Ledger® Live Wallet — Getting Started

Welcome! This guide shows you how to get started with Ledger® Live, the official desktop and mobile companion app for Ledger hardware wallets. You’ll learn how to install Ledger Live, connect a Ledger device, create or restore an account, send and receive crypto, manage apps, and follow best security practices. The instructions below work for Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, and other compatible devices.

Quick overview — what is Ledger® Live?

Ledger Live is a secure application that lets you view balances, send and receive cryptocurrency, manage multiple accounts, and install apps on your Ledger hardware wallet. Your private keys always remain on the device — Ledger Live only displays account information and prepares transactions which the device signs.

Before you begin (checklist)

• Genuine Ledger hardware device (e.g., Ledger Nano X or Nano S Plus).
• A modern computer (Windows, macOS, Linux) or a smartphone (iOS/Android).
• Official Ledger Live app downloaded from Ledger’s website or mobile app stores.
• Your 24‑word recovery phrase — write it down only on the provided card and never store it digitally.
• Patience and a distraction‑free environment — security matters here.

1) Download and install Ledger Live

2) Set up or restore your Ledger device

When you first power on your Ledger device you’ll be prompted to either create a new wallet or restore an existing one from a recovery phrase.

3) Connect Ledger Live to your device

1. Open Ledger Live on your computer or phone.
2. Choose Get started then Ledger device and follow the prompts.
3. Ledger Live will ask you to confirm the device type and connect via USB (desktop) or Bluetooth (Nano X mobile).
4. When asked, unlock your Ledger device with your PIN and open the Manager or home screen.

4) Add accounts

Accounts are created in Ledger Live to represent addresses on different blockchains (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.). Adding an account does not move funds — it only makes the address visible in the app.

1. Go to Accounts in Ledger Live and click Add account.
2. Select the currency (e.g., Bitcoin) and follow the instructions to authorize on your device.
3. Repeat to add Ethereum and other supported blockchains.

5) Receive crypto (safest first step)

1. In Ledger Live, click on the account you want to receive into, then Receive.
2. Connect and unlock your Ledger device and open the corresponding app (e.g., Bitcoin app for a BTC address).
3. Ledger Live will display an address — always verify the address shown on the device screen and confirm it matches before sharing with a sender.

6) Send crypto

1. Click Send in Ledger Live.
2. Enter the recipient address and amount, and set the desired fee level.
3. Review the transaction details on your computer screen, then confirm and physically approve the transaction on your Ledger device by checking the recipient address and amount on the device display.

7) Manage apps & firmware

Ledger devices use small apps to support different blockchains. Ledger Live’s Manager tab lets you install and remove those apps.

• Open Manager and connect your device.
• Install or remove blockchain apps as needed (e.g., Solana, Polkadot, etc.).
• Keep firmware updated — Ledger Live will notify you of firmware updates. Only update when connected and following official prompts.

Security best practices

• Never share your 24‑word recovery phrase. Ledger support will never ask for it.
• Write your recovery phrase on the physical card provided — do not photocopy, screenshot, or store it digitally.
• Verify download sources — only install Ledger Live from Ledger's official site or official app stores.
• Use a secure PIN and enable additional OS‑level protections (strong password, disk encryption).
• Consider a hardware wallet passphrase (advanced) for extra account isolation — understand the risks before using.

Troubleshooting — common issues

Safety checklist before sending funds

1. Confirm the recipient address on your device screen (not only on your computer).
2. Send a small test amount first if sending a large value.
3. Double‑check the network (e.g., Ethereum ERC‑20 vs. BEP‑20 on BSC).

Advanced: passphrase & multiple accounts

Ledger devices support adding a passphrase to your 24‑word seed, creating additional "hidden" wallets. This is powerful but risky: losing the passphrase means permanent loss of the associated funds. Use only if you understand the tradeoffs.

FAQ

Q: Can I access my Ledger accounts without the physical device?

A: No — the Ledger device stores private keys and is required to sign transactions. Your recovery phrase can restore access on a compatible hardware wallet.

Q: What if I lose my Ledger device?

A: If you have your 24‑word recovery phrase, you can restore funds on another Ledger or compatible wallet. If you lose both the device and the recovery phrase, funds are unrecoverable.

Q: Is Ledger Live custody?

A: No, Ledger Live is a non‑custodial wallet interface — you control the keys on your device. Ledger does not hold or custody your assets.

Q: Can I use Ledger with decentralized apps (dApps)?

A: Yes — Ledger can connect through compatible bridges and wallets (e.g., WalletConnect, MetaMask with hardware wallet support) to interact with dApps. Always verify contract interactions on your device.

Recovery plan (what to do now)

1. Store your recovery phrase in at least one secure location (offline). Consider two separate secure physical locations for extra safety.
2. Test recovery by restoring on a second device only if you understand the risk and can keep the test environment secure.
3. Create a routine backup plan and review it annually.

Glossary (short)

Further reading & resources

• Official Ledger support articles and user guides (Ledger™ website).
• Community tutorials — use reputable sources and cross‑check the steps.