Official Site® | Ledger Live® | Getting Started

In the rapidly growing world of cryptocurrency, keeping your assets safe is a top priority. While exchanges make trading convenient, storing funds online leaves them exposed to risks. That’s where Ledger®, a leader in hardware wallet technology, comes in. The Ledger Live® app—available on desktop and mobile—acts as the official companion to your Ledger device, helping you securely manage your crypto portfolio.

If you’re just starting out, this guide will walk you through how to download Ledger Live from the official site®, set it up for the first time, and use it to store, buy, sell, and stake your digital assets securely.

What Is Ledger Live®?

Ledger Live® is the official application developed by Ledger to connect with Ledger hardware wallets like the Ledger Nano S Plus® and Ledger Nano X®. It allows users to:

Securely store cryptocurrencies with offline protection
Send and receive funds quickly and safely
Buy, sell, and swap crypto through integrated partners
Stake coins to earn passive rewards
Track portfolio performance in real-time

Unlike exchange apps, Ledger Live works directly with your hardware wallet, ensuring private keys never leave your device.

Step 1: Download Ledger Live® from the Official Site

Your first step is to head over to the Ledger official site® (ledger.com).

Choose “Download Ledger Live” from the menu.
Select the version for your device: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, or Android.
Install the app by following the on-screen instructions.

⚠️ Important: Only download Ledger Live from the official website. Third-party downloads may contain malware designed to steal crypto.

Step 2: Set Up Your Ledger Device

Before using Ledger Live, you’ll need to initialize your Ledger hardware wallet:

Unbox Your Device – Verify it’s brand new and untampered.
Turn It On – Connect via USB (Nano S Plus) or Bluetooth (Nano X).
Create a PIN Code – This acts as your first layer of protection.
Write Down Your Recovery Phrase – Ledger provides a 24-word recovery seed. Store it offline in a safe place. Never share it with anyone.

This phrase is your backup to restore access to your funds if your device is lost or damaged.

Step 3: Connect Ledger Live to Your Device

Once Ledger Live is installed and your device is initialized:

Open the Ledger Live app
Choose “Get Started”
Select your Ledger model (Nano S Plus or Nano X)
Connect via USB or Bluetooth
Allow Ledger Live to sync with your device

The app will verify the authenticity of your hardware wallet to make sure it’s genuine and secure.

Step 4: Add Accounts to Ledger Live

Ledger Live lets you manage multiple cryptocurrencies in one place. To add an account:

Open Ledger Live
Navigate to “Accounts”
Select “Add Account”
Choose the cryptocurrency you want to add
Confirm on your Ledger device

Your wallet is now ready to receive funds.

Step 5: Buy, Send, Receive, and Stake Crypto

With Ledger Live set up, you can:

Receive Crypto: Generate a receiving address, confirm it on your device, and share it with the sender.
Send Crypto: Enter the recipient’s address, confirm transaction details on your Ledger device, and sign securely.
Buy & Swap: Use integrated services to purchase crypto with fiat or swap coins.
Stake Assets: Stake supported cryptocurrencies like ETH, ATOM, and SOL directly from the app.

Each action requires you to confirm via your Ledger device, ensuring your private keys remain safe.

Security Benefits of Ledger Live®

Ledger Live stands out because of its strong security-first design:

Hardware Protection: Private keys remain stored on the Ledger device, never exposed to the internet.
Verification: Each transaction must be confirmed on the hardware wallet, preventing unauthorized access.
Anti-Phishing: Ledger Live only interacts with the official device and official network, blocking fake apps.
Continuous Updates: Regular firmware and app updates keep your wallet secure.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Getting Started

Never Share Recovery Phrase – No Ledger employee or support agent will ever ask for it.
Beware of Fake Apps – Download Ledger Live only from the official site®.
Enable Auto-Updates – Stay protected with the latest security patches.
Double-Check Addresses – Always confirm the address on your device screen before sending funds.
Secure Your Device Physically – Treat your Ledger like a bank vault key.

Why Use Ledger Live Instead of Exchanges?

Many beginners store their crypto on exchanges. While convenient, exchanges are custodial platforms, meaning they control your private keys. Ledger Live with a Ledger device ensures:

Self-custody – You own your crypto, not a third party.
Resilience – Even if Ledger Live is hacked, your funds remain safe since keys never leave the device.
Multi-asset support – Manage Bitcoin, Ethereum, altcoins, and NFTs all in one app.

Final Thoughts

The Official Site® | Ledger Live® | Getting Started process is straightforward but critical to securing your crypto journey. By downloading Ledger Live only from the official site, setting up your Ledger device correctly, and enabling all available security measures, you ensure complete control over your digital assets.

With Ledger Live, you’re not just accessing a wallet—you’re stepping into a secure ecosystem designed to help you grow, protect, and manage your cryptocurrency portfolio with confidence.

For beginners and advanced traders alike, the combination of Ledger hardware wallets and the Ledger Live app offers the best balance of usability and unmatched security.