What is Ledger Live (Ledger Wallet)?
Ledger Live — now often referred to as Ledger Wallet in Ledger's shop — is the official companion app for Ledger hardware devices. It lets you install apps on your device, manage multiple cryptocurrencies, view balances, receive/send assets, and interact with Web3 services while your private keys remain on the hardware wallet.
Step 1 — Download the official app
Always download Ledger Live (Ledger Wallet) from Ledger’s official domain. Avoid third-party download sites. Use the Ledger Start page or the official download page for installers for desktop and mobile platforms. Links to the official download & start pages are at the end of this article.
ledger.com or shop.ledger.com. Fake apps exist — never share your 24-word recovery phrase with anyone.
Step 2 — Set up your Ledger device & app
1. First power-on and device setup
Unbox your Ledger device, power it on, and follow the on-screen prompts. Create a PIN and write down the recovery phrase exactly as shown. This recovery phrase is the sole backup for your private keys — keep it offline and never share it.
2. Install Ledger Live and connect
Install the Ledger Wallet (Ledger Live) app on your computer or mobile device. When you first open the app, choose to set up a new device or restore an existing one if you already have a recovery phrase. Ledger Live will guide you through pairing with your device and installing the apps you need for each cryptocurrency.
3. Add accounts and sync
After apps are installed on the hardware device, add accounts in Ledger Live to track balances and transact. Ledger Live does not store your private keys — the device stays in charge of signing transactions.
Login vs. onboarding — what "login" means here
Unlike custodial wallets, Ledger does not use email + password login for wallets. "Logging in" to Ledger Live typically means opening the app and connecting your Ledger device (and entering your device PIN). The app may prompt for updates; only accept updates from within the official Ledger interface.
Security best practices
- Never enter your recovery phrase into a computer or website. Ledger will never ask for your 24 words. Treat any request for your recovery phrase as fraud.
- Download only from official pages. Check URLs and use bookmarks to reach ledger.com or shop.ledger.com.
- Keep firmware and Ledger Live updated. Firmware updates improve device security; apply only official updates inside Ledger Live.
- Verify transaction details on the device screen. Always confirm addresses and amounts on your Ledger device display before approving.
- Use Recovery Check or other Ledger tools to validate backups. Ledger provides tools that let you check your backup is correct without exposing your seed to a third party.
Common Ledger Live tasks (quick how-tos)
Install an app on your Ledger device
Open Ledger Live → Manager / My Ledger → connect your device → install the app for the coin (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum).
Receive crypto
Open the account in Ledger Live → click Receive → connect your device → verify the address displayed on your device screen and copy it into the sender app. Confirm on the device.
Send crypto
Initiate a Send in Ledger Live, confirm the transaction details, then approve the signature on your Ledger device. The private key never leaves your hardware signer.
Troubleshooting & support
If Ledger Live can't find your device, ensure your USB or Bluetooth connection is working and that no other wallet software is interfering. If problems persist, consult Ledger's official support articles and reach out through Ledger's support portal (links below).
Wrapping up
Ledger Live (Ledger Wallet) paired with a Ledger hardware device is a strong option for self-custodying crypto assets. The keys to staying safe are: download only from official sources, never share your recovery phrase, verify everything on the device screen, and keep firmware and app software updated.
Below you'll find 10 official Ledger links — bookmark them for safe access.