Quick overview
Ledger Live is the official desktop and mobile app provided by Ledger to manage supported cryptocurrencies, buy/swap, stake, and monitor your portfolio while keeping private keys on your hardware wallet. This guide walks you through downloading the app, initial device setup, the login (device connect + PIN), and the safety best practices to keep your funds secure.
1. Download Ledger Live (official)
Always download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website. Installing binaries from third-party sources risks fake apps that try to steal your recovery phrase. After download, verify signatures where provided (Ledger publishes binary signatures for extra safety).
Steps to download & verify
- Go to the official download page and select your OS (Windows / macOS / Linux / iOS / Android).
- Download the installer and, if you prefer, verify the file hash/signature published by Ledger.
- Install the app and open Ledger Live.
2. Getting started: initial setup & login
When you open Ledger Live for the first time, click Get started, choose your device (e.g., Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X), then either set up a new device or restore one from your recovery phrase. Follow the device's on-screen prompts. Your "login" occurs by unlocking your physical Ledger with your PIN and establishing a secure USB or Bluetooth connection — not by entering your recovery phrase into any app.
Login / Connect steps (concise)
1. Connect your Ledger device (USB or Bluetooth for Nano X).
2. Enter PIN on the physical device to unlock.
3. Open Ledger Live on desktop/mobile.
4. In Ledger Live, go to "My Ledger" or "Accounts" → Add account.
5. Approve the connection and app prompts on the hardware device screen.3. Recovery phrase: never enter it on a computer
Your 24-word recovery phrase is the single most sensitive secret. Ledger Live or Ledger's official apps will never ask you to type your recovery phrase. If any app, website, or support agent asks for your recovery phrase — treat it as a scam.
4. What coins & features does Ledger Live support?
Ledger Live supports a long list of cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, many ERC-20 tokens, and many others) and features such as sending/receiving, buy/sell/on-ramps, swap, and staking for select assets. If a specific coin isn’t available in Ledger Live, you can usually connect your Ledger to a supported third-party wallet.
5. Essential safety best practices (short checklist)
- Download Ledger Live only from the official site.
- Never share your 24-word recovery phrase or type it into any device other than the Ledger device during initial setup.
- Use a PIN and consider the Ledger Passphrase feature for advanced protection.
- Verify app signatures if you are tech-savvy and worried about tampered installers.
- Keep firmware and Ledger Live updated via official prompts.
6. Troubleshooting & extra tips
Spot fake apps and scams
Fake Ledger apps have been distributed in the wild. If something asks for your recovery phrase to "fix an error," it's fraudulent. Use Ledger’s support pages to verify official procedures.
Recovery Check & Restore
Ledger provides procedures to verify and restore your accounts using the recovery phrase on-device; use these official tools rather than third-party advice you find on unofficial forums.
Official Ledger links (10)
Use the links below — they point to Ledger’s official resources and support articles. Bookmark them and always prefer these over search results that might lead to fakes.
Official installer page for desktop and mobile.
Step-by-step onboarding instructions.
How to restore using your recovery phrase (official).
Full list of supported cryptocurrencies in Ledger Live.
How Ledger protects private keys and transactions.
Official hardware setup guide and resources.
Product overview and features page.
Binary signature and verification information.
Verify your recovery phrase on-device.
Ledger's official post on additional backup options.
Final thoughts
Ledger Live + a Ledger hardware device gives you a solid balance of convenience and security — provided you follow the golden rules: download only official software, never expose your recovery phrase, use a strong PIN, and keep firmware/app versions current. If you follow the guidance above and consult the official links, you’ll be well-positioned to manage crypto safely.