Ledger Live is the official desktop & mobile application for managing cryptocurrencies from a Ledger hardware wallet. It provides a secure interface to create accounts, install apps on your device, check balances, receive/send assets, and interact with supported blockchains and dApps. This guide focuses on logging in, initial setup, and basic troubleshooting for new users.
Tip: Never share your 24‑word recovery phrase. Ledger Support will never ask for it.
1. Open the Ledger downloads page and choose the correct installer for your operating system. 2. Run the installer and follow the on‑screen instructions. 3. When prompted, allow necessary permissions (installer may ask to write to Applications/Program Files).
Search for "Ledger Live" in the App Store or Google Play and install the official app by Ledger.
On first launch, Ledger Live displays an introductory wizard. You will be asked whether you already have a Ledger device or need to buy one. Choose the appropriate option and proceed.
If your device is brand new: follow the on‑device prompts to set a PIN and write down the 24‑word recovery phrase. If you already have a device: choose the "Restore device" option and enter the recovery phrase on the device only.
Choose a PIN with at least 4 digits (most use 6+). Do not use obvious sequences like 1234 or your birthday. If you enter the PIN incorrectly too many times the device will wipe itself — this is a security feature tied to the recovery phrase.
Write your recovery phrase on the card provided or a dedicated metal backup. Store it in a safe place, ideally in two geographically separated locations. Treat this phrase like the keys to your funds — anyone with it can access your assets.
Connect your Ledger device to your computer via USB (or pair via Bluetooth on Nano X). Ledger Live will detect your device and may prompt you to "Allow" or "Unlock" the device. Unlock it with your PIN.
On the device, confirm that you trust the computer when asked. Only press "Allow" when you are sure the computer is yours and Ledger Live was launched intentionally.
Accounts in Ledger Live are software instances linked to on‑device keys. You can add accounts for Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and many other blockchains. Adding an account does not move funds — it derives the public addresses from your recovery phrase.
Accounts in Ledger Live only show balances and build transactions. The private keys never leave the Ledger device — transactions must be confirmed on‑device.
To receive funds: In Ledger Live, open the account > Receive > Connect your device and confirm the receive address shown on the device screen. Always verify that the address displayed on your computer matches the one on your device before sharing.
To send funds: Choose Send > enter recipient address > choose amount > validate and confirm on your Ledger device. The device signs the transaction and sends it — the private key never leaves the hardware.
Ledger Live displays recommended fees for supported networks. For Ethereum and similar chains, you can choose between network speed presets; higher fees usually mean faster confirmation. For advanced users, choose a custom fee if you understand how mempool dynamics work.
Ledger Live integrates with partners for staking, swaps, and token exchanges. These are partner services; read the terms before using. Always confirm operations on the device itself.
To connect to decentralized apps, use Ledger Live or browser extensions that support Ledger. When a dApp requests a signature, review the message carefully on your device before approving.
Keep Ledger Live and your device firmware up to date. Ledger releases security and compatibility updates periodically. Ledger Live will notify you of available updates; always install them from the official app when prompted.
Periodically verify that your recovery phrase can restore an account — but never input your phrase into a computer or phone except on the Ledger device during a genuine restore. Consider performing a test restore on a spare device if you have one.
— Try a different USB cable or port. — Ensure the device is unlocked with PIN. — Restart Ledger Live and your computer.
— Check Ledger Live Manager for compatibility and available space on the device. Remove unused apps to free space. Never install third‑party firmware.
— For pending transactions, check the network explorer with the transaction hash. — For failed transactions, confirm you used the right network and sufficient fees.
A passphrase is an optional extra word or phrase added to your recovery phrase to create additional sub‑wallets (hidden wallets). It provides plausible deniability but must be remembered — losing the passphrase means losing access to the derived accounts.
Use a passphrase if you want extra separation between holdings or increased security. It is an advanced feature — understand the tradeoffs before enabling it.
Use this small HTML snippet to link to the official Ledger Live download page from a website or blog.
<a href="https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live" class="ledger-link" target="_blank">Download Ledger Live</a>Style links using the .ledger-link class to match page colors. Avoid linking to third‑party mirrors.