Quick summary: This guide walks you through where to download Ledger Live, how to install and configure it on desktop and mobile, how to connect your Ledger device, basic security best practices, useful features, and troubleshooting tips to get you running with confidence.
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Ledger Live is the official application that connects to Ledger hardware wallets to manage private keys and sign transactions while keeping your keys offline. It provides a single, auditable interface for tracking balances, sending and receiving coins, staking supported assets, and installing device apps. The combination of a hardware wallet plus the Ledger Live interface balances usability with top-level security.
Always download Ledger Live from official sources. Use the official Ledger website to avoid counterfeit or tampered versions. Look for HTTPS, the correct domain, and the latest signed installer for your platform.
Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Choose the installer that matches your operating system and follow the native installation prompts.
Available on iOS (App Store) and Android (Google Play). Mobile releases are optimized for small screens and integrate with Bluetooth-capable Ledger devices.
Verify the checksum/signature for downloaded installers if provided, and avoid downloading from third-party file mirrors or unofficial links. This small step reduces risk from supply-chain attacks.
Run the downloaded installer and follow the system prompts. Windows may request admin permissions; macOS may ask to confirm a security dialog.
When launching Ledger Live for the first time you will choose whether to set up a new Ledger device or restore from an existing recovery phrase.
Connect your Ledger hardware wallet via USB. The app will detect the device. You must physically confirm actions on your Ledger device — this is the security guardrail.
Use the Accounts section in Ledger Live to add cryptocurrency accounts. Each blockchain account will be visible and synchronized with your device.
Keep your desktop OS and Ledger Live app updated. Updates often include important security patches and new coin support.
Install Ledger Live from the official App Store or Google Play. Open the app and follow onboarding. Pairing with a Ledger Nano X or similar Bluetooth-enabled device will require confirming a code on both devices to prevent man-in-the-middle pairing.
Bluetooth pairing is convenient but follow secure pairing steps and ensure you're in a private environment during setup. For mobile transactions, the Ledger device signs transactions locally — the phone only relays the signed data.
Customize currency display, enable price alerts, and set up a preferred fiat currency for portfolio valuation in the settings.
Your 24-word recovery phrase is the master key to your funds. Write it down on the supplied recovery sheet, store it offline in multiple secure locations, and never photograph or store it in cloud storage.
Set a PIN on your device and avoid obvious sequences. If you prefer extra safety, use an additional passphrase feature for a hidden account, but understand the responsibility that comes with it.
Only follow official support paths. Legitimate support channels will never ask for your recovery phrase. If in doubt, consult Ledger’s official documentation directly.
Try a different USB cable or port, ensure the device is unlocked with the PIN, and restart Ledger Live. On desktop, confirm USB permissions and drivers are installed.
Turn Bluetooth off and on, restart both devices, and forget prior pairings before attempting again. Keep Ledger device firmware updated.
Ensure the correct accounts are added and the app has completed syncing. Re-import accounts if necessary using the 'Add account' flow — you will not lose funds by re-adding accounts.
Ledger Live supports integrations with third-party services and dApps — check compatibility and auditability before connecting. Maintain the principle of least privilege: only grant the access necessary for the task.
The Ledger Live app paired with a Ledger hardware device gives you a robust and practical way to interact with cryptocurrencies while keeping your private keys secure. By following the steps in this guide — downloading from official sources, performing a secure setup on desktop or mobile, protecting your recovery phrase, and following basic troubleshooting and best practices — you’ll be well positioned to manage your crypto holdings safely and efficiently. Ledger Live is built for everyday usability and advanced security together; invest a little time up front to configure it properly, and it will serve as a dependable hub for your digital assets.
Final reminder: The single most important thing is to protect your recovery phrase. No legitimate service will ever request it. Keep it offline, keep it safe.