Ledger® Live — Getting Started

A complete beginner-friendly guide to installing, securing, and using the official Ledger Live® wallet application to manage your digital assets with confidence.

Introduction to Ledger Live®

Ledger Live® is the official companion application designed for Ledger hardware wallets. It allows users to manage, monitor, and grow their digital assets while keeping private keys safely stored offline. Whether you are new to cryptocurrency or an experienced holder, Ledger Live® provides a single, secure interface to interact with your crypto ecosystem.

Unlike web-based wallets or browser extensions, Ledger Live® works hand in hand with Ledger hardware devices to reduce exposure to online threats. Transactions must be physically confirmed on your device, adding a strong layer of protection against malware, phishing attempts, and unauthorized access.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started—from installation and setup to managing assets, adding accounts, and understanding essential security practices.

System Requirements and Compatibility

Before installing Ledger Live®, it is important to ensure that your system meets the basic requirements. The application is available for desktop and mobile platforms, allowing flexibility across devices.

Supported Platforms

For desktop use, a USB connection is required to connect your Ledger hardware wallet. Mobile users can connect using USB-C, Lightning, or Bluetooth depending on the device model.

Installing Ledger Live®

To begin, download Ledger Live® from the official Ledger website or your device’s app store. Avoid third-party download sources, as unofficial versions may contain malicious modifications.

Once downloaded, follow the on-screen installation instructions. The setup process is quick and requires no advanced technical knowledge. After installation, open the app and select your preferred language and region.

Ledger Live® will guide you through the next steps based on whether you are setting up a new device or connecting an existing one.

Setting Up Your Ledger Device

When launching Ledger Live® for the first time, you will be prompted to either initialize a new Ledger hardware wallet or restore an existing one using a recovery phrase.

New Device Setup

If you are setting up a new device, you will create a PIN code directly on the hardware wallet. This PIN protects your device from unauthorized physical access.

Next, the device will generate a recovery phrase—typically 24 words. This phrase is the only backup of your wallet and must be written down and stored offline in a secure location.

Restoring an Existing Wallet

If you already have a Ledger wallet, you can restore it by entering your recovery phrase directly on the device. Ledger Live® never asks for your recovery phrase, ensuring it remains private.

Understanding the Ledger Live® Dashboard

Once connected, the Ledger Live® dashboard provides a clear overview of your portfolio. You can view total balances, individual asset performance, and recent transactions at a glance.

The interface is designed to be intuitive, with clear navigation tabs for accounts, portfolio, send, receive, and settings. Everything is centralized to reduce complexity while maintaining strong security controls.

Adding Cryptocurrency Accounts

Ledger Live® does not automatically create accounts for every supported asset. Instead, users manually add accounts for the cryptocurrencies they wish to manage.

To add an account, install the corresponding app on your Ledger device using the Manager section in Ledger Live®. Once installed, you can create and synchronize the account with the app.

This modular approach keeps your device organized and ensures you only interact with assets you actively use.

Sending and Receiving Assets

Receiving assets is straightforward. Ledger Live® generates a receiving address, which must be verified on your hardware device before sharing it. This verification ensures the address has not been altered by malware.

When sending assets, Ledger Live® prepares the transaction, but final approval must be confirmed on the hardware wallet. This process guarantees that no transaction can occur without your physical consent.

Security Best Practices

Ledger Live® is designed with security in mind, but users play a crucial role in protecting their assets. Always keep your recovery phrase offline and never share it with anyone.

Be cautious of phishing emails, fake websites, or messages claiming to be from Ledger support. Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase or PIN.

Keeping your Ledger Live® application and device firmware up to date ensures access to the latest security enhancements and supported features.

Managing Updates and Settings

Ledger Live® notifies users when updates are available for the application or device firmware. Updates are installed through the app and verified on the hardware device.

The settings section allows you to customize display preferences, manage data privacy options, and enable additional features such as analytics or experimental tools.

Conclusion

Ledger Live® offers a powerful yet user-friendly way to manage digital assets securely. By combining an intuitive interface with hardware-based security, it provides peace of mind in an increasingly complex crypto landscape.

Whether you are holding long-term investments or actively managing multiple assets, Ledger Live® empowers you with full control over your crypto—without compromising safety.

By following best practices and understanding how the app works, you can confidently take your first steps into secure digital asset management.

Ledger® Live — Getting Started | official Ledger Wallet App