Ledger Live | Getting Started — Ledger
Cryptocurrency adoption is on the rise, and more people than ever are looking for secure, efficient ways to manage their digital assets. Ledger Live is the official application by Ledger that enables users to manage their crypto holdings, check real-time balances, stake assets, and interact with decentralized finance (DeFi)—all while maintaining top-level security. If you’re new to the world of crypto or just getting started with a Ledger device, this guide will walk you through the essentials of setting up and using Ledger Live for the first time.
What is Ledger Live?
Ledger Live is a free desktop and mobile application developed by Ledger to work seamlessly with its hardware wallets, such as the Ledger Nano S Plus and Ledger Nano X. It acts as a central hub where users can:
- Install and manage crypto apps
- Send and receive digital currencies
- Track portfolio performance
- Stake and earn rewards
- View and manage NFTs
- Buy, sell, and swap assets
By connecting your Ledger hardware wallet to Ledger Live, you can securely manage over 5,500 cryptocurrencies while keeping full control of your private keys.
Why Use Ledger Live?
There are many wallets available, but Ledger Live stands out due to its integration with hardware-based security, user-friendly interface, and wide asset support. Here are some key benefits:
- Secure Private Key Management: Your private keys stay within the Ledger hardware wallet and never touch the internet.
- Comprehensive Asset Control: Support for Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Cardano, and thousands of tokens.
- Built-In Trading and Staking: Buy, sell, swap, and stake crypto directly in the app.
- Multi-Platform Access: Available on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
For users new to Ledger products, the Ledger Live Getting Started page offers step-by-step tutorials to make setup simple.
Getting Started with Ledger Live
Setting up Ledger Live is straightforward. Whether you're using it for the first time with a new device or connecting an existing Ledger wallet, follow these steps:
Step 1: Download Ledger Live
Visit the official Ledger website to download the latest version of Ledger Live for your operating system. Avoid downloading from unofficial sources to protect against phishing or malware.
Once installed, open the application. You'll be greeted with a welcome screen and prompted to select your Ledger device.
Step 2: Set Up Your Ledger Hardware Wallet
If you're setting up a new device, follow the on-screen instructions to initialize your Ledger Nano S Plus or Nano X:
- Choose “Set up as new device”
- Create a secure PIN code
- Write down your 24-word recovery phrase and store it safely offline
Already have a Ledger device set up? Choose “Restore from recovery phrase” and enter your existing backup seed.