Ledger Live App — Install & Setup Guide

A clear, neon-styled presentation for safe installation and everyday use

Welcome to your quick, friendly, and secure walkthrough for installing and setting up Ledger Live — the official desktop app to manage your Ledger hardware wallet, view balances, and safely send or receive crypto. This guide assumes you already own a Ledger device (Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, or compatible model). Follow each step carefully and keep your recovery phrase offline and private.

Before you begin

1. Check system requirements: a modern Windows 10/11, macOS 10.15+ (Catalina or newer), or common Linux distributions. Ensure a USB port (or Bluetooth for Nano X).

2. Stable connection: A stable internet connection for downloading the installer and syncing account information.

3. Recovery phrase safety: A secure place to store your recovery phrase (do not save it on your computer or cloud storage).

Download Ledger Live

Open your browser and go to the official Ledger website. Verify the URL and HTTPS.
Click Get Ledger Live and choose the correct installer for Windows, macOS, or Linux.
Verify the checksum if available to ensure the file hasn’t been tampered with.

Install the app & first-time setup

Install the app

Windows: Run the .exe, approve security prompts, then launch from Start.

macOS: Open the .dmg and drag Ledger Live to Applications. If blocked, allow in System Preferences → Security & Privacy.

Linux: Extract the .tar.gz and run the install script or binary as instructed.

First-time setup

Launch Ledger Live and choose “Initialize as a new device” or “Restore device”.
If initializing, set a PIN on-device and write down the 24-word recovery phrase exactly as shown. Confirm the words when prompted.
Never enter your recovery phrase into Ledger Live or any other software.

Connect your device, install apps & transact

Connect your Ledger device

Use USB or Bluetooth (Nano X). Open Ledger Manager on the device if prompted. Follow Ledger Live prompts for firmware updates and do not disconnect during updates.

Add accounts & install crypto apps

Go to Accounts → Add account, choose the coin (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.). Use the Manager tab to install coin apps on your device — each supported coin requires its app on the device.

Send & receive

Receive: Click Receive, then confirm the address on the device screen — always trust the device display over the computer.

Send: Click Send, enter recipient address, and confirm details on the Ledger device physically before approving.

Security, troubleshooting & glossary

Security best practices

Never share your 24-word recovery phrase. Ledger staff will never ask for it.
Store the recovery phrase offline — consider a steel backup for durability.
Use a strong PIN, keep software updated, and beware of phishing sites and emails.

Troubleshooting highlights

Device not recognized: try another cable or USB port, reboot your computer.
Firmware update issues: ensure the device remains connected and has enough battery for Nano X.
macOS permission prompts: check Security & Privacy settings if Ledger Live requests access.

Glossary

Recovery phrase: Words representing your wallet’s private keys.

Firmware: Secure software on the Ledger device.

Derivation path: The method that generates addresses from your seed.

Final checklist & resources

Checklist: Ledger Live installed and updated; device connected and firmware current; PIN set and recovery phrase safely stored; coin apps installed; accounts added; small test transaction completed.

Consult Ledger’s official documentation and Ledger Academy for deeper tutorials and security guides. Verify any community advice against official resources before applying it.

Thank you for choosing Ledger. Remember to double-check addresses, keep firmware and apps updated, and keep your recovery phrase offline.