Welcome
Ledger Live is the official app that lets you manage, track and transact your crypto while keeping private keys inside your Ledger hardware device. This guide walks you through the initial login and setup, important security steps, updates, and best practices so you start safely and confidently. Follow only official links and never share your recovery phrase. (Short, usable, and written for both beginners and returning users.)
Getting started — quick steps
1. Download & verify
Always download Ledger Live from Ledger’s official site and verify the checksum when provided. Install the desktop or mobile app for your OS, then open it and choose Get started.
2. Choose your flow
There are two flows: set up a new device (create a PIN & write down your recovery phrase) or restore a device from your recovery phrase. If you already have a Ledger device, connect and unlock it using your PIN.
3. Add accounts
After connecting, use Ledger Live to add cryptocurrency accounts (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.). Ledger Live syncs account balances but keeps keys offline on your device.
4. Verify transactions
Any send or interactive action must be approved on the Ledger device screen — verify recipient addresses and amounts on the device itself before confirming.
Security essentials
Never reveal your recovery phrase
Ledger staff or any legit service will never ask for your 24-word recovery phrase — if asked, it’s a scam.
Keep firmware & app updated
Regular updates fix vulnerabilities and add compatibility. Use Ledger Live to update both the app and your device firmware.
Check app legitimacy
Beware fake Ledger apps and phishing pages. Only use links from Ledger's official domain and Ledger Academy resources for learning.
Troubleshooting highlights
- If Ledger Live can't detect your device: try a different USB cable, a direct USB port (no hubs), or restart Ledger Live and your computer.
- If an app update or firmware update fails: follow the official update guide in Ledger Live; don't share your seed phrase to "fix" an update.
- If you see prompts for your recovery phrase in any software — treat it as malicious immediately.
Final checklist
- Downloaded Ledger Live from ledger.com
- Set a strong PIN on the device (not on paper)
- Wrote recovery phrase on the provided card and stored it offline
- Verified addresses on the device before approving transactions
- Kept Ledger Live & firmware up to date