Ledger® Live — Getting started™ with Ledger | Live™

Download Ledger Live (Live™)

To get started, download Ledger Live from the official source: ledger.com/start. Choose the correct version for your platform (Windows, macOS, Linux, or the mobile app for iOS/Android). Installing Ledger Live from any other source increases the risk of tampered installers or phishing attacks.

1. Visit ledger.com/start and select your device model.
2. Download the desktop installer or open the App Store / Google Play link for mobile.
3. On desktop, optionally verify the cryptographic signature if you are familiar with signature verification; this helps ensure the package wasn't tampered with.

Security reminder: Ledger Live installers and firmware updates are distributed by Ledger and digitally signed. Verify sources and avoid third-party downloads.

Install and initial setup

Run the installer from the official site and launch Ledger Live. On first run you'll choose Get started, select your device, and either set up a new device or restore one.

1. Choose "Get started" and select your Ledger model.
2. Decide whether to set up as a new device or restore from an existing recovery phrase.
3. Create an optional Ledger Live application password — this secures local app data like account labels and preferences.
4. Enable auto-lock to reduce the risk of leaving the app unlocked on a shared computer.

Important: the Ledger Live application password is local to the app. It is different from your Ledger device PIN and your recovery phrase.

Ledger Live: Login vs Ledger device PIN

Understanding the distinction between the application login and the hardware PIN is crucial for secure operations.

• Ledger Live application password (Login): Optional password that encrypts local data (account labels, settings). It does not grant control over funds; reinstalling the app removes this password and local data, but does not affect wallets on the device.
• Ledger device PIN: Entered directly on your Ledger device to unlock it. Needed to authorize operations and sign transactions. Always use the device interface to enter your PIN — never type it into your computer or mobile keyboard.

If you forget your Ledger Live password, reinstall the app and re-add accounts by connecting your device; your funds remain safe as long as you have your recovery phrase and device.

Initializing your Ledger device

To set up a new device, power it on and follow on-device prompts. You'll select a PIN and be shown a 24-word recovery phrase.

1. Power on and choose "Set up as new device".
2. Set a secure PIN directly on the device using the buttons.
3. Write down the 24-word recovery phrase — in order — on the supplied recovery card or a secure steel backup. Do not photograph or store the phrase digitally.
4. Confirm the phrase on the device when prompted to finish setup.

Your recovery phrase is the sole backup of your keys. Keep it offline and in a secure location. Anyone with the phrase can control your funds.

Manager — Installing and updating apps

The Manager in Ledger Live installs blockchain apps onto your Ledger device. Each app supports a specific network (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.) and consumes storage on the device.

1. Open Ledger Live and go to Manager.
2. Connect and unlock your Ledger device so the Manager can interact with it.
3. Install the apps for the cryptocurrencies you want to use.
4. Apply firmware updates via Ledger Live when prompted to keep your device secure and compatible.

Uninstalling an app does not delete funds — accounts are derived from the seed and reappear after reinstalling the app and adding the account in Ledger Live.

Adding and managing accounts

Accounts are how Ledger Live groups addresses and balances for each currency. Add accounts after installing the relevant apps.

1. Navigate to Accounts → Add account.
2. Select the desired cryptocurrency and follow prompts. Ledger Live will sync addresses and history from the chain.
3. Label accounts for clarity and create multiple accounts per currency if needed.

If you remove an account from Ledger Live, funds remain on-chain. Re-add the account anytime by connecting the device and syncing addresses.

Staking, DeFi, and third-party integrations

Ledger Live supports certain staking options and integrations with third-party wallets and decentralized applications (dApps). When connecting to third-party services, keep private keys on-device and always verify any transaction directly on the Ledger device before approving.

• Staking options: Live™ may display staking options for supported assets like Tezos, Cosmos, and others.
• dApp connections: Use a bridge or approved integration and verify transactions on-device.
• DeFi risks: Understand smart contract interactions and permissions when using DeFi through third-party integrations.

Security best practices

• Never share your 24-word recovery phrase. Ledger never asks for it.
• Store seeds offline on paper or steel and consider geographically diverse backups for redundancy.
• Use a strong, unique Ledger Live password and enable auto-lock for the application.
• Keep firmware and Ledger Live updated through official channels only.
• Verify addresses and transaction details on-device to guard against malware.
• Beware phishing: always type ledger.com directly into your browser rather than clicking suspicious links in emails or messages.

Advanced topics

Passphrase — the 25th word

A passphrase is an optional extra secret that creates a separate wallet from the same 24-word seed. It offers enhanced privacy and security but increases recovery complexity — losing the passphrase means losing access to funds in that derived wallet.

Multi-device and multisig strategies

For users managing significant holdings consider multi-device setups or multisignature (multisig) wallets using compatible third-party solutions. These approaches can reduce single-point risk but require careful setup and understanding.

Troubleshooting & common issues

Device not detected

• Try a different USB cable and port — some cables are charge-only and won't transmit data.
• Unlock the device before connecting. Restart Ledger Live and your computer, and reinstall if necessary.
• On mobile, check Bluetooth permissions and pairing settings (Nano X).

Update failures

Firmware or app updates failing may indicate connection problems. Ensure the device remains connected, follow prompts in Ledger Live, and avoid interrupting updates. Seek support if issues persist.

Forgot Ledger Live password

Reinstalling Ledger Live clears local data and removes the application password. Your funds remain safe on the device and can be re-added by reconnecting and unlocking the Ledger device. The recovery phrase remains the ultimate backup.