Ledger Live | Getting Started — Ledger® Official Guide
Getting started with Ledger Live marks the beginning of an empowered and secure experience in managing digital assets. Designed by Ledger®, the world’s premier provider of hardware wallets, Ledger Live is your gateway to controlling, growing, and protecting your crypto portfolio. This guide gives you a full, step-by-step walkthrough—from downloading the app and setting up your device to advanced features, security tips, staking, and managing NFTs.
1. What Is Ledger Live?
Ledger Live is the official desktop and mobile application that pairs with Ledger® hardware wallets—such as the Nano S Plus® and Nano X®—to provide a secure and intuitive interface for managing cryptocurrency. It is not a standalone wallet; instead, it interfaces seamlessly with your device, enabling you to:
- Initialize your hardware wallet
- Install and manage crypto apps
- Send, receive, buy, sell, and swap assets
- Stake supported tokens
- Track portfolios in real time
- View and manage NFTs
- Connect securely to DeFi and Web3 applications
Every critical action—like sending crypto or confirming a swap—must be physically authorized on your hardware device, ensuring that private keys always remain offline and secure.
2. Why Choose Ledger Live?
A host of features make Ledger Live the ideal choice for crypto users focused on security, control, and simplicity:
- Hardware-backed security: No online exposure of private keys
- Self-custody: You alone control your assets—no third-party custodians
- Multi-asset support: Over 5,000 coins and tokens
- Streamlined user experience: Modern interface and guided workflows
- Integrated services: Buy, sell, swap, stake, and track in one app
- NFT & DeFi compatible: Access blockchain ecosystems safely
Ledger Live puts you at the center of your crypto experience—safe, confident, and fully empowered.
3. Step-by-Step Setup Guide
3.1 Buy the Right Ledger® Device
Choose between the Nano S Plus® (ideal for everyday use) or the Nano X® (with Bluetooth, larger app capacity). Always purchase directly from the official Ledger site or authorized retailer to avoid tampered hardware.
3.2 Download Ledger Live
Access Ledger Live via the official Ledger start portal. Download the version compatible with your operating system—available on desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux) and mobile (iOS, Android). Make sure you always download from official sources for safety.
3.3 Initialize Your Hardware Wallet
Launch Ledger Live and select Set up a new device. Follow the prompts:
- Power on and connect the Ledger device
- Set a secure PIN code (4–8 digits)
- Write down your 24-word recovery phrase (the sole backup for your wallet)
- Confirm your recovery phrase
Important: Keep the recovery phrase offline, private, and never share it.
3.4 Install Cryptocurrency Apps
Use the Manager tab in Ledger Live to install the necessary apps for each cryptocurrency you plan to manage—Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.
3.5 Add Accounts and Begin
In the Accounts section, add an account for each asset. Ledger Live will prompt you to confirm account creation on your hardware device. After adding, Ledger Live displays your address and balance, allowing you to send, receive, and monitor activity.
4. Core Features Overview
4.1 Send and Receive Crypto
- Receive: Select account → Click "Receive" → Copy the address → Verify it on the device → Share the address securely
- Send: Click "Send" → Enter address and amount → Verify details on the device → Confirm transaction
Every step requires confirmation on your hardware wallet to prevent unauthorized transfers.
4.2 Buy, Sell & Swap
Ledger Live integrates with trusted third-party partners for in-app purchases, sales, and token swaps between supported cryptocurrencies. All operations require hardware confirmation, ensuring security without compromising convenience.
4.3 Portfolio Tracking
Your Portfolio tab offers a real-time view of account balances, historical performance charts, and asset allocation breakdowns—helping you stay informed and make strategic decisions.
4.4 Staking
Stake supported tokens like Ethereum (ETH), Polkadot (DOT), Tezos (XTZ), Cosmos (ATOM), and Tron (TRX). Ledger Live shows real-time rewards and schedule information, letting you earn while keeping funds safe.
4.5 NFT Manager
Support for Ethereum and Polygon NFTs allows you to view, send, and receive NFT collectibles within a secure environment—without exposing private keys to external or browser-based wallets.
4.6 DeFi & Web3 Access
Through WalletConnect, Ledger Live can connect safely to decentralized finance platforms, allowing you to interact with DApps like Uniswap, Aave, Compound, and OpenSea while keeping private keys offline.
5. Advanced Use Cases
5.1 Passphrase Protection
Advanced users can enable a passphrase (word 25), i.e., an optional 25th word to create hidden wallets. This improves privacy and serves as a decoy for authorized access. Requires careful handling and backup procedures.
5.2 Firmware & App Updates
Ledger Live notifies users about firmware or app updates. It’s essential to keep both your device firmware and Ledger Live up to date to ensure access to latest security patches and features.
5.3 Practice Mode
Ledger Live includes a practice mode for test transactions or guided workflows without risking real funds—ideal for those new to hardware wallet workflows.
6. Security Best Practices
- Never share your 24-word recovery phrase—not with anyone.
- Always verify transaction details on your device before confirming.
- Only download Ledger Live from the official site.
- Keep firmware and the app updated to patch vulnerabilities.
- Beware phishing attempts—Ledger will never contact you with unsolicited requests.
- Store recovery phrase offline in a secure location, preferably in multiple fireproof backups.
7. Troubleshooting & Support
Ledger offers extensive support through:
- Help Center: in-depth guides and video tutorials
- Community Forum: peer-to-peer help and discussion
- Live Chat & Support Tickets: for device or account-specific issues
Always initiate support requests through official channels and never respond to unsolicited contact.
8. Restoring Your Wallet
If your device is lost or damaged and you have your recovery phrase:
- Purchase another Ledger hardware wallet
- Choose Restore device during setup
- Input your 24-word phrase
- Install apps and add accounts in Ledger Live
Your funds are always safe—as long as your recovery phrase remains secure.
9. Final Thoughts
Ledger Live, backed by the security of Ledger hardware wallets, offers a full-featured and exceptionally secure platform for managing digital assets. By combining ease of use with state-of-the-art protection, it brings the power of self-custody to everyone—from beginners to advanced users exploring staking, NFTs, and DeFi.
With Ledger Live, you gain:
- ✅ Security you can trust
- ✅ Control you deserve
- ✅ Versatility in managing real-world crypto use cases
- ✅ Peace of mind in every transaction
Take charge of your crypto journey today. Start securely with Ledger Live and unlock the future of digital finan