Ledger Live | Getting Started

If you've decided to take control of your cryptocurrency by using a Ledger hardware wallet, you're on the right path to securing your digital assets. But owning the device is just the beginning. The real power of your Ledger device comes alive through Ledger Live — the official app that helps you manage your crypto securely and efficiently.

Whether you're using Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Stax, your journey starts with Ledger Live. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started, from downloading the app to adding your first crypto account.

What is Ledger Live?

Ledger Live is the companion application for all Ledger hardware wallets. It's where you install crypto apps, manage your portfolio, send and receive crypto, stake assets, and keep your firmware up to date — all in one secure interface.

It’s available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. Whether you're a beginner or experienced user, Ledger Live gives you full control of your funds with a smooth and secure user experience.

Step 1: Download Ledger Live

To get started, go to the official Ledger website or directly to Ledger.com/Start. From there, download Ledger Live for your operating system. Avoid downloading the app from unofficial sources or app stores that may list fake versions.

Once downloaded, install the application and open it. Ledger Live will guide you step by step from here.

Step 2: Set Up Your Device

When you launch Ledger Live for the first time, you’ll be asked whether you already have a Ledger device or are setting up a new one. Choose your device model and follow the on-screen instructions.

You’ll be guided to:

  • Set up a new wallet or restore an existing one
  • Choose a secure PIN
  • Write down your 24-word recovery phrase
  • Confirm your phrase on the device

Ledger Live makes this process simple while reinforcing security tips at each step.

Step 3: Verify Your Device

Security is essential. Ledger Live includes a built-in device verification step to confirm your Ledger wallet is genuine. This ensures the device hasn't been tampered with or replaced. If there’s any issue with authenticity, Ledger Live will warn you before you proceed.

Step 4: Install Apps

Each cryptocurrency you want to manage requires its own app to be installed on your Ledger device. Ledger Live makes this easy:

  1. Go to the “My Ledger” section within the app.
  2. Connect and unlock your device.
  3. Choose the apps you want to install — for Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.
  4. Confirm the installation on your Ledger device.

Apps take up space on your Ledger wallet, but you can uninstall and reinstall them without losing access to your funds — as long as your recovery phrase is safe.

Step 5: Add Crypto Accounts

Once the relevant apps are installed, go back to the “Accounts” tab in Ledger Live. Here, you can add accounts for each crypto you plan to manage.

Each account acts as a unique address for sending and receiving funds. You can label and organize them however you like. Ledger Live allows you to manage multiple assets and accounts with ease.

Step 6: Receive Funds

Now that your accounts are set up, you're ready to receive crypto. In Ledger Live, click “Receive,” choose the appropriate account, and connect your device. The app will display your wallet address, which you can share with others to receive funds.

You must verify the address on your Ledger device before sharing it. Ledger Live ensures the displayed address matches the one on your device — a critical security feature that prevents hackers from spoofing addresses.

Step 7: Send Funds

To send crypto:

  1. Click “Send” in Ledger Live
  2. Enter the recipient’s address, amount, and network fees
  3. Connect and unlock your Ledger device
  4. Confirm the transaction on your device

Ledger Live provides fee estimation tools and lets you choose between slow, medium, and fast options depending on how urgently you need the transaction processed.

Step 8: Monitor and Manage Your Portfolio

One of the best features of Ledger Live is the portfolio overview. You can:

  • Track your crypto balances and value over time
  • View market performance
  • Sort assets by category or network
  • Export transaction history for taxes

Whether you hold just Bitcoin or a wide range of tokens, Ledger Live gives you a bird’s eye view of your holdings — without ever compromising your private keys.

Step 9: Explore Advanced Features

Beyond basic storage, Ledger Live also supports:

  • Staking: Earn rewards on coins like Ethereum, Polkadot, and Tezos directly in the app.
  • Buy/Sell: Access third-party services to buy or sell crypto while still maintaining self-custody.
  • Swap: Exchange one crypto for another through integrated partners.
  • Discover: Access DeFi apps and dApps in a secure environment.

All of this happens within Ledger Live, without exposing your private keys or leaving the safety of your hardware wallet.