Ledger® Live |Getting Started™ Ledger®

Cryptocurrency has opened the door to a new era of financial freedom, but it also comes with new responsibilities — most importantly, self-custody and asset protection. One of the most trusted tools in the space is Ledger®, a leader in hardware wallets and digital asset security. Whether you're a newcomer or a seasoned investor, setting up Ledger® Live is a key step toward safely managing your crypto portfolio.

Ledger® Live is the official software companion to Ledger’s Nano S Plus and Nano X hardware wallets. This application allows users to manage, send, receive, buy, sell, and stake cryptocurrencies — all while keeping private keys secured offline. If you’ve just unboxed your Ledger device, this guide will walk you through getting started with Ledger® Live the right way.

What is Ledger® Live?

Ledger® Live is a desktop and mobile application developed by Ledger to give users full access to their crypto portfolios while maintaining top-tier security. It integrates directly with your Ledger hardware wallet, allowing you to manage over 5,000 crypto assets including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, XRP, and thousands of tokens across multiple blockchains.

Ledger® Live also supports advanced features such as staking, DeFi access, NFT management, and crypto purchasing via integrated partners. Importantly, all transactions are signed on the hardware device — not your computer or smartphone — keeping your private keys protected from potential malware or phishing attacks.

Before You Begin

To start using Ledger® Live securely, gather the following:

A Ledger Nano S Plus or Ledger Nano X device
A USB cable to connect your device (or Bluetooth for Nano X mobile users)
A computer (Windows, macOS, Linux) or smartphone (iOS/Android)
A secure internet connection
A quiet, private location to handle your recovery phrase safely

Step-by-Step: Getting Started with Ledger® Live

Step 1: Unbox and Inspect Your Device

Make sure your Ledger hardware wallet’s packaging is untampered. Ledger devices do not come pre-set with recovery phrases. If yours includes one already written down, do not use that device — it could be compromised.

Step 2: Download and Install Ledger® Live

Visit the official Ledger site to download the Ledger® Live application on your device. Only install software from the official source to avoid malicious clones or phishing apps. Once installed, open the application and select “Get Started.”

Step 3: Set Up Your Ledger Device

If your device is brand new, select the option to initialize a new device. You’ll be guided through:

Creating a secure PIN code on your device
Generating your 24-word recovery phrase on the device screen
Writing down the recovery phrase by hand, double-checking each word

This 24-word phrase is your sole backup. If your Ledger device is lost or damaged, this phrase is the only way to recover your wallet. Never take a screenshot, store it digitally, or share it with anyone.

Step 4: Pair Your Device with Ledger® Live

Once initialized, connect your device to Ledger® Live via USB (or Bluetooth for Nano X mobile users). The app will verify your device’s authenticity and walk you through adding cryptocurrency accounts.

Each account corresponds to a supported blockchain, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Polkadot. You can add multiple accounts and assets based on your needs.

What Can You Do with Ledger® Live?

Ledger® Live offers powerful features for all types of users:

Send and receive crypto assets securely
Track your portfolio’s value in real-time
Install and manage coin-specific apps on your device
Buy, sell, or swap crypto through integrated partners
Stake assets like Ethereum, Polkadot, and Tezos to earn rewards
Access Web3 and DeFi platforms via Ledger’s ecosystem
Manage NFTs on supported blockchains

All transactions must be confirmed directly on the hardware wallet, ensuring no actions occur without your explicit approval.

Security Best Practices

To ensure your digital assets remain protected, always follow these practices:

Keep your 24-word recovery phrase offline and stored securely
Only use Ledger® Live and firmware updates from official sources
Do not share your PIN or recovery phrase — not even with "support"
Use a strong PIN and optional passphrase protection
Avoid browser extensions, fake apps, or third-party tools

Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase. Any person or site that does is attempting to steal your assets.

Why Ledger® Live and Hardware Wallets Are Essential

Unlike software wallets or custodial exchanges, Ledger's solution gives you complete ownership of your crypto. Your private keys never leave the device, and Ledger® Live acts as a secure bridge — not a storage point.

This combination of hardware security and software usability has made Ledger® the go-to solution for millions of users globally. From casual investors to institutional holders, Ledger is trusted because it puts control where it belongs — in your hands.

Final Thoughts

Getting started with Ledger® Live is a major milestone in your crypto journey. By following the correct steps and using only official tools, you reduce the risks of hacks, scams, and unauthorized access. Your Ledger device and Ledger® Live app work together to ensure your digital wealth is protected and accessible, on your terms.

Take your time during setup, protect your recovery phrase like you would your bank password, and explore the features of Ledger® Live with confidence. In the world of digital finance, owning your keys means owning your future.