The only official website for Ledger Live and Ledger hardware wallets is https://www.ledger.com/.
Be extremely cautious of fake websites, phishing ads, and impostor apps. Always double-check the URL before downloading anything.
Ledger Live Desktop is the official companion application for Ledger hardware wallets (like the Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, and Stax). It's a secure interface installed on your computer (Windows, macOS, Linux) that allows you to manage your crypto assets without exposing your private keys, which are always protected within your physical Ledger device.
Manage Your Portfolio: View all your crypto assets in one dashboard with real-time balance and price charts.
Buy, Sell, & Swap: Buy crypto with fiat currency (via partners like MoonPay) or swap one cryptocurrency for another directly within the app.
Send & Receive: Securely send and receive cryptocurrencies. Every transaction must be physically verified and approved on your Ledger device.
Earn Crypto: Stake certain coins (like ETH, DOT, ATOM) directly from the app to earn rewards.
Explore Web3: Discover and connect to decentralized applications (dApps) in the Web3 ecosystem securely through the Ledger Live interface.
Follow these steps carefully to set up your Ledger device and the Ledger Live application.
Go to the official website: Navigate to https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live.
Download the app: Click the "Download Ledger Live" button. The website will automatically detect your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
Install the application: Run the downloaded file and follow the on-screen installation instructions for your OS.
Unbox and Connect: Unbox your new Ledger device and connect it to your computer using the provided USB cable.
Initialize Device: Follow the instructions on the device's screen to set up a new wallet.
Write Down Your Recovery Phrase: This is the most critical security step. Your device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase. Write it down by hand on the provided recovery sheet and store it in a safe, offline place. Never take a digital photo of it or store it on a computer/cloud.
Open Ledger Live: Launch the Ledger Live Desktop app you just installed.
Follow the Onboarding: The app will guide you through the process:
Select "Get Started."
Choose "Set up a new device."
Follow the prompts to verify your device's authenticity.
Create a password to secure your Ledger Live application locally on your computer.
Open the Manager: In Ledger Live, go to the "My Ledger" tab.
Install Apps: Your connected Ledger device will need to install the specific "app" for each cryptocurrency you want to manage (e.g., Bitcoin app, Ethereum app). Find the app in the catalog and click "Install." The app will be installed directly onto your hardware wallet.
Create Accounts: Once the app is installed, you can go to the "Accounts" tab and "Add account" for that cryptocurrency. Ledger Live will then generate a receiving address for you.
Never Share Your Recovery Phrase: Ledger, nor any legitimate service, will ever ask for your 24-word phrase. Anyone who has it has full control over your funds.
Always Verify Transactions on Your Device: Before confirming any transaction in Ledger Live, double-check the recipient address and amount on your Ledger device's screen.
Beware of Phishing: Only use the official Ledger Live app and website. Do not click on links in suspicious emails or search ads.
Keep Your Software Updated: Regularly update both your Ledger Live application and the firmware on your Ledger device to ensure you have the latest security patches.