Ledger® Live | Getting Started
Welcome to your journey into secure and seamless crypto asset management with Ledger® Live. This comprehensive guide is designed to help you understand the basics and get started quickly with the Ledger® Live app, the official companion to Ledger hardware wallets like the Ledger Nano X and Ledger Nano S Plus. Whether you're new to crypto or just new to Ledger, this step-by-step overview ensures your setup is smooth, secure, and fully optimized.
What Is Ledger® Live?
Ledger® Live is a powerful, all-in-one platform for managing your digital assets. Paired with a Ledger hardware wallet, it offers military-grade security while allowing you to interact with your crypto holdings conveniently on desktop or mobile.
You can buy, sell, send, receive, stake, and track crypto directly through the app—all while keeping your private keys safe inside your Ledger device, never exposed to the internet.
Why Use Ledger® Live?
- Secure Wallet Interface
- Supports 5,500+ coins and tokens
- Stake and earn passive rewards
- Manage NFTs (Ethereum & Polygon)
- Real-time portfolio tracking
- Buy and swap crypto via trusted partners
- Mobile & desktop compatibility
Ledger® Live puts you in control—safely, simply, and securely.
Step 1: Download Ledger® Live
Go to the official Ledger website and download Ledger® Live for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, or Android). Only download from the official source to avoid fake apps.
Once installed, open the app and choose "Get Started."
Step 2: Set Up Your Ledger Device
If you're using a new Ledger device, select "Initialize as new device" in the app.
Follow these instructions:
- Power on your device
- Choose a PIN code
- Write down your 24-word recovery phrase — this is your only backup
- Confirm recovery phrase on the device
⚠️ Important: Never share your recovery phrase with anyone. Ledger will never ask for it. Keep it offline and secure.
Step 3: Pair Your Device with Ledger® Live
With your device set up, return to Ledger® Live and select "Connect your Nano". Choose your device model (Nano X or Nano S Plus) and follow the on-screen pairing instructions.
Once connected, Ledger Live will run a genuine check to verify your device authenticity.
Step 4: Add Crypto Accounts
Now that your device is connected:
- Go to Accounts
- Click "Add Account"
- Select the crypto asset (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum)
- Open the app on your Ledger device
- Confirm account creation
Repeat the process to add multiple crypto wallets for different coins.
Step 5: Receive Crypto
To receive funds:
- Click "Receive"
- Choose the crypto account
- Verify the address on your Ledger device
- Share the verified address with the sender
Always confirm addresses on your device screen—this helps prevent malware spoofing.
Step 6: Send Crypto
To send crypto securely:
- Click "Send"
- Enter the recipient’s address and amount
- Confirm the transaction details
- Verify and approve on your Ledger device
All transactions must be physically approved on your device, keeping your assets secure.
Step 7: Explore Additional Features
Ledger® Live offers more than just sending and receiving:
- Buy Crypto: Purchase directly with bank card or transfer via integrated partners
- Swap Crypto: Trade one asset for another without leaving the app
- Stake Crypto: Earn rewards on assets like ETH, DOT, XTZ, and more
- NFT Management: View, send, and receive Ethereum and Polygon-based NFTs
- Portfolio Tracking: Monitor your asset values and performance in real time
Security Tips for Ledger® Live
- Enable password lock on the app
- Back up your recovery phrase and store it offline
- Never share your PIN or 24-word phrase
- Only use official Ledger apps and websites
Conclusion: You're All Set
Congratulations—you’ve successfully set up Ledger® Live and your Ledger hardware wallet. You now have a secure, decentralized way to manage your cryptocurrency and NFTs without relying on third-party custodians.