Ledger Live Download — Starting Up™ Your Device | Ledger®

Setting up a Ledger hardware wallet starts with installing the correct companion application on a trusted device. Ledger’s wallet software provides a central place to manage supported crypto assets, monitor portfolios, review transactions, and connect a compatible Ledger hardware wallet. The current Ledger ecosystem is also beginning to use the name “Ledger Wallet,” although users may still encounter the familiar Ledger Live name across official resources.

If you are preparing your Ledger device for the first time, taking a careful approach can help you avoid common installation and security mistakes.

Starting Up Your Device

Before installing wallet software, prepare the computer or mobile device you plan to use. Make sure the operating system is updated, your internet connection is reliable, and you are using a device that you control.

The safest approach is to obtain the application directly from Ledger’s official website. Ledger currently provides desktop downloads for Windows, macOS, and Linux, along with mobile versions for iOS and Android.

Avoid downloading cryptocurrency wallet software from advertisements, unofficial websites, file-sharing services, or links sent through unknown messages. Fake wallet applications can imitate legitimate software and may be designed to steal sensitive information.

For additional guidance, visit our Ledger device setup guide.

Ledger Live Download: Choose the Correct Version

When beginning a Ledger Live download, select the version that matches your operating system. On desktop, Ledger provides dedicated versions for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Mobile users can find the application for supported iOS and Android devices through the appropriate official channel.

After downloading the installer, open it and follow the instructions displayed on your screen. Do not disable security software simply because an unfamiliar website tells you to do so.

Once installation is complete, launch the application and connect your compatible Ledger hardware wallet using the supported connection method.

Connect Your Ledger Hardware Wallet

The software works alongside the physical Ledger device. After connecting the hardware wallet, follow the instructions shown in the application and on the device itself.

During setup, a new wallet may generate a Secret Recovery Phrase. This phrase is one of the most important pieces of information associated with a self-custody wallet. Anyone who obtains it may potentially gain control over the associated assets.

Write the recovery information down exactly as instructed and store it somewhere secure and offline. Never photograph it, save it in cloud storage, type it into a website, or send it to another person.

Our recovery phrase security guide provides additional information about protecting this critical information.

Setting Up Your Accounts

After your hardware wallet is configured, the application can help you install supported blockchain applications and create accounts for the assets you want to manage. Ledger's documentation describes the Manager as the place where users can install applications on their Ledger device.

The available assets and features depend on the Ledger model, software version, blockchain network, and current regional availability.

When adding an account, carefully follow the instructions provided by the application. If the software asks you to confirm information on the physical device, review it there before approving anything.

Managing Your Digital Assets

The Ledger ecosystem can be used to monitor supported cryptocurrency accounts and perform activities such as sending and receiving assets. Depending on the supported service and region, additional features can include buying, exchanging, staking, and interacting with selected Web3 applications.

Before sending cryptocurrency, always verify the recipient address, network, amount, and transaction fee. Blockchain transactions may be irreversible, so correcting an incorrect address after a transaction has been confirmed may not be possible.

For more information, explore our crypto transaction safety guide.

Verify Before You Approve

One of the key advantages of using a hardware wallet is that important transaction information can be reviewed on the physical device before authorization.

Do not approve a transaction simply because the information on your computer or phone looks correct. Compare the relevant details shown on the Ledger device with what you intended to send.

If anything appears unexpected, reject the transaction and investigate before continuing.

This extra verification step can help protect users from certain phishing attempts, malicious software, and address-substitution attacks.

Keeping the Application Secure

Wallet software should always be obtained from a trustworthy source. Ledger provides an official download page and also publishes information that allows users to verify the authenticity of Ledger Live installation binaries using cryptographic hashes.

If you are technically comfortable checking an installation file, Ledger's published verification information can provide an additional authenticity check.

You should also keep the application and operating system updated when official updates are available. Do not install unofficial modified versions of wallet software.

For further reading, see our hardware wallet security checklist.

Troubleshooting Installation

If the application does not recognize your Ledger device, begin with simple checks. Confirm that the device is properly connected, unlocked when required, and supported by your current software version.

Restarting the application or reconnecting the hardware wallet can resolve some basic connection problems. If the issue continues, use Ledger's official support documentation instead of downloading unknown drivers or software from third-party websites.

Most importantly, never provide your Secret Recovery Phrase to someone claiming to offer technical support. Your recovery information should remain private.

Final Thoughts

Installing the correct Ledger software is an important first step toward managing a hardware wallet safely. Choose the correct operating-system version, download the application from an official source, connect your device carefully, and follow the setup instructions displayed by the software and hardware wallet.

Once your setup is complete, take time to understand account management, transaction verification, and wallet security before moving significant amounts of cryptocurrency.

For additional resources, visit our Ledger troubleshooting guide, hardware wallet setup guide, and crypto security guide to help readers build safer self-custody habits.