Quick summary — What you will do
In this guide you will: download Ledger Live for your platform, verify the Ledger Live installer (recommended), install Ledger Live, set up your Ledger hardware wallet, install blockchain apps on the device via Ledger Live, add accounts, and perform a small test transaction. Keywords in this guide: Download Ledger Live, Install Ledger Live, Ledger Live setup, Ledger hardware wallet.
Before you start — safety checklist
- Have your Ledger hardware wallet (Nano S / Nano S Plus / Nano X) ready and a USB cable for desktop setup.
- Use a secure, up-to-date computer or mobile device and a trusted internet connection to Download Ledger Live.
- Keep a pen and the recovery sheet that comes with your Ledger device — never store recovery words digitally.
- Only Download Ledger Live from official Ledger channels or verified app stores.
Step-by-step: Download Ledger Live & Install Ledger Live
- Find the official source: Type Ledger's official website address yourself or open your device's official app store. Avoid third-party links when you Download Ledger Live.
- Choose the correct platform and download: Select the Ledger Live download for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS or Android. Save the installer to a known location on your device.
- Verify the installer (recommended): If a SHA-256 checksum or signature is provided on the official page, verify the downloaded Ledger Live installer to ensure the file hasn't been tampered with. Use
shasum -a 256(macOS/Linux) orGet-FileHash(PowerShell) on Windows to compare values. - Run the installer and install Ledger Live: On desktop, run the Ledger Live installer and follow the prompts to install Ledger Live. On mobile, install the Ledger Live app from the App Store / Google Play and open it.
- Initial launch & onboarding: Launch Ledger Live. Choose "Get started," then decide whether you are setting up a new device or restoring an existing device. Ledger Live will guide you through required permission requests (USB/Bluetooth) for Ledger device connectivity.
- Connect your Ledger device: Connect the Ledger hardware wallet with USB (or Bluetooth for Ledger Nano X on mobile). Confirm any connection prompts on the device; all sensitive confirmations happen on-device.
- Create a PIN & back up recovery phrase (on-device): Perform device initialization on the Ledger device itself: choose a PIN and write down the 24-word recovery phrase on the supplied recovery sheet. Never enter your recovery phrase into Ledger Live or any computer.
- Install blockchain apps using Ledger Live Manager: In Ledger Live, open "Manager," connect your device, and install the apps for the blockchains you intend to use (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum). Installing an app enables that blockchain on your Ledger device; apps do not move funds.
- Add accounts in Ledger Live: Go to "Accounts" → "Add account," choose the network, and let Ledger Live synchronize addresses and balances from the blockchain via your Ledger device.
- Perform a small test transaction: Always test with a small deposit or withdrawal first. For receiving, check the address shown in Ledger Live is identical to the address displayed on-device before sharing. For sending, verify recipient details on-device and approve the transaction physically on the Ledger device.
Post-setup best practices
After you Download Ledger Live and install Ledger Live, follow these steps to stay secure: keep Ledger Live and device firmware updated, verify installer checksums for major updates, store recovery phrase offline in a secure place, use device PIN and optional passphrase wisely (advanced users only), and enable OS security features on your computer or phone.
# Example: verify checksum (macOS / Linux) shasum -a 256 /path/to/ledger-live-installer.dmg # Windows (PowerShell) Get-FileHash C:\path\to\ledger-live-installer.exe -Algorithm SHA256
Frequently Asked Questions — Beginner's Ledger Live setup
1. Will Ledger Live ask for my recovery phrase?
No. Ledger Live will never ask for your 24-word recovery phrase. Recovery and seed entry must be performed on the Ledger device only. Treat any external request for your recovery phrase as a scam.
2. Can I install Ledger Live on multiple computers or phones?
Yes. You can Download Ledger Live and install Ledger Live on multiple trusted devices. Your Ledger device itself keeps the private keys; Ledger Live is an interface to manage accounts.
3. What if Ledger Live doesn't detect my Ledger device?
Check your USB cable and ports, try another cable or port, ensure OS drivers are up to date (Windows), and verify Bluetooth permissions for Nano X on mobile. Re-install Ledger Live from official sources if required.
4. Is it necessary to verify the Ledger Live installer?
It's recommended. Verifying checksums helps ensure the downloaded Ledger Live installer hasn't been tampered with. Use checksum verification when the official page provides the checksum.
5. How do I recover my wallet if I lose my Ledger device?
Use your 24-word recovery phrase to restore access on a new Ledger device or a compatible recovery tool that supports the standard. Keep recovery words secure — if they are compromised, your funds can be stolen.
This page intentionally repeats key phrases like "Download Ledger Live" and "Install Ledger Live" for clarity and SEO emphasis. It is a beginner's, security-focused setup guide and not an official Ledger page. For official Ledger Live installers and up-to-date support, always use Ledger's verified website and channels.