Official Site® | Ledger Live® | Getting Started

Welcome to the official Ledger Live® onboarding hub. Here, you’ll find step‐by‐step guidance, security best practices, and feature highlights so you can get started confidently with managing your cryptocurrencies using Ledger’s trusted platform.

Ledger Live® is the secure desktop and mobile companion app for your Ledger hardware wallet. It enables you to manage assets, stake, swap, and monitor your portfolio without exposing your private keys.

1. Download & Install Ledger Live

To begin, visit the official Ledger website at ledger.com/ledger-live. Select the version compatible with your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, or Android).

After downloading, follow the installer prompts. The app will guide you through initial setup. Ensure you downloaded Ledger Live from the official source—avoid third‑party mirrors or links shared in unsolicited messages.

Tip: Always check the URL for ledger.com in your browser before proceeding. Bookmark this page as your trusted Ledger Live entry point.

2. Connect Your Ledger Device

Once Ledger Live is installed, plug in your Ledger hardware wallet via USB (or via Bluetooth if you have Nano X). The app will detect the device and prompt you to choose whether to initialize as new or restore from a backup.

Select “Initialize as new device” to set up a fresh wallet, or “Restore device” if you already have a 24‑word recovery phrase from a previous setup.

3. Set PIN & Generate Recovery Phrase

During setup, you'll create a PIN (typically 4 to 8 digits) that secures your device. This prevents unauthorized use if the device is lost or stolen.

Next, Ledger Live will display your 24‑word recovery phrase. This phrase is the single backup method for all your assets and must be stored securely.

Warning: Never store your recovery phrase digitally (on photos, cloud drives, notes apps). Write it on the provided recovery sheet and store it in a secure location. Ledger will never ask you for this phrase.

4. Install Blockchain Apps & Add Accounts

After setup, Ledger Live will show a list of supported blockchain “apps” (for example, Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana). You’ll install only those you need.

Once installed, add accounts matching your chosen blockchains. These accounts let you send, receive, and monitor balances within Ledger Live.

5. Send & Receive Crypto

To receive funds, open the account in Ledger Live, click “Receive,” and verify the address shown on your physical Ledger device. This ensures no address spoofing.

To send crypto, enter the recipient address and amount, then confirm the transaction on your device. All signing is done offline within your Ledger device for maximum security.

6. Staking & Earning Rewards

Ledger Live enables staking for supported cryptocurrencies directly through the app. You can earn passive rewards while your assets remain securely stored in your hardware wallet.

Supported staking networks may include Ethereum 2.0, Cosmos, Polkadot, Tezos, and more. Navigate to the asset in Ledger Live and click “Stake / Earn” to participate.

7. Explore Swaps & Integrations

Ledger Live includes integrated swap and exchange features via trusted partners. You can trade between assets without leaving the app, while transaction signing still happens on your device.

Additionally, there are integrations with DeFi platforms, NFT viewing, and advanced portfolio analytics—all accessible while protecting your keys off‑device.

8. Security Best Practices

Your security is paramount. Here are core guidelines to keep your crypto safe:

  • Always verify transaction details on your Ledger device screen.
  • Keep Ledger Live and your device firmware up to date.
  • Never share your 24‑word recovery phrase with anyone.
  • Use a strong, unique PIN for your device.
  • Consider using a passphrase (25th word) for extra protection (advanced users).

9. Handling Recovery & Device Reset

If your Ledger device is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can recover access through your 24‑word recovery phrase on a new Ledger device or compatible BIP‑39 wallet.

To reset and reuse your device, go to Settings > Reset Device, then reinitialize with your recovery phrase. Always confirm each word carefully and never skip verification.

10. New Features & Roadmap

🔄 Auto NFT Detection

Ledger Live now automatically surfaces your NFTs from supported chains—no manual additions required.

📊 Smart Portfolio Insights

Get visual charts that show your asset allocation, growth trends, and historical performance—all in one dashboard.

🔒 Optional Encrypted Cloud Sync

Sync non‑sensitive metadata such as balances or portfolio snapshots across devices—encrypted end to end.

⚙️ Plugin Marketplace

Discover third‑party integrations, DeFi tools, analytics plugins, and more—approved and reviewed for safety.

🌐 Web Ledger Live (Beta)

A browser‑based version of Ledger Live allowing you to access your portfolio securely from supported web browsers.

11. Frequently Asked Questions

What if I forget my PIN?

If you forget your PIN, you can reset the device and restore using your 24‑word recovery phrase.

Can Ledger Live lose my crypto?

No — Ledger Live never stores your funds. Your private keys remain secure in your Ledger hardware device.

Is Ledger Live free?

Yes, Ledger provides Ledger Live free of charge. Some partner services (swap, trading) may include fees imposed by third parties.

Are there mobile & desktop versions?

Yes — Ledger Live is available for iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux.

12. Tips for Smooth Use

Use a hardware wallet stand or cable that prevents strain on device ports, especially when frequently connecting. Label accounts logically (e.g. “Savings”, “Trading”) to avoid confusion. Regularly audit your holdings and transactions.

13. Community & Resources

Ledger maintains a comprehensive support center at support.ledger.com, including how‑to guides, community forums, and video tutorials.

Follow Ledger’s blog and social channels for announcements, security advisories, and feature releases.