Why download Ledger Live?
Ledger Live is the trusted interface to manage your Ledger hardware wallet. It combines account management, app installation, portfolio tracking, and a secure signing pipeline — all while ensuring that private keys remain inside the device's secure element. Whether you're a beginner setting up your first device or a power user managing multiple accounts, Ledger Live provides a reliable and auditable workflow.
Core benefits
What you'll find on this page
- Safe download links and installer instructions
- Complete setup workflow (new device or restore)
- How to add accounts, install apps, and manage tokens
- Security best practices and backup guidance
- Troubleshooting steps and FAQs
1 — Safe download & verification
Always download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website. Avoid third-party mirrors and verify the integrity of installers when possible. Ledger provides checksums and signed installers for advanced users — use them if you prefer added assurance.
- Visit the official Ledger downloads page (ledger.com/start or ledger.com/ledger-live).
- Select your platform (Windows, macOS, Linux) and download the installer.
- On macOS, open the .dmg and drag Ledger Live to Applications. On Windows, run the .exe then follow the installer. On Linux, follow the package instructions for your distribution.
- When possible, verify the file checksum against values on the official site.
2 — Initial setup (new device) — quick guide
When launching Ledger Live for the first time you’ll be guided through creating a new device or restoring an existing wallet from a recovery phrase.
- Open Ledger Live and choose "Get started".
- Select your device model (e.g., Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X).
- Follow the on-screen onboarding — this includes setting a PIN and recording your recovery phrase (24 words in most Ledger devices).
- Confirm a few random recovery words on the device to validate the backup.
3 — Restoring from a recovery phrase
If you already have a recovery phrase (from a previous Ledger or compatible hardware), choose the "Restore device" option and enter your recovery phrase on the device when prompted. Never type the full recovery phrase into a computer — enter it on the device itself when supported, or follow official instructions for safe restoration.
4 — Installing apps & adding accounts
Ledger devices use small blockchain-specific apps stored in the device secure element. You install apps via Ledger Live's Manager and then add accounts to view balances and send/receive funds.
- Open Manager in Ledger Live and install the app for the coin you need (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum).
- Go to Accounts > Add account. Ledger Live will derive the account from your device and display balances.
- You can create multiple accounts per coin and label them for bookkeeping.
5 — Sending, receiving, and verifying
Ledger Live prepares transactions; the device shows the final details for your approval. This two-step model prevents malware on your computer from silently changing transaction details.
- Select the account and click
Receive. - Match the address in Ledger Live to the address shown on your device screen. Only share the device-verified address.
- Click
Send, enter the recipient address and amount (or scan a QR code). - Review fees and details within Ledger Live, then verify the address and amount on the physical device before approving the transaction.
6 — Backup and recovery best practices
Your recovery phrase is the only way to recover funds if your device is lost or destroyed. Treat it like a physical asset: store it offline, in multiple secure locations, and consider durable backups.
- Write the recovery phrase on the supplied sheet or use a metal backup to protect against fire/water damage.
- Keep at least two independent backups in geographically separated secure places.
- Test your recovery by restoring to a spare device in a safe environment (this verifies you recorded the phrase correctly).
7 — Security hygiene & firmware updates
Ledger regularly releases firmware updates to improve security and compatibility. Ledger Live will notify you when an update is available; follow the safe in-app update flow and verify prompts on-device.
- Always update Ledger Live from official sources.
- Perform firmware updates only from Ledger Live when prompted; verify messages on the device.
- Avoid using public or untrusted computers for critical operations if possible.
8 — Integrations: staking, swaps, and partners
Ledger Live integrates with vetted partners for staking, coin swaps, and DeFi access. When using these services, Ledger Live acts as the secure signing layer; transactions still require physical confirmation on-device. Treat partner UIs as untrusted and verify every on-device signing request.
9 — Troubleshooting common issues
- Use the original USB cable; avoid charging-only cables and hubs.
- Restart Ledger Live and your computer; reinstall Ledger Live from the official site if needed.
- On some systems, driver or permission issues can block USB access — follow official OS-specific guidance.
If you forget your PIN, you must reset the device (wiping it) and restore from your recovery phrase. This is why keeping a safe backup is vital.
App installation errorsFree up space by removing unused device apps in Manager. Uninstalling an app does not delete accounts; your keys are derived from the recovery phrase.
10 — Common mistakes to avoid
- Never store your recovery phrase in a photo, cloud drive, or password manager.
- Don’t buy devices from unverified marketplaces — tampered hardware is a real risk.
- Always verify transaction details on the hardware screen — not only in the app.
11 — Enterprise & power-user tips
For larger scale custody or business use, consider additional operational controls:
- Use multi-signature setups with multiple devices and key-holders.
- Adopt a documented key-management policy that specifies backup locations, rotation, and incident procedures.
- Consider air-gapped or dedicated machines for administration tasks involving large wallets.
System requirements & download options
| Supported OS | Windows 10+, macOS 10.14+, most modern Linux distributions |
| Device compatibility | Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, and other Ledger models |
| Download | Official builds from ledger.com/ledger-live |