Ledger Live is the companion app that securely pairs with Ledger hardware wallets to manage cryptocurrencies. It is the bridge between your devices (where private keys live) and the blockchain. With Ledger Live you can view balances, add or hide accounts, check transaction history, sign transactions on-device, install blockchain apps, stake supported assets, and use integrated swap/buy services while keeping your private keys offline on the hardware wallet.
Tip: The most important security property is that your private keys never leave your Ledger device. Ledger Live prepares transactions but the signature step happens only on the device display — that’s your trusted source of truth.
Download & verify Ledger Live
Always download Ledger Live from the official source. Typing the URL manually or using a trusted bookmark is the safest way to avoid phishing sites. Ledger typically offers desktop installers for Windows (.exe), macOS (.dmg), and Linux (AppImage or distribution packages), plus mobile apps on iOS and Android stores.
Desktop steps
Open your web browser and manually navigate to the official Ledger website.
Choose the Ledger Live downloads page and select your OS.
Download the installer. If checksums or PGP signatures are provided, verify them.
Run the installer only if verification succeeds and you are certain it's the official site.
Mobile steps
Open the App Store or Google Play and search for "Ledger Live".
Confirm the app developer/publisher is the official Ledger organization.
Install the app and grant only the permissions it needs (Bluetooth/USB for device pairing).
Warning: Never download Ledger Live from third-party app stores, untrusted mirror sites, or follow attachments from unsolicited emails. Phishing apps and websites are a major source of credential theft.
Install & initial onboarding
Once installed, Ledger Live walks you through basic preferences and the device connection flow. On desktop you may need to grant USB access; on Linux you might add a udev rule so non-root users can connect. On macOS, Gatekeeper may ask you to confirm the app is allowed — verify the source first.
Set up your Ledger device (new or restore)
Create a new device: power it on, choose a PIN on-device, and write down the recovery phrase exactly as shown — on paper or a metal backup plate (never digitally).
Restore an existing wallet: choose the restore option on the hardware device and enter your recovery phrase directly on-device; do not type it into Ledger Live or any website.
Tip: When writing your recovery phrase, use a quiet place and double-check each word. Some people use two separate physical storage locations for redundancy (e.g., safe + bank safety deposit).
Accounts & balances — organizing your funds
In Ledger Live, an "account" represents a derived wallet for a given cryptocurrency. Add accounts by choosing a currency (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.) and opening the matching app on your Ledger device when prompted. Ledger Live will scan the blockchain to show your balances and history for that account.
You can add multiple accounts for the same currency to separate funds (e.g., Savings / Spending).
Accounts are derived from your recovery seed — uninstalling apps or reinstalling Ledger Live will not delete funds as long as you retain your recovery phrase.
Naming accounts clearly helps when you manage many addresses — e.g., “BTC — Cold Storage” vs “ETH — DeFi”.
Receive & send crypto — the secure flow
Receiving
In Ledger Live select the account and click Receive.
Open the corresponding app on your Ledger device when asked.
Ledger Live displays an address and so does the device — verify that both match before sharing the address.
Sending
Click Send, enter the recipient address and amount in Ledger Live.
Ledger Live prepares the transaction and asks you to confirm on-device.
On the Ledger device screen verify the recipient address, amount, and fee, then physically confirm to sign. The signed transaction is broadcast from Ledger Live.
Never rely solely on your computer’s clipboard for addresses — clipboard malware can swap addresses. The hardware device's display is the only trusted confirmation.
Firmware updates & app management
Firmware updates patch security issues and add features. Ledger Live's Manager tab handles firmware updates and installs/removes blockchain apps on your device. Always follow on-screen instructions carefully and never reveal your recovery phrase during an update.
Tip: Do not interrupt the device during a firmware update. If an update fails, reconnect and follow the official recovery steps provided by Ledger support documentation.
Security best practices
Recovery phrase protection: Keep it offline. Consider metal backups for fire/water resistance.
Use a PIN: Never reuse an obvious PIN; don't store it with your recovery phrase.
Passphrase caution: An optional passphrase provides an extra hidden wallet but is unrecoverable without exact input — only use if you understand the risks.
Trusted devices: Use Ledger Live on machines you control. Avoid public or shared PCs for critical operations.
Beware phishing: Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase; verify domain names and double-check emails.
FAQ & quick troubleshooting
Q: Ledger Live can't detect my device.
A: Try another USB cable or port, avoid hubs, unlock the device first. On Linux ensure udev rules are installed. Restarting Ledger Live or the computer often helps.
Q: I lost my Ledger device — how can I recover funds?
A: If you have your recovery phrase you can restore on another Ledger device or a compatible wallet. Without the recovery phrase, funds cannot be recovered.
Q: Ledger Live is asking for my recovery phrase.
A: This is a scam. Close the app, disconnect, and never enter your recovery phrase into a computer or provide it to anyone.