option during device initialization and enter the 24-word phrase into the hardware device. Do not type your recovery phrase into a phone or computer — only into the hardware wallet screen when restoring.

Never paste your recovery phrase into a website or an app. Ledger devices are designed to receive the phrase directly via their secure interface only.

When to restore

• Lost or damaged device and you have the recovery phrase.
• Replacing a device with a new Ledger model.

Troubleshooting common problems

Ledger Live won't open or crashes

• Ensure you downloaded the app from the official Ledger site and installed the correct OS package.
• Try reinstalling Ledger Live; keep a copy of your recovery phrase safe before any firmware updates.

App install fails

• Check for firmware updates in Ledger Live → Manager.
• Try a different USB cable/port and remove any intermediary USB hubs.

Detailed troubleshooting guides and support articles are available on Ledger’s support pages. If a problem persists, consult Ledger support pages and official tutorials. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Best practices & security tips (H2)

Do

• Keep your recovery phrase offline and never share it.
• Download Ledger Live and firmware updates only from ledger.com or the app stores linked there.
• Verify addresses on the device screen before approving transactions.
• Use a travel/dedicated safe for your recovery sheet and consider a metal backup for fire/water protection.

Don't

• Don't enter your seed phrase into any app, webpage, or chat.
• Don't trust unsolicited support messages, emails, or pop-ups asking for your phrase—Ledger will not ask for it.
• Don't use suspicious third-party installers or “patched” Ledger Live downloads.

Recent reports have documented counterfeit or fake Ledger apps being circulated to phish for recovery phrases. Only use official downloads and verify digital signatures where Ledger provides them. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Advanced features you can try later (H2)

• Staking: stake eligible assets directly through Ledger Live or connected partners.
• Swap & Buy: in-app integrations let you swap or buy crypto without exposing seeds to third parties.
• Manager: install/uninstall blockchain apps on your device to manage storage and add support for new blockchains.

Explore Ledger Academy for hands-on tutorials and short videos on these topics. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Example: How to install a blockchain app (short)

Recovery & what to do if something goes wrong

If your device is lost or damaged but you have the recovery phrase, get a new Ledger device (or compatible hardware wallet) and choose Restore device on setup. Use your 24-word phrase to regain access. If you suspect your recovery phrase has been exposed, move funds immediately by creating a new wallet and transferring assets to new addresses secured by a new seed.

If you believe your recovery phrase was ever entered into a computer/phone or shared, treat it as compromised and move funds right away from the compromised addresses.

When to contact support

• Hardware defects (buttons not responding, display broken)
• Firmware/Update errors that you can't resolve
• Potential security incidents — but never send your recovery phrase to support; Ledger support will never ask for it.

Summary — fast checklist

1. Buy genuine Ledger hardware from reputable sellers.
2. Download Ledger Live from the official Ledger download page. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
3. Set up device, write down the 24-word recovery phrase offline.
4. Install blockchain apps through Ledger Live → Manager and add accounts.
5. Always confirm addresses & transaction details on the device screen before approving.
6. If something seems suspicious (apps asking for seed, fake errors), stop and verify sources—do not share your recovery phrase. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Extra: Short FAQs (H5)

Q: Can Ledger Live be used without a Ledger device?
A: Ledger Live is designed to pair with a Ledger hardware wallet; certain features (portfolio tracking) may be used in read-only mode but sending/signing requires the device.

Q: What if I lose my 24-word phrase?
A: Without the recovery phrase, your funds cannot be recovered if the device is lost — so back it up securely.