That’s the promise behind Ledger® Live Wallet, the companion app designed to help you safely manage, grow, and use your crypto assets—all while keeping private keys firmly in your control.
Whether you’re brand-new to crypto or upgrading your security setup, this complete getting-started guide walks you through Ledger Live step by step. From installation and setup to sending, receiving, staking, and managing NFTs, you’ll learn how to unlock the full power of Ledger’s ecosystem with confidence.
Let’s dive in. 🚀
🌈 What Is Ledger® Live Wallet?
Ledger® Live is an all-in-one desktop and mobile application that works alongside Ledger hardware wallets (such as Ledger Nano S Plus and Ledger Nano X). It allows users to:
Securely manage crypto assets
Buy, sell, swap, and stake supported coins
Install and manage blockchain apps on their Ledger device
Track balances and portfolio performance
Safely interact with Web3 and NFTs
Unlike software-only wallets, Ledger Live never stores your private keys online. Instead, your keys remain protected inside your Ledger hardware wallet, shielded by a Secure Element chip.
Bottom line: Ledger Live is your secure command center for crypto—without sacrificing usability.
🔐 Why Choose Ledger® Live?
In a world of hot wallets, browser extensions, and centralized exchanges, Ledger Live stands out for three core reasons:
Your private keys stay on your device. Always. No third parties. No cloud storage. No shortcuts.
Ledger devices use CC EAL5+ certified Secure Element chips, similar to those used in passports and credit cards.
From Bitcoin and Ethereum to NFTs and DeFi access, Ledger Live brings everything together in one clean, intuitive interface.
🎨 Supported Platforms & Devices
Ledger Live is available across platforms:
Desktop: Windows, macOS, Linux
Mobile: iOS and Android
Compatible hardware wallets include:
Ledger Nano S Plus
Ledger Nano X
Each device integrates seamlessly with Ledger Live, ensuring consistent security whether you’re at home or on the go.
📦 Getting Started: Step-by-Step Setup Step 1: Download Ledger® Live
Always download Ledger Live from the official Ledger domain to avoid counterfeit software.
Once downloaded:
Install the app
Launch Ledger Live
Select “Get Started”
You’ll be guided through a smooth onboarding experience with clear instructions and visuals.
Step 2: Set Up Your Ledger Device
If your Ledger device is brand new:
Choose “Set up as new device”
Create a PIN code
Carefully write down your 24-word recovery phrase
🔔 Important: Your recovery phrase is the only backup to your crypto. Never:
Take photos of it
Store it digitally
Share it with anyone
Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase.
Step 3: Pair Ledger Live with Your Device
Connect your Ledger via USB (or Bluetooth for Nano X)
Allow Ledger Live access on the device screen
Complete the authenticity check
This ensures your device is genuine and untampered.
🪙 Adding Crypto Accounts
Once connected, it’s time to add accounts.
How to Add an Account:
Open Ledger Live
Click Accounts → Add account
Choose a cryptocurrency (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum)
Install the required app on your Ledger device
Sync the account
Ledger Live supports 5,000+ coins and tokens, including:
BTC, ETH, SOL, ADA
ERC-20 tokens
Polygon, BNB Chain, Tron, and more
📥 Receiving Crypto Safely
Receiving crypto with Ledger Live is straightforward—and secure.
Steps to Receive:
Select an account
Click Receive
Verify the address on both Ledger Live and your device
Share the verified address with the sender
🛡️ Address verification on the hardware screen protects you from malware attacks.
📤 Sending Crypto with Confidence
Sending crypto requires physical confirmation on your Ledger device—an extra layer of protection.
Steps to Send:
Select the account
Click Send
Enter recipient address and amount
Review transaction details
Confirm on your Ledger device
No transaction leaves your wallet without your approval.
📊 Portfolio Tracking & Insights
Ledger Live isn’t just secure—it’s smart.
Features Include:
Real-time balance tracking
Asset allocation charts
Price performance over time
Fiat value display in multiple currencies
The dashboard gives you a clean, colorful snapshot of your entire crypto portfolio at a glance.
🔁 Buy, Sell & Swap Crypto
Ledger Live integrates trusted third-party providers, allowing you to:
Buy crypto using bank cards or transfers
Sell crypto directly to fiat
Swap assets without moving funds to exchanges
All while your private keys remain safely offline.
Supported providers may vary by region.
🌱 Staking with Ledger® Live
Put your crypto to work without giving up custody.
Ledger Live supports staking for assets like:
Ethereum (ETH)
Solana (SOL)
Polkadot (DOT)
Tezos (XTZ)
Cosmos (ATOM)
Benefits:
Earn passive rewards
Maintain full control of funds
Transparent validator selection
Staking is initiated inside Ledger Live and confirmed on your device.
🖼️ NFT Management Made Simple
Ledger Live supports Ethereum and Polygon NFTs, letting you:
View NFT collections
Send and receive NFTs securely
Connect to NFT marketplaces via Ledger-secured wallets
Your NFTs are protected by the same hardware-level security as your crypto.
🌐 Web3 & dApp Connectivity
Ledger Live acts as a secure bridge to Web3.
Connect To:
DeFi platforms
NFT marketplaces
Web3 apps
Using Ledger Live + Ledger device ensures transactions are verified on trusted hardware, reducing phishing and smart-contract risks.
🔄 Managing Apps on Your Ledger Device
Your Ledger device has limited storage, but that’s by design.
With Ledger Live, you can:
Install blockchain apps
Remove apps (without losing funds)
Update apps and firmware
💡 Removing an app never deletes your crypto—funds live on the blockchain.
🔔 Firmware Updates & Maintenance
Ledger Live notifies you when:
Firmware updates are available
App updates are released
Security improvements are added
Updating regularly ensures optimal performance and protection.
🧠 Best Security Practices
To get the most out of Ledger Live, follow these golden rules:
Never share your recovery phrase
Only download Ledger Live from official sources
Verify addresses on your device screen
Use a strong PIN
Consider a secure backup solution for your recovery phrase
Security is a habit—not a one-time setup.
❓ Common Questions Is Ledger Live free?
Yes. Ledger Live is completely free to download and use.
Can Ledger access my funds?
No. Ledger never has access to your private keys or funds.
What happens if I lose my Ledger device?
You can restore your wallet on a new device using your 24-word recovery phrase.
🌟 Final Thoughts
Ledger® Live Wallet combines world-class security with a modern, colorful user experience, making it one of the most trusted tools in crypto self-custody today.
From first setup to advanced staking and NFT management, Ledger Live empowers you to take full control of your digital assets—securely, confidently, and independently.