#Ledger® Live Wallet—Getting Started | Official Ledger™ Live App
Managing digital assets securely is one of the most important responsibilities for anyone entering the cryptocurrency space. With growing adoption comes growing risk, and choosing the right tools can make all the difference. Ledger® Live Wallet, the companion application for Ledger hardware wallets, is designed to give users full control over their crypto assets while maintaining industry-leading security standards.
In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to get started with the Ledger™ Live App—from installation and setup to managing assets, staking, security best practices, and troubleshooting. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crypto user, this guide will help you make the most of Ledger Live.
What Is Ledger® Live Wallet?
Ledger® Live Wallet is a secure desktop and mobile application developed to work seamlessly with Ledger hardware wallets such as Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, and Ledger Stax. Unlike software-only wallets, Ledger Live does not store private keys on your computer or phone. Instead, it acts as a secure interface that allows you to manage assets while your private keys remain safely stored on your Ledger device.
Key Functions of Ledger Live
View real-time portfolio balances
Send and receive cryptocurrency
Install and manage blockchain apps
Stake supported cryptocurrencies
Buy, sell, and swap assets
Manage NFTs
Monitor transaction history
Ledger Live supports thousands of coins and tokens across multiple blockchains, making it a comprehensive wallet solution for long-term holders and active users alike.
Why Choose Ledger™ Live App?
Security and usability are often at odds in the crypto world—but Ledger Live aims to balance both.
Ledger hardware wallets use Secure Element (SE) chips, similar to those found in passports and credit cards. Ledger Live simply provides a gateway to interact with your assets while your private keys never leave the device.
With Ledger Live, you remain in full custody of your assets. There are no third-party custodians, no centralized control, and no access to your funds without your physical Ledger device and PIN.
Instead of juggling multiple apps, Ledger Live allows users to manage crypto, NFTs, staking, and swaps from a single interface.
Ledger Live is available for:
Windows
macOS
Linux
iOS
Android
This flexibility allows you to manage your portfolio wherever you are.
System Requirements and Compatibility
Before installing the Ledger® Live Wallet, make sure your system meets the minimum requirements.
Desktop
Windows 10 or later
macOS 12 or later
Linux (Ubuntu-based distributions recommended)
Mobile
iOS 13+
Android 9+
Hardware Wallets Supported
Ledger Nano S Plus
Ledger Nano X
Ledger Stax
How to Download and Install Ledger® Live Wallet Step 1: Download the Application
Visit the official Ledger website and download the Ledger Live app for your operating system. Always verify the website URL and avoid third-party download links to prevent phishing attacks.
Step 2: Install Ledger Live
Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions. Installation typically takes only a few minutes.
Step 3: Launch the App
Once installed, open Ledger Live and select whether you already have a Ledger device or need to set one up.
Setting Up Your Ledger Device with Ledger Live New Users
If this is your first Ledger device, Ledger Live will guide you through:
Initializing your device
Choosing a secure PIN
Generating and backing up your 24-word recovery phrase
Important: Your recovery phrase is the only backup of your private keys. Write it down on paper and store it offline in a secure location. Never share it with anyone.
Existing Users
If you already have a Ledger wallet, you can connect it to Ledger Live and restore access using your existing recovery phrase.
Adding Accounts in Ledger™ Live App
Once your device is set up, the next step is adding accounts.
How to Add an Account
Open Ledger Live
Navigate to Accounts
Select Add Account
Choose the cryptocurrency
Install the required app on your Ledger device
Confirm the account on your device
Ledger Live will then sync with the blockchain and display your balance.
Sending and Receiving Cryptocurrency Receiving Crypto
Select the account
Click Receive
Verify the address on your Ledger device
Share the address with the sender
Always verify addresses directly on the Ledger hardware screen to avoid malware manipulation.
Sending Crypto
Click Send
Enter the recipient’s address
Choose the amount and network fees
Confirm the transaction on your Ledger device
Transactions cannot be executed without physical confirmation, adding an extra layer of security.
Buying, Selling, and Swapping Assets
Ledger Live integrates with trusted third-party providers to allow users to:
Buy crypto with fiat
Sell crypto to fiat
Swap between supported cryptocurrencies
While these services are optional, they provide convenience without compromising custody, as approvals still require your Ledger device.
Staking with Ledger® Live Wallet
Staking allows you to earn rewards by participating in blockchain validation.
Supported Staking Assets
Ethereum (ETH)
Solana (SOL)
Polkadot (DOT)
Tezos (XTZ)
Cosmos (ATOM)
And more
How to Stake
Choose a supported asset
Select Earn Rewards
Choose a validator
Confirm staking via your Ledger device
Rewards are credited automatically while you maintain control of your funds.
NFT Management in Ledger™ Live App
Ledger Live also supports NFT storage and viewing on compatible networks such as Ethereum and Polygon.
NFT Features
View NFTs directly in the app
Secure NFT ownership via hardware wallet
Send and receive NFTs safely
This ensures NFTs are protected by the same security model as your cryptocurrencies.
Security Best Practices
To get the most out of Ledger Live, follow these essential security tips:
Always verify transactions on your Ledger device screen
Never enter your recovery phrase online
Keep Ledger Live updated
Use a strong PIN
Beware of phishing emails and fake apps
Store recovery phrases offline only
Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase.
Updating Ledger Live and Firmware
Ledger regularly releases updates to improve security and add new features.
How to Update
Ledger Live updates automatically or prompts you
Firmware updates require confirmation on your Ledger device
Keeping both updated ensures optimal performance and protection.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting Device Not Recognized
Check USB cable
Try a different port
Restart Ledger Live
Update drivers
Transaction Pending
Network congestion may cause delays
Adjust network fees if possible
Check blockchain explorers for status
App Installation Issues
Ensure enough storage on the device
Remove unused apps
Update firmware
Who Should Use Ledger® Live Wallet?
Ledger Live is ideal for:
Long-term crypto holders
NFT collectors
Staking participants
Users prioritizing security
Anyone seeking full custody of assets
Whether you’re holding Bitcoin, Ethereum, altcoins, or NFTs, Ledger Live offers a secure and user-friendly solution.
Final Thoughts
The Ledger® Live Wallet is more than just a crypto management app—it’s a complete ecosystem designed to empower users with security, transparency, and control. By combining hardware-level protection with a polished software interface, the official Ledger™ Live App sets a high standard in the digital asset space.
Getting started may take a few minutes, but the peace of mind it offers can last a lifetime. In a world where security is everything, Ledger Live helps ensure that your crypto stays exactly where it belongs—in your hands.