Ledger® Live | Getting Started Ledger® (en-US) | Official Ledger®

Ledger® Live is the official companion app for your Ledger hardware wallet, providing a secure and user-friendly interface for managing your crypto assets. Whether you're using the Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Ledger Stax, Ledger Live is your gateway to safely buying, storing, and growing your crypto portfolio.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to get started with Ledger Live, set up your wallet, manage your coins, and use the app's powerful features—all while keeping your private keys offline and fully protected.


What Is Ledger® Live?

Ledger Live is a free desktop and mobile application developed by Ledger. It connects with your Ledger hardware device and lets you perform all major crypto operations, including:

  • Installing apps for different cryptocurrencies
  • Sending and receiving crypto
  • Buying, selling, and swapping assets
  • Staking supported tokens
  • Managing NFTs
  • Viewing real-time portfolio analytics

Ledger Live is designed to provide maximum security and ease of use, making it ideal for both beginners and advanced users.


Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Started with Ledger Live

Step 1: Download Ledger® Live from the Official Site

Visit the official Ledger website to download Ledger Live:
👉 https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live

Choose the version for your operating system:

  • Windows
  • macOS
  • Linux
  • iOS or Android (for mobile)

Always download Ledger Live from the official source to avoid scams or phishing versions.


Step 2: Set Up Your Ledger Device

Before using Ledger Live, set up your hardware wallet:

  1. Unbox your Ledger Nano or Stax device
  2. Connect it to your computer (or phone via Bluetooth for Nano X)
  3. Follow on-screen instructions to:
  • Choose a PIN code
  • Write down your 24-word recovery phrase
  • Confirm the phrase to finish setup

This recovery phrase is your only backup—keep it offline and never share it.


Step 3: Initialize Ledger® Live

Once your device is ready:

  1. Launch Ledger Live
  2. Click "Get Started"
  3. Choose "Set up a new device" or "Connect an existing device"
  4. Follow the prompts to pair your Ledger device

Ledger Live will verify the device and connect securely.


Step 4: Install Apps and Add Accounts

To manage crypto assets:

  1. Navigate to "My Ledger" in the sidebar
  2. Choose and install the apps for the cryptocurrencies you want to manage (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana)
  3. Add an account for each asset so Ledger Live can display balances and activity

You’re now ready to start managing your crypto portfolio.


Key Features of Ledger® Live

1. Buy and Sell Crypto

Purchase crypto with a credit/debit card, Apple Pay, or bank transfer. Your coins go directly into your Ledger-secured wallet.

Partners include:

  • MoonPay
  • Coinify
  • Transak
  • Ramp

2. Swap Crypto

Swap assets like BTC to ETH or USDC directly within Ledger Live using trusted exchange partners—all while keeping your keys offline.

3. Stake and Earn Rewards

Stake supported assets to earn passive income, such as:

  • Ethereum (ETH)
  • Tezos (XTZ)
  • Cosmos (ATOM)
  • Polkadot (DOT)

Ledger Live helps you stake safely while retaining full control.

4. Manage NFTs

You can view, send, and receive NFTs on supported networks like Ethereum and Polygon directly from Ledger Live’s NFT manager.

5. Track Portfolio Performance

Get a clear overview of your total holdings, historical performance, and real-time price movements in a unified dashboard.


Security at the Core

Ledger Live is designed around one principle: you control your private keys.

  • Private keys are stored only on the Ledger device
  • Every transaction must be physically approved on the device
  • Ledger Live performs genuine device checks
  • Supports passphrase protection for advanced users
  • Optional password lock on the app for extra security

Even if your computer or phone is compromised, your crypto remains safe with your Ledger.


Ledger Live Mobile App

Ledger Live is also available for smartphones:

  • Compatible with iOS and Android
  • Full-featured: send, receive, buy, swap, and stake
  • Use Bluetooth to connect with Nano X
  • Use Face ID or fingerprint to secure app access

This means you can manage your assets anytime, anywhere.