Ledger® Live – Getting Started with Ledger®

A complete 2000‑word beginner's guide to installing Ledger® Live, setting up your Ledger hardware, managing accounts, and keeping your crypto safe.
Reading time: ~12–16 minutes • Audience: New Ledger® users
Ledger Live screenshot

Introduction

Ledger® Live is the official application for interacting with Ledger® hardware wallets (Ledger® Nano S, Nano S Plus, Nano X). It provides a secure interface to add accounts, view balances, send and receive cryptocurrency, install apps on your device, and access features like staking and swaps — while ensuring your private keys never leave your hardware wallet. This guide will walk you through everything you need to start using Ledger® Live safely and confidently.

Essentials: what you need before starting

Security tip: Ledger® Live will never request your recovery phrase. If asked, stop — it's a scam.

Download, verify & install Ledger® Live

  1. Go to the official Ledger® website and download Ledger® Live for your platform. Avoid third‑party downloads.
  2. When available, verify the checksum or signature to make sure the download is authentic.
  3. Install the app, launch it, and choose Get started.

Ledger® releases regular updates — keep Ledger® Live updated to ensure you have the latest security patches and features.

Set up your Ledger® hardware (new device)

  1. Power on the device and select Set up as new device.
  2. Create a PIN on the device. Choose a PIN that you can remember but is not easily guessed.
  3. Write down the recovery phrase exactly as shown — usually 24 words. Confirm the phrase when prompted by selecting each word in order.

Never store the recovery phrase on a phone, computer, or cloud storage. Use a secure physical backup (paper or metal).

Restore an existing wallet

  1. If you have an existing recovery phrase, choose Restore device on the Ledger® device.
  2. Enter your recovery phrase carefully using the device controls and confirm the words.
  3. Once restored, connect Ledger® Live to add accounts and view balances.

Connecting Ledger® Live and adding accounts

  1. Open Ledger® Live and pick your device model.
  2. Go to Manager, connect and unlock your device, and allow Ledger® Live access when prompted.
  3. Install the blockchain apps you need on your device (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum).
  4. Navigate to Accounts > Add account and follow the prompts to add accounts; Ledger® Live will scan the blockchain for your addresses.

Accounts in Ledger® Live are interfaces to on‑chain addresses. Actual signing is always performed on the physical device, keeping your private keys secure.

Receive crypto — verify addresses on‑device

  1. Click Receive in Ledger® Live and select the account to receive into.
  2. Connect and unlock the Ledger® device and open the corresponding app on the device.
  3. Ledger® Live will show a receiving address. Verify that the address displayed on the device screen matches the one shown in Ledger® Live before sharing.

Always verify addresses on the physical device. Malware can alter addresses displayed on your computer.

Send crypto — sign transactions on device

  1. Click Send in Ledger® Live, choose the account, enter the recipient address and amount, and select fees.
  2. Connect and unlock your device, open the correct app, and review details on the device screen.
  3. Confirm the transaction by pressing the device buttons — this signs the transaction using keys stored on the device.

For DeFi or token approvals, carefully verify contract addresses and the approval amounts; if unsure, consult trusted resources or use a read‑only block explorer to verify.

Managing apps and device storage

Ledger® devices have limited space for blockchain apps. Use Ledger® Live Manager to install or uninstall apps as needed — uninstalling an app does not delete funds. Reinstall any app later and re‑add the account in Ledger® Live using your recovery phrase.

Advanced features: staking, swaps, NFTs, and dApp integrations

Ledger® Live integrates staking for certain assets, token swaps via partners, and limited NFT support on supported chains. For advanced dApp interactions, use Ledger‑compatible third‑party wallets and always confirm actions on‑device. Review partner terms, fees, and risks before using these services.

Security best practices

A passphrase adds a layer of privacy/security but is effectively a second secret — if you lose it, you cannot recover funds protected by it.

Troubleshooting & common issues

  1. Device not recognized: Try a different USB cable/port, enable Bluetooth for Nano X, ensure the device is unlocked, and restart Ledger® Live.
  2. App installation error: Free up space on the device by uninstalling unused apps via Manager; reinstall when needed.
  3. Slow or stuck transactions: Low fees can delay confirmations. Use network suggestions for fees or advanced options where available.
  4. Lost recovery phrase: If you still have the device, create a new wallet and transfer funds immediately to the new wallet.

FAQ

Can I recover my funds if my Ledger® is lost or stolen?

Yes. Use your recovery phrase to restore your wallet on a new Ledger® device or compatible wallet. Protect the recovery phrase at all times.

Is Ledger® Live custodial?

No. Ledger® Live is non‑custodial — private keys remain on the hardware device and are never uploaded to Ledger® servers.

Can I use the same recovery phrase on multiple devices?

Yes — restoring the same recovery phrase on another Ledger® device will recreate the same wallet and accounts. For separation of wallets, use different passphrases.

Final checklist before you finish