Ledger® Live: Download | Getting started™ Ledger®

Ledger® Live is the official software companion to Ledger hardware wallets, offering users a seamless, secure interface to manage their cryptocurrencies. From buying, selling, staking, swapping, and tracking digital assets to securing transactions with a hardware wallet — Ledger Live is the gateway to self-custody and full control of your digital wealth.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know to download and get started with Ledger® Live, including step-by-step instructions, system compatibility, installation tips, and insights on how to begin managing your crypto safely and efficiently.

What is Ledger® Live?

Ledger® Live is a crypto wallet interface and desktop/mobile application developed by Ledger, a leading name in hardware wallet security. It connects directly to your Ledger hardware wallet (Ledger Nano X, Nano S Plus, and legacy Nano S), allowing you to securely:

  • View crypto balances
  • Send and receive assets
  • Install/manage apps on your Ledger device
  • Stake supported coins
  • Swap crypto via integrated partners
  • Buy or sell digital assets
  • Track your portfolio value

Ledger Live brings the benefits of decentralized finance (DeFi), NFTs, and multi-chain management under one secure platform.

Supported Platforms & System Requirements

Ledger Live is available on both desktop and mobile platforms:

💻 Desktop App

  • Windows: 10 (64-bit) or higher
  • macOS: 10.14 (Mojave) or later
  • Linux: Ubuntu 20.04 or later (AppImage package available)

📱 Mobile App

  • iOS: Version 14+
  • Android: Version 8.1+

Note: Ledger Live for mobile supports Bluetooth pairing with Ledger Nano X for wireless transactions.

How to Download Ledger® Live

Ledger Live is always free to download. It’s critical to only download the app from official sources to avoid malware or phishing risks.

🔗 Official Download Link:

https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live

🖥️ Download for Desktop:

  1. Visit the Ledger Live download page.
  2. Select your operating system (Windows/macOS/Linux).
  3. Download the installer.
  4. Run the installation file and follow on-screen instructions.

📲 Download for Mobile:

  • iOS: Visit the App Store
  • Android: Visit the Google Play Store

Always verify that the developer is Ledger SAS.

Installing Ledger Live on Desktop

After downloading the installation file:

✔️ For Windows:

  • Open .exe file
  • Allow the app to install
  • Grant permissions if prompted
  • Launch the Ledger Live app

✔️ For macOS:

  • Open the .dmg file
  • Drag Ledger Live to Applications
  • Open the app (you may need to allow it in Security Preferences)

✔️ For Linux:

  • Download the .AppImage file
  • Make it executable (chmod +x)
  • Double-click to launch the app

Initial Setup: Getting Started with Ledger Live

Once installed, open Ledger Live to begin the setup process.

🔐 Step 1: Get Started

  • Click “Get Started”
  • Choose if you want to set up a new device or connect an existing one

🛡️ Step 2: Choose Your Ledger Device

Select your model:

  • Ledger Nano X
  • Ledger Nano S Plus
  • Ledger Nano S

🧠 Step 3: Device Setup Options

  • Set up as new device
  • Restore from recovery phrase
  • Use initialized device

🧩 Step 4: Security Checklist

Ledger Live will walk you through a security checklist to verify:

  • You’re not using a pre-configured device
  • You created your own PIN
  • You safely stored your 24-word recovery phrase

✅ Step 5: Firmware Check

Ledger Live checks if your device firmware is up to date. If not, it will guide you through the update process.

Installing Apps on Your Ledger

Your hardware wallet needs specific crypto apps to manage different coins (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum).

🔄 How to Install Apps:

  1. Go to “My Ledger”
  2. Allow Ledger Live to access your device
  3. Browse available apps (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana)
  4. Click Install

Make sure your device has enough memory. You can uninstall and reinstall apps anytime without affecting your stored assets.

Add Crypto Accounts to Ledger Live

To manage assets, you must add accounts for specific cryptocurrencies.

➕ Steps to Add an Account:

  1. Click “Accounts” on the sidebar
  2. Click “Add Account”
  3. Choose the crypto (e.g., BTC, ETH)
  4. Connect your device and verify
  5. Ledger Live will scan the blockchain and add the account

Repeat for each cryptocurrency you want to manage.

Sending & Receiving Crypto

With accounts added, you can start transferring assets.

📥 Receiving Crypto:

  1. Go to Accounts
  2. Select the crypto
  3. Click “Receive”
  4. Connect and unlock your device
  5. Verify the address on your Ledger device
  6. Copy the address and share with sender

📤 Sending Crypto:

  1. Click “Send”
  2. Select your account
  3. Enter recipient address and amount
  4. Confirm and sign the transaction using your Ledger device

Buying, Swapping & Staking Crypto

Ledger Live integrates multiple third-party services for enhanced functionality.

💸 Buy Crypto:

  • Navigate to “Buy/Sell”
  • Choose a partner (e.g., MoonPay, Transak)
  • Choose your crypto and payment method (credit card, bank transfer)
  • Complete the KYC process if required

Purchased crypto is deposited directly into your Ledger Live wallet.

🔁 Swap Crypto:

  • Go to “Swap”
  • Select currencies and amounts
  • Confirm the trade on your device
  • Swap services include Changelly, ParaSwap, etc.

💰 Stake Crypto:

Ledger Live supports staking for:

  • Ethereum (via Lido)
  • Polkadot
  • Tezos
  • Cosmos
  • Solana
  • Algorand, and others

Navigate to the “Earn” tab or go to your crypto account and choose Stake.

Portfolio Management

Ledger Live includes a full-fledged portfolio tracker:

  • Overview of total crypto value
  • Historical performance charts
  • Detailed breakdown by asset
  • Fiat value conversion (USD, EUR, etc.)
  • Account filters

This helps you monitor your crypto investments without needing third-party apps.

NFT Management (Ethereum & Polygon)

Ledger Live supports non-fungible token (NFT) management directly through the app:

  • View ERC-721 and ERC-1155 NFTs
  • Track collections with full metadata
  • Securely store NFTs with your Ledger hardware wallet

NFT support is available via Ethereum and Polygon networks.

Ledger Live Security Features

Ledger Live is designed with user safety in mind:

🔒 End-to-End Security

  • Private keys never leave your hardware wallet
  • Ledger Live acts only as a visual interface

⚠️ Counterfeit Protection

  • Onboarding process ensures device integrity
  • Verifies device authenticity during setup

📵 Offline Capability

  • Your private keys are always offline
  • Transactions must be signed on the hardware device

🔁 Firmware & App Updates

  • Get notified of firmware and security patches
  • Always install updates from official Ledger Live prompts

Ledger Recover (Optional Backup Service)

Ledger recently introduced Ledger Recover, a subscription-based service that allows you to back up your 24-word recovery phrase with trusted providers.

Note: This is optional, and many users may prefer full self-custody using traditional backup methods.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

❗Device Not Recognized?

  • Use official USB cables
  • Try a different USB port
  • Ensure Ledger Live is updated
  • Reboot your computer

❗“Genuine Check” Failed?

  • Make sure your internet connection is stable
  • Use the official Ledger Live download
  • Retry the process after rebooting

❗App Not Opening?

  • Check OS compatibility
  • Disable antivirus/firewall temporarily
  • Redownload from ledger.com

Tips for Safe Crypto Management with Ledger Live

  1. Always verify addresses on your device screen.
  2. Never share your 24-word recovery phrase.
  3. Bookmark official Ledger sites to avoid phishing.
  4. Enable Ledger’s “Developer Mode” only if you know what you’re doing.
  5. Keep your device firmware and apps updated regularly.
  6. Store your recovery phrase offline in a safe, fireproof location.
  7. Avoid third-party USB accessories.

Conclusion: Take Control of Your Crypto

Ledger Live is the essential interface for managing your digital assets with security, ease, and versatility. Whether you're new to crypto or a seasoned investor, Ledger Live gives you the tools to:

  • Store your crypto offline
  • Manage dozens of assets
  • Stake and earn rewards
  • Swap between tokens
  • Track your entire portfolio
  • Interact with Web3 and NFTs securely

By combining Ledger’s secure hardware with the powerful features of the Ledger Live app, you gain true self-custody and full transparency over your crypto journey.

Quick Links

  • 🔗 Official Download: https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live
  • 🧭 Getting Started Guide: https://www.ledger.com/start
  • 🔒 Learn More about Security: https://www.ledger.com/academy
  • 🛠️ Support & Troubleshooting: https://support.ledger.com