Getting Started — Overview
What is Ledger® Live?
Ledger® Live is the official desktop & mobile application used to manage your Ledger hardware device and crypto assets. It provides account management, secure transaction signing, portfolio view, and firmware updates in a single interface — while keeping your private keys safely on your device.
Step 1 — Install Ledger® Live
Download and verify
Always download Ledger® Live from Ledger’s official site. After downloading, verify the installer checksums where available and follow the on-screen installer prompts.
- Windows / macOS / Linux installers available
- Mobile apps available on official app stores
Step 2 — Open & Login
Connect your Ledger® device
Plug your Ledger® hardware wallet into your computer or pair via Bluetooth (if supported). On the device, enter your PIN to unlock. In Ledger® Live, choose "Manager" to detect the device and start setup.
Step 3 — Create or Restore
New device vs. recovery
If this is a new device, follow prompts to create a new wallet and write down your 24-word recovery phrase on the provided recovery sheet. If restoring, choose "Restore device" and enter your recovery phrase carefully.
Step 4 — Backup & Safety
Keep your recovery phrase offline
Your 24-word recovery phrase is the single backup for your funds. Never share it, never store it digitally, and never enter it into websites or apps. If lost, funds cannot be recovered without it.
Security-first checklist
- Only use official Ledger® websites and apps.
- Never share your PIN or recovery phrase.
- Enable Ledger® Live’s passphrase and auto-lock features if you need extra protection.
Step 5 — Sending & Receiving
Use Ledger® Live to generate receive addresses and verify them on your device. When sending, always confirm recipient address and amounts on the device screen before confirming the transaction in the app.
Need help?
Ledger’s official support and documentation cover onboarding, troubleshooting, and advanced topics such as custom derivation paths, passphrase use, and restoring on alternative wallets.