Ledger® Live: Download | Getting Started™

The cryptocurrency market is rapidly evolving, and with that comes an urgent need for secure asset management. While exchanges make trading simple, they expose your funds to potential risks such as hacks and custodial failures. To ensure true ownership of your crypto, Ledger® offers a robust combination of hardware wallets and its companion app, Ledger Live®.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Ledger Live®—how to download it, set it up for the first time, and start managing your portfolio securely.

What Is Ledger Live®?

Ledger Live® is the official app developed by Ledger for managing digital assets. It pairs with Ledger’s hardware wallets, such as the Ledger Nano S Plus® and Ledger Nano X®, providing a secure, user-friendly interface for cryptocurrency holders.

Through Ledger Live, you can:

• Store crypto securely with your hardware wallet

• Send and receive transactions with full verification

• Buy and sell crypto through integrated providers

• Swap tokens directly within the app

• Stake supported assets like Ethereum, Solana, or Polkadot to earn rewards

• Track your portfolio performance in real time

• Manage NFTs on Ethereum and Polygon networks

What makes Ledger Live unique is that while it gives you flexibility, your private keys never leave your Ledger device, ensuring that you—not a third party—retain full control of your crypto.

Step 1: Download Ledger Live®

The first step is to download the application from the official Ledger website (ledger.com).

1. Visit the Download Ledger Live page.

2. Select the correct version for your operating system: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, or Android.

3. Install the app by following on-screen prompts.

⚠️ Important Tip: Never download Ledger Live from unofficial websites, app stores, or shared links. Fake apps are a common phishing method to steal user credentials and recovery phrases. Always verify you are on Ledger’s official site.

Step 2: Set Up Your Ledger Device

Before using Ledger Live, you’ll need to prepare your Ledger hardware wallet:

1. Unbox your device and confirm its authenticity (a new Ledger comes with tamper-proof packaging).

2. Turn on the wallet by connecting it via USB (Nano S Plus) or Bluetooth (Nano X).

3. Set a PIN code—this will be required every time you access your wallet.

4. Write down your recovery phrase—a unique 24-word seed phrase generated during setup. Store it securely offline.

🚨 Never share your recovery phrase. Anyone with access to it can take full control of your funds.

Step 3: Connect Ledger Live to Your Device

With both your device and the Ledger Live app ready:

1. Open Ledger Live on your computer or smartphone.

2. Select “Get Started” and choose your device model.

3. Connect your Ledger via USB or Bluetooth.

4. Let Ledger Live verify the authenticity of your device.

Once verified, Ledger Live will sync and allow you to begin adding accounts.

Step 4: Add Accounts in Ledger Live

Ledger Live supports hundreds of cryptocurrencies. To add one:

1. Go to “Accounts.”

2. Select “Add Account.”

3. Choose the cryptocurrency you want (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum).

4. Confirm on your Ledger device.

This creates a secure wallet account where you can start sending and receiving funds.

Step 5: Using Ledger Live Features

Once setup is complete, you can explore Ledger Live’s core features:

• Receive Crypto: Generate an address, verify it on your Ledger device, and share it safely.

• Send Crypto: Enter the recipient’s address, confirm transaction details, and approve on your device.

• Buy, Sell & Swap: Access partner services to buy with fiat, sell holdings, or swap tokens instantly.

• Staking: Stake supported cryptocurrencies directly within Ledger Live to earn passive rewards.

• NFT Management: Manage Ethereum and Polygon NFTs directly and view them in-app.

Every transaction requires device confirmation, ensuring no action is completed without your approval.

Security Advantages of Ledger Live®

Ledger Live is designed with security-first principles:

• Private keys never leave the hardware device.

• Transaction confirmation happens on the device screen to prevent phishing.

• Regular updates keep your app and device secure.

• Anti-phishing mechanisms ensure you only interact with legitimate software.

When combined with best practices, Ledger Live offers one of the most secure crypto management solutions available.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To maximize your security when getting started with Ledger Live:

1. Don’t download from unofficial sites. Always use Ledger.com.

2. Never share your 24-word recovery phrase. Not with Ledger, not with support, not with anyone.

3. Verify every transaction on your hardware device before approving.

4. Keep firmware updated to patch vulnerabilities.

5. Protect your device physically as you would a house key or safe password.

Why Choose Ledger Live Over Exchange Wallets?

Many beginners wonder why they should use Ledger Live instead of simply leaving funds on exchanges. The answer lies in self-custody:

• On exchanges: You don’t own your private keys, meaning your assets are at risk if the exchange is hacked or shuts down.

• With Ledger Live: You maintain full control, as keys remain offline on your hardware wallet. Even if Ledger Live were compromised, your funds remain safe.

This ownership and independence make Ledger Live a superior choice for long-term investors and active traders alike.

Final Thoughts

Ledger® Live: Download | Getting Started™ is your essential first step toward secure cryptocurrency management. By combining Ledger hardware wallets with Ledger Live’s intuitive interface, you gain both control and confidence over your digital wealth.

From buying and swapping to staking and managing NFTs, Ledger Live gives you all-in-one functionality while keeping your funds secure. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced trader, starting with Ledger Live ensures your crypto journey is built on security, ownership, and trust.