Ledger Live

Ledger Live™ — Download & Manage Your Crypto Portfolio Securely

A step-by-step desktop guide to downloading Ledger Live, onboarding your Ledger hardware wallet, managing multi-asset portfolios, executing secure transactions, and integrating with Web3 while keeping private keys offline.

Why Ledger Live?

Ledger Live is the official companion app for Ledger hardware wallets (such as Ledger Nano S Plus and Ledger Nano X). It provides a secure desktop interface to manage multiple cryptocurrency accounts, monitor real-time balances, perform swaps and staking operations, and connect to decentralized applications — all while ensuring private keys remain inside the Ledger device's secure element. For users who prioritize security while maintaining convenience, Ledger Live combines a friendly UX with hardware-backed cryptographic protection.

Download & verification

Only download Ledger Live from the official site (ledger.com/ledger-live) or verified app stores for mobile. Phishing websites often mimic official pages — always check the domain and SSL certificate before downloading.

Steps to download

  1. Open your browser and go to https://ledger.com/ledger-live.
  2. Select your platform (Windows, macOS, Linux) and download the installer.
  3. If you prefer mobile, go to Apple App Store or Google Play and search for Ledger Live.

Optional - Verify the checksum (advanced)

Advanced users may verify the SHA256 checksum published on the Ledger site against the downloaded installer. This ensures file integrity and protects against tampered installers on compromised mirrors.

Install & first run

Run the downloaded installer and follow OS prompts. During installation, grant Ledger Live permission to access USB devices when prompted — this allows Ledger Live to communicate with your hardware wallet.

  1. Install and launch Ledger Live.
  2. On first run, you’ll see options to set up a new device, restore a device, or use an existing device.
  3. Ledger Live may offer to update its internal components. Allow updates from official sources only.

Initialize & restore your Ledger device

Choose Set up as new if you have a brand-new Ledger device. Follow the device prompts to choose a PIN and write down the 24-word recovery phrase on the supplied recovery sheet. If you have an existing wallet, select Restore device and enter the recovery phrase directly on the Ledger device (never into Ledger Live or a website).

Important: The recovery phrase is the sole backup of your wallet. Do not store it digitally or photograph it. Consider using a metal backup plate for long-term durability against environmental damage.

Manage accounts & portfolio

Install blockchain apps on your device via the Manager tab inside Ledger Live (for example Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana). Then use Accounts → Add account to add blockchain-specific accounts to Ledger Live. Each account will sync balances and transaction history.

Portfolio view

The Portfolio screen consolidates all account balances and shows historical charts to track performance over time. Use tags and export functions to maintain records for bookkeeping and taxes.

Send & receive

Receiving crypto

  1. Select the account and click Receive.
  2. Ledger Live will display an address; always verify that the address matches the one shown on your Ledger device screen.
  3. Share the confirmed address to receive funds.

Sending crypto

  1. Click Send and enter the recipient address and amount.
  2. Review the transaction details and gas/fee estimates in Ledger Live.
  3. Confirm the transaction on the Ledger device. The device displays the exact recipient and amount — confirm these before approving.

Swap, buy & stake

Ledger Live integrates third-party providers so you can swap tokens, buy crypto with fiat, or stake supported assets. These actions use external services; Ledger Live acts as a secure interface, and cryptographic signing still occurs on-device.

  • Swaps: Compare rates between providers before swapping — providers charge fees and spread.
  • Buy with fiat: Different on-ramp providers have different KYC and regional availability.
  • Staking: Stake supported tokens directly in Ledger Live to earn rewards. Review lock-up periods and APY estimates.

Web3 integrations & connectors

Ledger Live supports secure connections to dApps and wallets. A common flow is using MetaMask configured to use Ledger for signing. WalletConnect is another option to connect Ledger-secured wallets to decentralized applications while keeping key signing on-device. When authorizing dApp transactions, always confirm the transaction details on your Ledger device screen.

Security: recovery phrase, passphrase & firmware

Recovery phrase

Your 24-word recovery phrase is the master key to all funds. Store it physically and securely. Do not enter it on a computer or provide it to anyone claiming to be support.

Passphrase (advanced)

An optional passphrase provides an extra layer of security by creating hidden wallets derived from the same seed. Use it only if you understand the additional responsibility: losing a passphrase means losing access permanently.

Firmware & app updates

Keep your Ledger device firmware and Ledger Live application up to date. Ledger publishes firmware updates for security improvements and additional coin support. When an update is available, Ledger Live will prompt you — follow on-device confirmations carefully to ensure authenticity.

Troubleshooting

Device not found

  • Try another USB cable or port; some cables are power-only and do not carry data.
  • Ensure the device is unlocked and on the home screen.
  • On macOS or Linux, confirm permissions for USB access.

Ledger Live crashing or freezing

Reinstall Ledger Live with the latest installer from the official site. Temporarily disable antivirus or security software that may block Ledger Live's USB driver.

Lost PIN

Entering the wrong PIN too many times may reset the device. Restore using your recovery phrase on any Ledger device or compatible wallet. This is why secure storage of the recovery phrase is essential.

FAQ

Is Ledger Live free?

Yes. Ledger Live is free to download and use. Third-party swap or on-ramp services integrated into the app may charge fees.

Can I use Ledger Live without a Ledger device?

No. Ledger Live is designed to be used with Ledger hardware wallets that hold private keys in a secure element. Some features, like viewing educational content, may be accessible, but signing transactions requires a device.

Can I use Ledger Live across multiple computers?

Yes. Install Ledger Live on multiple machines. You still must connect your Ledger device to sign transactions on each machine.

Resources & next steps

  • Official Ledger website: ledger.com for downloads, support, and firmware.
  • Ledger Academy for tutorials and video walkthroughs.
  • Community channels and verified support — always confirm authenticity.

Next steps: Download Ledger Live from the official site, follow the initial setup steps above, purchase a Ledger device from an authorized seller if you don't have one, and secure your recovery phrase before funding any account.