Download & Install Ledger Live

Overview

Ledger Live is the official desktop and mobile application that pairs with Ledger hardware wallets to keep your private keys offline while allowing you to manage, send, receive, and interact with crypto assets, DeFi platforms and NFTs. This guide walks through downloading Ledger Live, installing it on your desktop, initializing your Ledger device, and the practical security steps you should follow on day one.

Why Ledger Live + Hardware?

Using Ledger Live together with a Ledger hardware device separates the user interface (your computer) from the private keys (the device). Transactions are prepared in the app but signed only on your hardware wallet, ensuring keys never leave the device — the cornerstone of secure self-custody.

1. Download Ledger Live

Only download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website to avoid tampered installers or phishing pages.

1. Open your browser and go to https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live (type the address manually or use a trusted bookmark).
2. Select your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux). Ledger provides both desktop installers and mobile apps.
3. Download the installer. If Ledger provides checksums or digital signatures, use them to verify the file integrity after download.

Verification tip

If a checksum or signature is available, verify it using your OS tools (sha256sum, Finder/Terminal tools, or signature verification utilities). This extra step reduces risk if you are security conscious.

2. Install Ledger Live on Desktop

Run the downloaded installer and follow the on-screen prompts. Installation is straightforward but follow these suggestions for a smooth, secure setup.

1. Close unnecessary applications while installing to avoid accidental interference.
2. On Windows, if prompted for drivers, accept them only if you downloaded Ledger Live from the official site.
3. After installation, open Ledger Live and allow any system permissions it requests that are required for device connectivity.

First launch

On first launch, Ledger Live may offer a short onboarding tour. Skip or follow it — but always ensure your device setup (PIN and recovery seed) is performed on the physical device itself, not in the app.

3. Initialize Your Ledger Device

You should initialize the hardware wallet before using it with Ledger Live. The device setup generates your private keys and recovery seed locally.

1. Unbox your Ledger device and inspect packaging for tampering. Only purchase from authorized Ledger retailers.
2. Connect the device to your computer via USB (or supported transport) and power it on.
3. Choose to create a new wallet on the device. The device will prompt you to set a PIN — choose a PIN you can remember but is not trivial.
4. The device will generate a recovery seed (typically 24 words). Write these words down exactly in the order shown and store them offline and physically secure — never photograph or type them into a computer or phone.

4. Add Accounts in Ledger Live

After initializing your device, add accounts for the coins you want to manage. Ledger Live will synchronize balance and history data from the blockchain when you add an account.

1. Open Ledger Live → 'Accounts' → 'Add account'.
2. Select the cryptocurrency (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) and follow Ledger Live’s prompts.
3. Confirm the actions on your connected Ledger device when requested — this keeps signing authority on-device.

Sending & receiving

To receive funds, generate a receive address in Ledger Live and verify the address on your device screen before sharing it. To send funds, prepare the transaction in Ledger Live and confirm the recipient, amount, and fees on your Ledger device display before signing.

5. Security Best Practices

Security is ongoing — adopt these routine habits:

• Always update Ledger Live and your device firmware from official sources.
• Never share your recovery seed, PIN, or passphrase with anyone.
• Store your written recovery seed in a secure, offline place; consider fireproof metal backups for long-term resilience.
• Consider enabling an additional passphrase (advanced users) — but understand it creates a separate hidden wallet that must be backed up.
• For large holdings, use multisignature schemes or split custody across devices/people.

6. Troubleshooting & Support

If your device is not detected, try the following:

• Reconnect the USB cable and try a different USB port or cable.
• Restart Ledger Live and your computer.
• Ensure Ledger Live and firmware are up to date; reinstall drivers on Windows if required.
• Consult Ledger's official support pages for step-by-step help and verified guidance.

When to contact support

Reach out to official Ledger support if you experience firmware errors, suspected device tampering, or other issues that you cannot resolve through documentation. Never share your recovery phrase with support.

7. First Transaction Checklist

Before moving substantial funds, run through this checklist:

1. Confirm device authenticity and that firmware is up to date.
2. Send a small test amount to your new receive address and confirm it arrives correctly.
3. Verify the receive address on-device and in Ledger Live match.
4. Once satisfied, transfer larger balances as needed, and consider splitting funds across security layers (multisig, cold storage).

Closing note

Ledger Live and a Ledger hardware device provide a robust foundation for secure self-custody. Following the setup and security practices in this guide will help keep your assets safe while enabling everyday crypto use.