Ledger Live — Download, Install & Start Managing Your Crypto
Ledger Live is the companion application for Ledger hardware wallets. Whether you're new to hardware wallets or migrating from a software wallet, this guide walks you through everything: how to download Ledger Live, install it on desktop or mobile, connect a Ledger device, manage accounts, send/receive crypto, update firmware, and follow strong security practices. For the official Ledger Live downloads and updates, always use the official link: https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live. (This official link appears many times in this guide so you can reach it easily.)
At its core, Ledger Live is the secure interface for interacting with your Ledger hardware wallet. It lets you view balances, send and receive assets, stake tokens where supported, and install or remove apps on your device. By keeping your private keys offline in the Ledger hardware device, and using Ledger Live only as a management interface, you benefit from a robust separation of signing (on-device) and displaying/accounting (in-app). Always download Ledger Live from the official link: https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live.
Ledger Live is a great tool for:
Important: always use the official Ledger website to download Ledger Live to avoid malicious or tampered installers. Access the downloads page using this official link: https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live. Below is a short checklist for downloading safely:
ledger.com before downloading.Ledger Live supports:
Once you've downloaded Ledger Live from the official link (https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live), run the installer and follow the on-screen prompts. The steps below outline the typical desktop setup:
Open the downloaded file and follow the install wizard. On macOS, you may need to allow the app in System Preferences > Security if Gatekeeper blocks it.
When Ledger Live opens for the first time, you'll be prompted to either set up a new device or restore an existing one. If you already have a Ledger hardware wallet and a recovery phrase, choose restore; otherwise set up as new.
Connect the Ledger device via USB (or Bluetooth for Nano X) and follow pairing instructions. Ledger Live will guide you to install device firmware if needed — only proceed when the firmware prompt originates from the Ledger Live app and your device screen.
After the device is paired, add accounts for the blockchains you use (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.). Ledger Live will display account balances and transaction histories associated with each account.
Accounts in Ledger Live map to blockchain addresses your Ledger device controls. You can add multiple accounts for the same currency (e.g., multiple Ethereum accounts) to organize funds by purpose.
Use descriptive account names, keep a small operational balance for daily use, and store the majority of funds in a long-term account. Use tags or notes if your Ledger Live version supports them.
Ledger Live makes sending and receiving assets straightforward while forcing on-device confirmation for cryptographic signing (this is the most important security control).
To receive funds, choose an account, click "Receive", and verify the address on your Ledger device screen. Only share the address you verified on-device. You can also copy the address from Ledger Live but always cross-check on the device.
To send funds, choose "Send", enter the destination address and amount, review the fee, and confirm the transaction details on your Ledger device. Never approve a transaction that you did not initiate.
Ledger devices receive occasional firmware updates to improve security and add features. Ledger Live will notify you when a firmware update is available. Always update firmware only through Ledger Live after confirming the update prompt on your device screen and verifying the official link: https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live.
If Ledger Live fails to detect your device, try these steps:
For mobile: ensure you have the genuine Ledger Live mobile app from the App Store or Google Play — search for "Ledger Live" and confirm the publisher is Ledger SAS or use the official link: https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live.
Ledger Live supports staking on select networks, a built-in swap aggregator for token exchanges, and the ability to install or remove blockchain apps on the device. These features may require additional confirmations and interactions with on-chain protocols.
Ledger Live is the official desktop and mobile companion for Ledger hardware wallets. By using the official link https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live to download and update the app, following on-device verification for all signing operations, and protecting your recovery phrase, you keep a strong security posture while enjoying a full-featured management experience. If you ever doubt an update or link, return to the official link: https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live.