This in-depth guide (approx. 2500 words) explains how to install Ledger Live, log in and secure your session, connect and use your Ledger hardware device, manage accounts, send/receive cryptocurrencies, and troubleshoot common issues. Follow official links and only download Ledger Live from ledger.com.
What is Ledger Live?
Ledger Live is the official desktop and mobile application that lets you manage multiple cryptocurrency accounts while keeping private keys isolated on your Ledger hardware device. Through Ledger Live you can install blockchain apps on your device, add accounts, view balances, send and receive funds, and update firmware securely.
Security note: Ledger Live does not store your private keys — those remain on your Ledger device. Ledger Live acts as the interface to create transactions and display information.
Supported platforms & system requirements
Ledger Live supports Windows (64-bit), macOS, Linux, and mobile platforms (iOS and Android). Check system requirements on the official download page and keep your OS updated for best compatibility and security.
Desktop: Windows 10/11 (64-bit), macOS (current and prior two versions), major Linux distributions.
Mobile: iOS (recent versions) and Android (recent versions). Bluetooth is required for mobile pairing with Ledger Nano X.
USB cable: Use the cable provided with your device or a data-capable USB cable. Some cables only provide power.
Downloading Ledger Live
Open a browser and go to ledger.com/start to locate the Ledger Live download for your device and operating system.
Choose the desktop or mobile version and download the official installer from the Ledger website or official app stores (Apple App Store, Google Play).
Verify the download source and check digital signatures if available. Avoid third-party installers or modified packages.
Install the app and open it. You may be asked to allow permissions for USB or Bluetooth access — grant these if prompted and you trust your environment.
If you are an advanced user and the OS allows it, verify the installer’s cryptographic signature against the value published on Ledger’s official site.
Initial setup and choosing "Get started" or "Already have a device"
When you open Ledger Live for the first time, you will be guided through a setup flow. You can either set up a new device or connect and restore an existing device. The "Get started" path helps new users initialize a Ledger, while "Already have a device" is for users who previously set up a device or are restoring from a recovery phrase.
Launch Ledger Live and choose Get started.
Select your device model (e.g., Nano S Plus, Nano X).
Follow on-screen instructions: decide whether to set up as new or restore from seed phrase.
Login vs device unlock — understanding the difference
Ledger Live uses a local application login for convenience and optional encryption of your Ledger Live data. This is separate from unlocking your Ledger device using your PIN. The device PIN unlocks the device and authorizes signing operations; the Ledger Live password protects the application's local settings and accounts list.
Device PIN: Entered on the hardware device. Required to unlock the device and approve transactions.
Ledger Live password (optional): A password you create to protect the local Ledger Live app. It is not the same as the device PIN and is used to encrypt application data on your computer or phone.
Tip: Use a strong password to protect Ledger Live, but remember this password can be reset by reinstalling the app — it doesn't affect your on-device PIN or recovery phrase.
Creating a Ledger Live password and enabling auto-lock
During setup or later in Settings, you’ll be prompted to create an application password. This encrypts local data like account labels and preferences.
Enable auto-lock: set a timeout interval that requires the password to be re-entered after inactivity to reduce the risk of unauthorized access if your device is unattended.
On shared or public computers, avoid saving passwords and always lock or quit Ledger Live when finished.
Connecting and unlocking your Ledger device
To use Ledger Live with your Ledger hardware, connect and unlock the device:
Connect the Ledger device using the provided USB cable (or use Bluetooth for Nano X with mobile devices).
Enter your device PIN directly on the Ledger device to unlock it. Do not enter the PIN into your computer or phone.
Grant any required permissions shown in Ledger Live (for example, allow Manager to access the device to install apps).
Never share your PIN or recovery phrase. Ledger will never request your recovery phrase.
Manager: installing and updating apps on your device
The Manager in Ledger Live lets you install blockchain-specific apps onto your Ledger device. Each app consumes a small amount of device storage; on some devices, you may need to uninstall unused apps to free space.
Go to Manager in Ledger Live and connect your unlocked device.
Browse available apps and click Install for the currencies you want to use (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.).
To update firmware or apps, follow prompts in Manager — firmware updates are signed and should be applied via Ledger Live.
Note: Uninstalling an app does not remove funds — accounts are derived from the seed phrase and reappear when you reinstall the app and re-add the account in Ledger Live.
Adding accounts
In Ledger Live navigate to Accounts and click Add account.
Select the currency and follow prompts to synchronize addresses from your Ledger device.
Ledger Live will scan for existing transactions and populate your account with a balance. This may take a short time depending on network and account activity.
You can add multiple accounts for the same currency (e.g., multiple Bitcoin accounts) and manage multiple currencies in a single Ledger Live profile.
Receiving funds
Select the account in Ledger Live and click Receive.
Ledger Live will display a receiving address. Always verify the address on your Ledger device screen — this ensures address integrity.
Copy the address and use it in the sending wallet or exchange. Start with a small test transaction to confirm everything.
Address verification on-device prevents malware from altering displayed addresses in Ledger Live or your computer clipboard.
Sending funds
Click Send from the account, enter recipient address and amount.
Set network fees according to the priority you prefer (e.g., standard, fast) — Ledger Live typically offers fee recommendations.
Confirm transaction details in Ledger Live and then verify the full transaction on your Ledger device screen. Approve the transaction on-device to sign it.
Always review the entire transaction on your Ledger device; do not approve transactions you did not initiate.
Staking, apps, and integrations
Ledger Live supports certain staking options (e.g., Tezos, Cosmos) and integrates with third-party applications for DeFi and NFTs through Ledger Live Portfolio or direct connection to dApps. When connecting to third-party services, ensure you understand permissions and always verify transactions on your Ledger device.
Security best practices for Ledger Live users
Only download Ledger Live from ledger.com or official app stores.
Never enter your recovery phrase into Ledger Live or any software. Recovery phrases must be recorded on paper or steel and stored securely.
Use the Ledger Live password and enable auto-lock to protect access to the application on your device.
Keep firmware and Ledger Live updated through official channels.
Beware of phishing: always check URLs, do not click unknown links, and confirm communications are from official Ledger channels.
Troubleshooting common issues
Ledger Live won’t detect my device
Try a different USB cable or port; some cables only provide power and no data.
Ensure the device is unlocked (enter PIN) before connecting.
Restart Ledger Live and your computer or mobile device. Reinstall Ledger Live if problems persist.
On mobile, make sure Bluetooth permissions are granted and Bluetooth is enabled for Nano X pairing.
Transactions stuck or not broadcasting
Check the network status and mempool for delays (e.g., Ethereum gas spikes, Bitcoin congestion).
Confirm you had sufficient network fees. If a transaction is unconfirmed, some networks allow replacement or cancellation under specific conditions.
I forgot my Ledger Live password
Reinstalling Ledger Live will clear local application data and remove the password, but it will not affect funds stored on the Ledger device. To restore accounts, reconnect and unlock your Ledger device and re-add accounts in Ledger Live using the device’s seed-derived addresses.
Frequently asked questions
Does Ledger Live store my private keys?
No. Private keys never leave the Ledger device. Ledger Live only creates unsigned transactions and sends them to the device for signing.
Can I use Ledger Live without my hardware device?
You can view certain cached account details if previously added, but to sign transactions or access live balances you must connect your Ledger device. The Ledger device is required for any transaction signing.
Is Ledger Live open source?
Ledger publishes components and some client code as open-source projects. Refer to the official Ledger GitHub repositories for details and up-to-date information.
Advanced topics
Passphrase (25th word) usage
A passphrase is an optional additional word that creates a different wallet under the same 24-word seed. It offers another layer of security but significantly increases recovery complexity — if you lose the passphrase you will be unable to recover those funds. Use with extreme caution and record it securely if used.
Using Ledger with third-party wallets
Ledger integrates with several third-party wallets for specialized features. When connecting, the Ledger device should always be used to verify and sign transactions. Never export private keys from the device.