Ledger™ Live: Download | Getting Started Ledger™

A practical 2500-word guide to downloading Ledger Live safely, setting up your Ledger device, protecting your recovery phrase, installing apps, managing accounts, staking, updating firmware, and troubleshooting.

1. Download Ledger Live — start with the official source

Always obtain Ledger Live from the official Ledger website. This ensures you receive the authentic client and avoids supply‑chain or phishing attacks.

Steps to download

  1. Open your browser and navigate to ledger.com/start. Bookmark this page for future use.
  2. Choose the appropriate download for your platform: Windows, macOS, or Linux (desktop) or install the mobile app from App Store / Google Play.
  3. Save the installer and run it. On macOS, allow the app in Security & Privacy settings if the system blocks it.

Note: Ledger Live is available as a desktop app which is recommended for the fullest feature set, and as a mobile app for on-the-go access.

2. Verify the installer — optional but recommended

Where Ledger provides checksums or signatures, verifying the installer adds a layer of verification that the file you downloaded hasn't been tampered with.

How to verify

  1. On the Ledger download page check for published checksums (SHA256) or PGP signatures.
  2. After downloading, compute the checksum locally (e.g., shasum -a 256 filename on macOS/Linux) and compare it to the published value.
  3. If PGP signatures are provided, use the publisher's public key to verify the signature.
If the checksum or signature does not match, delete the installer and download again from the official site. Do not proceed with installation.

3. Setup your Ledger device — initialize or restore

With Ledger Live installed, you're ready to set up your Ledger hardware wallet. Choose a quiet, private location and use the original cable supplied with the device.

New device setup

  1. Connect the Ledger device and open Ledger Live. Click "Get started" and select your device model.
  2. Follow the on-screen instructions. On the device choose "Set up as new device" and create a PIN when prompted.
  3. When the device displays the recovery phrase (24 words for most models), write the words down in order on the supplied recovery sheet.
  4. Confirm the recovery phrase by selecting words when prompted — this verifies you recorded them correctly.

Restore from recovery phrase

  1. Choose "Restore" on-device and enter your recovery phrase words in the correct order using the device interface.
  2. Set a PIN and finish the onboarding in Ledger Live to add accounts.

4. Recovery phrase — backup & storage best practices

Your recovery phrase is the master key to all assets associated with your device — protect it accordingly.

Best-practice storage

  • Write the seed by hand on the provided recovery sheet. Double-check spelling and order.
  • Store multiple copies in geographically separate secure locations (home safe, bank safe deposit).
  • Consider steel backup plates for protection against fire and water.
  • Never photograph, email, or store the seed digitally (cloud, phone, computer).
If your recovery phrase is exposed, treat it as compromised — generate a fresh seed on a new device and transfer funds immediately.

5. Manager & apps — enable blockchain support

Ledger Manager allows you to install small blockchain-specific apps on your device which enable Ledger Live to manage accounts for those blockchains.

How to install apps

  1. Connect your device and open Ledger Live → Manager.
  2. Find the app for the asset you want (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) and click "Install".
  3. Note: apps use limited storage on the device; you can safely remove and reinstall apps — your funds are recoverable via the recovery phrase.

6. Accounts — adding and managing assets

After installing apps, add accounts in Ledger Live to view balances and transact.

  1. Open Ledger Live → Accounts → Add account.
  2. Select the cryptocurrency and Ledger Live will scan for addresses derived from your seed.
  3. For tokens or NFTs you may need to use third‑party wallets integrated with Ledger.

Manage multiple accounts carefully and consider labeling them for clarity (e.g., "Savings - BTC", "Trading - ETH").

7. Send & receive — secure transaction workflow

Receiving funds

  1. Open the account in Ledger Live and click "Receive".
  2. Verify the receive address shown in Ledger Live matches the address displayed on your device before sharing it with the sender.

Sending funds

  1. Create a send transaction in Ledger Live by pasting the recipient address and specifying the amount.
  2. Review transaction details and fees in Ledger Live, then confirm the transaction on your Ledger device to sign and broadcast it.

Always verify addresses on the device to prevent clipboard or host-side attacks. Transactions are irreversible once broadcast.

8. Staking & earning — optional features

Ledger Live supports staking for several Proof-of-Stake networks directly in the app. Staking rewards and rules vary by chain and may include locking or unbonding periods.

  1. Ensure the asset supports staking in Ledger Live and add the corresponding account.
  2. Choose a validator and review performance and commission before delegating.
  3. Confirm staking transactions on the device; monitor rewards and unbonding periods in Ledger Live.

Staking involves protocol risk. Research validators and understand unbonding rules before staking significant funds.

9. Firmware updates & device maintenance

Firmware updates fix security vulnerabilities and add new features. Ledger signs firmware images and Ledger Live coordinates secure updates.

Updating firmware

  1. Ledger Live will notify you when firmware updates are available. Read the release notes before updating.
  2. Perform the update through Ledger Live while the device is connected and unlocked. Confirm any checksums or fingerprints if presented.
  3. Do not disconnect the device during an update. If an update fails, reconnect and follow Ledger Live's recovery instructions or contact support.

Keep the device clean, dry, and stored securely when not in use.

10. Security best practices & incident response

  • Purchase devices from official or authorized sellers to avoid tampered hardware.
  • Never share your recovery phrase or enter it into any computer or phone.
  • Use a strong PIN and consider an optional passphrase for hidden wallets if you can manage it securely.
  • Consider multisig for large holdings to reduce single points of failure.
  • Test restores on spare hardware periodically to ensure your backups are reliable.

Incident response

  1. If you suspect your seed is compromised, generate a new seed on a new device and transfer funds immediately.
  2. If the device is physically tampered with, stop using it and contact official support for guidance.