LEDGER LIVE

Secure Your Crypto with the Official Desktop App

Go to Ledger.com/start

The Necessity of Self-Custody

Ledger offers industry-leading hardware wallets (like the **Ledger Nano S Plus** and **Ledger Nano X**) to achieve true cryptocurrency cold storage. A hardware wallet is crucial for security, as it isolates your private keys from the internet, protecting you from malware, phishing attacks, and exchange collapses. **Ledger Live** is the mandatory official application that connects your device and manages all your crypto activities securely.

Ledger Live: Your Secure Gateway

**Ledger Live** serves as the all-in-one portal for your Ledger device. It handles everything from device setup and firmware updates to checking your balance, sending/receiving assets, and accessing Ledger's integrated DeFi and dApp ecosystem. The secure connection between the device and the app ensures that your private keys *never* leave the hardware wallet.

Windows Installer

Download for PC

macOS Installer

Download for Mac

Linux AppImage

Download for Linux

Installation and Setup Guide

  1. Start at the Source: Go directly to Ledger.com/start and follow the official download link for Ledger Live (desktop or mobile).
  2. Install and Open: Install the Ledger Live app on your computer or mobile device and open it.
  3. Initial Setup: The app will guide you through setting up your device: creating a **PIN code** (3 to 8 digits) on the device itself.
  4. Write Down Your Recovery Phrase: The device will display your unique 24-word **Recovery Phrase**. This is your *only* backup. Write it down on the provided Recovery Sheet and store it securely offline. **Never take a picture or digitize it.**
  5. Verify and Protect: Ledger Live will prompt you to verify the Recovery Phrase. Once complete, you can install the necessary coin applications (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) directly through the Manager section of Ledger Live.

Troubleshooting Common Ledger Issues

If your device is not recognized or an error occurs:
  • Ensure you are using the **original USB cable** provided with your Ledger device.
  • Try a **different USB port** or use an external powered USB hub.
  • Make sure **no other wallet software** (like MetaMask or other hardware wallet apps) is running, as they can interfere with the connection.
  • Check if your **operating system drivers** are up-to-date.

For detailed troubleshooting and technical support, always refer to the official Ledger support website: support.ledger.com.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the key differences between Ledger Nano S Plus and Ledger Nano X?

A: The Nano X is the premium model featuring **Bluetooth connectivity** (for use with Ledger Live Mobile) and a **larger storage capacity** for installing more apps simultaneously. The Nano S Plus offers a larger screen and app storage than the original Nano S, but lacks Bluetooth.

Q: Is it safe to use Ledger Live on a potentially compromised computer?

A: Yes. Ledger Live is an interface, but the critical security operation (signing the transaction) happens **only inside the Ledger hardware wallet**. You must physically verify and approve the transaction details on the device screen, ensuring that even if your computer is compromised, the hacker cannot steal your private keys or change the transaction amount/address.

Q: What is a 'Passphrase' (Hidden Wallet) and should I use it?

A: A Passphrase, or optional security phrase, is a 25th word that creates a unique, separate wallet. It provides the highest level of security against physical compromise (like a forced attack). If used, you must memorize or store it completely separate from your 24-word Recovery Phrase, as losing the Passphrase means losing access to those funds forever.

Q: What should I do if my Ledger device is lost, stolen, or damaged?

A: Your funds are safe if your 24-word Recovery Phrase was stored securely offline. The device is just the key-vault. You can use your Recovery Phrase to restore access to all your cryptocurrencies on a new Ledger device or any compatible BIP39 wallet.

Ledger® is a registered trademark of Ledger SAS. Always use the official Ledger Live application downloaded from Ledger.com/start.