Your step‑by‑step introduction to installing, using, and securing Ledger Live—the official app for managing your Ledger hardware wallet and all your crypto assets.
Ledger Live is the official companion application for Ledger hardware wallets (such as Nano S, Nano S Plus, Nano X, etc.). It provides a user-friendly interface where you can view your crypto balances, send & receive coins and tokens, manage your portfolio, stake certain assets, buy and swap crypto, and interact with decentralized apps (dApps) depending on compatibility. Crucially, your private keys remain stored on the Ledger device ‒ they never leave the secure chip. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Ledger Live is available for desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux) and mobile (iOS, Android). Whether you're at home or on the go, Ledger Live lets you keep track of your crypto assets securely. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
First, when your Ledger device arrives, carefully inspect the packaging. Make sure anti‑tamper seals are intact. Only purchase via an official or authorized retailer to avoid counterfeit devices. Never trust a device that looks damaged or opened. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
Turn the device on and go through its initial startup screens. If it asks for setup, choose whether to set it up as a new device or recover from an existing recovery phrase (seed) if you already have one. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
Go to the official Ledger website (ledger.com/ledger-live) and download the appropriate version for your system (Windows / macOS / Linux) or your mobile OS (iOS / Android). Always ensure you use the legitimate download link. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
Install the application by following the installer wizard. On mobile, download from the official app store. After installation, open Ledger Live. The app will guide you through initial setup: choosing device, language, etc. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
Ledger Live will ask you to verify your device is genuine. This is important so you're not using a fake product. You’ll be asked to connect the Ledger device to the computer or mobile, and then allow the app to perform a genuine check. Confirm on the device when prompted. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
If this is your first time: setup a new wallet, generate a recovery seed (24 words in most cases), write it down carefully and store it securely. If you already have a seed phrase, you can restore your wallet using that phrase. Remember: Ledger Live will never ask you for the seed phrase in software; it should only be entered physically on‑device during setup. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
After setup, in Ledger Live use the “Manager” or “Accounts” section to install apps on device for each coin you want to use (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum). The Ledger hardware wallet requires apps installed to manage specific coins. You can then add accounts for those coins inside Ledger Live to see balances and do transactions. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
Use Ledger Live’s Wallet tab (or equivalent) to generate receive addresses for each account. To send, set up transaction in Ledger Live, then confirm it on the Ledger device physically (checking that the address & amount are correct). Because the private key signing happens on the hardware device, even if a computer is compromised, your funds remain safe. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
The Wallet (or Accounts) section shows all your crypto accounts, their balances (in crypto & a fiat equivalent), transaction history, and portfolio value. You get a consolidated view in one place. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
Ledger Live offers charts and real‑time updates showing how your crypto holdings are performing. You can see historical performance, growth, token allocations, etc. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
Within Ledger Live, you can purchase crypto with fiat through supported third‑party providers (depending on region). You can also swap one asset for another directly inside the app without needing to move funds out. Selling (or off‑ramp) is also supported in many locations. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
If your cryptocurrencies support staking, Ledger Live allows you to delegate or stake directly from interface. You can view expected rewards, choose validators (depending on coin), and track your staking income. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
Ledger Live also gives you a way to view certain NFTs (particularly on supported networks), and some optional decentralized app interactions or services via “Discover” or similar sections. This allows safe exploration without compromising security. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
In settings you will find options like firmware updates, device settings, password locking for the app, enabling analytics or telemetry, etc. Also, Ledger Live allows you to enable or disable optional features, check for fake apps, verify authentic device, etc. :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}
If Ledger Live does not detect your hardware wallet:
If a transaction is failing or stuck:
Your Ledger device has limited internal memory. If you can’t install an app for a coin: