Welcome to Ledger Live — your bridge to secure self-custody
Ledger Live is the companion application for Ledger hardware wallets (like Ledger Nano S and Ledger Nano X). It is the trusted interface for managing accounts, sending and receiving cryptocurrencies, checking balances, and keeping firmware up to date. Ledger Live helps you take custody of your digital assets with a hardware-backed approach: private keys are generated and stored on your Ledger device, so your crypto security stays robust and tamper-resistant.
Download & install
Always download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website. Choose the correct version for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, or mobile). After downloading, install and launch Ledger Live. The app runs offline for most sensitive operations and connects to Ledger servers only when checking asset prices or network states, preserving privacy while giving you a smooth user experience.
Initialize your Ledger device
When you turn on a new Ledger Nano, you will create a PIN code and receive a 24-word recovery phrase (also called the seed phrase). This recovery phrase is the ultimate backup for your hardware wallet — write it down on the provided card and store it offline and securely. Never share your recovery phrase with anyone. Ledger staff and legitimate support services will never ask for your 24 words.
Connect Ledger Live and add accounts
Open Ledger Live and choose “Get Started” then “Set up new device” (or “Restore device” if you are recovering from a backup). Follow the guided flow: install Ledger Live Manager, allow browser/hardware permissions, and then add accounts for the cryptocurrencies you use. Ledger Live synchronizes with the blockchain network to display balances, transactions, and portfolio value in one place.
Sending & receiving crypto
Receiving is simple: click “Receive” in Ledger Live, choose the account, verify the address on your Ledger device, and share the address. For sending, enter the recipient address and amount, review fees, and confirm the transaction on your Ledger device. The on-device confirmation is vital — always verify addresses and amounts on the device’s screen to prevent phishing and man-in-the-middle attacks.
Firmware updates & security
Keep your Ledger firmware and Ledger Live up to date. Firmware updates include security patches and feature improvements. Ledger Live will notify you when an update is available — perform updates with caution and only while connected to a secure computer. If an update fails, follow Ledger’s official recovery instructions rather than trusting third-party advice.
Best practices for self-custody
- Never type or photograph your 24-word recovery phrase. Store it offline in multiple secure locations.
- Use a strong PIN and enable passphrase support if you want an extra layer of privacy.
- Verify official download URLs and check signatures when provided.
- Be cautious with browser extensions and dApps — always verify permissions and use Ledger’s on-device confirmations for signing.
Advanced use: staking, DeFi, and dApps
Ledger Live supports staking for selected assets, allowing you to earn rewards while keeping your keys secure. For interacting with DeFi and dApps, Ledger integrates with trusted third-party providers and WalletConnect. Always confirm contract interactions on-device and review the permissions requested by any dApp before approving.
Ledger Live is a powerful entry point to Web3, but the core of crypto security is your behavior: backups, device hygiene, and cautious interaction preserve your self-custody sovereignty.