Get started with Ledger
Ledger hardware wallets pair with the Ledger Live application to give you a secure, private way to store and manage cryptocurrencies. Private keys remain offline on your device while Ledger Live offers portfolio tracking, transactions, staking, and app management.
This page walks you through each step from downloading Ledger Live to completing your first transaction — designed for beginners and experienced users who want a clear, secure setup process.
What you need
- A Ledger hardware device (Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, or compatible model)
- A modern computer or smartphone and internet connection
- Your 24-word recovery phrase (generated during setup) — write it down and store it safely
- Ledger Live app (desktop or mobile)
Download Ledger Live
Ledger Live is the official app to manage your Ledger device and crypto portfolio. Download official Ledger Live only from Ledger.com to avoid counterfeit apps.
Available platforms
- Desktop: Windows (64-bit), macOS (Intel & Apple Silicon), Linux (Debian/Ubuntu)
- Mobile: iOS (iPhone/iPad) and Android
Choose the version that matches your device. Ledger Live desktop supports the most advanced features; mobile is ideal for on-the-go portfolio checks and pairing via Bluetooth with Ledger Nano X.
Install & verify
- Visit https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live (official source).
- Download the correct installer for your system.
- Run the installer and follow on-screen prompts.
- Verify the app’s signature or checksum when available to ensure authenticity.
Set up your Ledger device
Follow the steps below to initialize your Ledger hardware wallet and link it to Ledger Live. These instructions assume a brand-new device.
Step 1 — Unbox and inspect
Ensure the box seal is intact and there are no signs of tampering. Ledger devices are shipped in secure packaging; if anything seems suspicious, contact Ledger support before proceeding.
Step 2 — Power & connect
Connect the device to your computer or pair via Bluetooth (Nano X). Follow the on-device prompts to begin setup.
Step 3 — Choose a PIN
Pick a 4–8 digit PIN (or longer if supported). This PIN unlocks the device locally; keep it secret and do not store it with your recovery phrase.
Step 4 — Write down your recovery phrase
The device will display a 24-word recovery phrase (sometimes 12 or 18 words for older models). Write these words exactly in the order shown on the provided recovery card. Do not store them digitally.
Step 5 — Verify the recovery phrase
The device will ask you to confirm certain words to ensure you recorded the phrase correctly. Only after verification is your wallet fully recoverable.
Step 6 — Add accounts in Ledger Live
Open Ledger Live, choose “Add account,” select the cryptocurrency, and follow prompts to install the corresponding app on your Ledger device. This synchronizes your accounts and displays balances (read-only until you approve transactions on the device).
Security — best practices
Ledger emphasizes security through hardware isolation and user education. These recommendations reduce the risk of loss.
Never share your 24-word recovery phrase
Ledger staff, partners, or support will never ask for your recovery phrase. Treat it like the key to a safe — physical, offline storage only (steel backup plates recommended).
Protect your PIN
A strong, unique PIN prevents someone with physical access from using your device. After several incorrect attempts the device will wipe — this is a designed safeguard.
Use official apps & firmware
Only install firmware updates and applications through Ledger Live. Verify updates come from Ledger and avoid unofficial connectors or third-party signing tools.
Consider a passphrase (25th word)
Advanced users can enable a passphrase (also called the 25th word) to create hidden wallets. This adds security but increases complexity — document processes carefully and understand recovery implications.
Manage crypto with Ledger Live
Ledger Live provides portfolio overview, sending & receiving, buying & swapping via partners, staking options, and app management for supported blockchains.
Receive crypto
In Ledger Live, choose Receive → select account → verify the receiving address on your Ledger device. Always confirm the address on the device’s screen before sending funds to it.
Send crypto
Create a transaction in Ledger Live, then confirm and sign it on your Ledger device. Transactions cannot be reversed, so double-check addresses and amounts.
Buy & Swap
Ledger Live integrates partner services for buying crypto with fiat and swapping between assets. These services are provided by third-party partners and may require additional KYC or fees.
Staking & earning
Some blockchains support staking through Ledger Live — lock assets to participate in network consensus and earn rewards. Ledger Live displays estimated rewards and staking steps for supported assets.
Backup, recovery & disaster planning
Your recovery phrase is the only reliable backup. Plan for loss, theft, and disaster.
Secure storage options
Use fireproof, waterproof storage solutions. Consider metal backup plates that resist fire and corrosion. Store copies in separate secure locations (safe deposit box, trusted family, or legal custodian) — avoid online storage.
Recovery process
If your Ledger device is lost or damaged, obtain a new Ledger device and choose "Restore from recovery phrase" during setup. Enter your 24 words exactly to regain access to your wallets and funds.
Test your recovery plan
Consider a "dry run" by restoring to a secondary device (with small amounts first) to ensure the recovery words were recorded correctly and accessible when needed.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website: https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live. Never download Ledger Live from unverified sources or third-party repositories.
No. Private keys remain on the Ledger device. Ledger Live communicates with the device to initiate transactions, which are signed on-device and never exposed to the computer or internet.
If you lose your recovery phrase and lose access to your device, your funds cannot be recovered. Always back up your recovery phrase securely and consider multiple secure copies.
Ledger devices isolate private keys from internet-connected devices, which significantly reduces attack vectors. Follow best practices (official apps, firmware updates, secure recovery storage) for maximum security.
Yes. Ledger can be used with many Web3 and DeFi apps via integrations (e.g., MetaMask with hardware wallet support). Always verify the dApp and use Ledger Live and device confirmations where possible.
Firmware updates are delivered via Ledger Live. During an update, follow on-screen instructions and verify the update on your device. Don't interrupt power during an update.
Troubleshooting & support
If you run into issues, use official channels and avoid sharing sensitive information.
Common issues
- Device not detected — try different USB cable/port or update OS drivers.
- Ledger Live shows zero balance — confirm the correct account and that apps for the coin are installed on the device.
- PIN blocked after failed attempts — follow device prompts; excessive failures may wipe the device (if set to do so).
Contact support
Use Ledger's official support pages and knowledge base. Never share your recovery phrase, PIN, or private keys with support — Ledger will never ask for them.
Ready to get started?
Download Ledger Live, initialize your Ledger device, and secure your recovery phrase — then you’re ready to manage your crypto with industry-leading hardware security.
Download Ledger Live