A practical, step-by-step guide to safely download Ledger Live, install it on desktop or mobile, pair your Ledger hardware wallet, and adopt security best practices to protect your crypto.
Ledger Live is the official companion application for Ledger hardware wallets. It provides a single, local interface to manage multiple cryptocurrency accounts, install device apps, update firmware, stake supported assets, and prepare transactions. Crucially, Ledger Live never exposes your private keys — signing happens on the physical Ledger device. That separation (host app vs secure device) is the core of safe crypto custody.
Always download Ledger Live only from the vendor’s official site and verified app stores. Type the address manually into your browser rather than clicking links from emails or social media. On desktop choose the correct installer for your operating system (.exe for Windows, .dmg for macOS, AppImage or package for Linux). On mobile, use the App Store or Google Play and verify the app publisher.
Phishing sites mimic the real site closely. If you doubt a download, stop and verify the URL carefully before proceeding.
If Ledger provides a checksum or PGP signature for the installer, verify it before running the file. On many systems you can compute a SHA-256 checksum (for example sha256sum LedgerLiveSetup.exe) and compare it to the value on the website. Verifying signatures or checksums ensures the installer hasn’t been tampered with.
Verification is an extra step that pays off for high-value holdings — it prevents supply-chain tampering and rogue binaries.
Run the installer and follow the on-screen prompts. Ledger Live will guide you through basic preferences and the option to download the desktop or mobile version. On macOS you may need to allow the app in Security & Privacy if Gatekeeper blocks it initially. After installation, launch Ledger Live to begin the guided flow: choose whether you are setting up a new Ledger device or restoring an existing seed.
Connect your Ledger device by USB (or Bluetooth for Nano X where supported) and unlock it by entering the device PIN using the physical buttons. Ledger Live will request permission to access the device; confirm the prompt on the hardware unit. You may also be asked to install the Ledger Manager app on the device — accept and confirm on-device to allow app and firmware management.
Never enter your recovery phrase into Ledger Live, a website, or a message — the seed should only be entered on the device itself during a legitimate restore flow.
In Ledger Live, use Accounts → Add account to pick the cryptocurrency you want to manage. Open the corresponding app on your Ledger device (e.g., Bitcoin app) when prompted. Ledger Live will scan the blockchain and show balances and transaction history for addresses derived from your seed. You can add multiple accounts per currency and name them for clarity (for instance, "BTC — Savings").
To receive funds, click Receive in the account and verify the address shown in the app matches the address displayed on your Ledger device. To send funds, create the transaction in Ledger Live and then confirm all transaction details — amount, recipient address, and fees — on the device screen before approving. The hardware display is the ultimate trusted source; always rely on it rather than the host screen or clipboard.
Ledger periodically releases firmware updates for security and new features. Ledger Live's Manager tab handles firmware upgrades and installing blockchain-specific apps on the device. Follow the Manager prompts and confirm actions on-device. Do not interrupt firmware updates and never install firmware from unofficial sources.
Before any major update, ensure your recovery phrase is accessible (not typed into any device) so you can restore if needed.