Ledger® Live App — Getting Started | Official Ledger™ Live App

If you've just purchased a Ledger hardware wallet, you're probably eager to manage your crypto assets with confidence. That's where the Ledger Live app comes in. Developed by Ledger, the leader in hardware wallet security, Ledger Live is the all-in-one companion platform that lets you send, receive, swap, and stake your cryptocurrencies — all from a single, intuitive interface. In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to get started with the official Ledger Live app.

What Is Ledger Live?

Ledger Live is a desktop and mobile application that bridges the gap between your Ledger hardware wallet and the blockchain. Unlike software wallets that store your private keys on your device, Ledger hardware wallets keep your keys offline in a secure element chip. Ledger Live acts as the interface that allows you to interact with your assets without exposing your private keys to the internet. It supports over 5,500 tokens across multiple blockchains, making it one of the most versatile portfolio management tools available.

Downloading and Installing Ledger Live

Getting started is straightforward. First, visit the official Ledger website at ledger.com and navigate to the Ledger Live download page. Select the version compatible with your operating system — Windows, macOS, or Linux — or download the mobile app from the App Store or Google Play Store. Always ensure you're downloading from the official site to avoid phishing attempts.

Once the installer has been downloaded, open it and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation. After launching the app, you'll be greeted by a clean, modern dashboard. If you already have a Ledger device, you can connect it at this stage. If not, the app will guide you through the process of setting up your hardware wallet.

Setting Up Your Ledger Device with Ledger Live

Before you can manage assets, you need to pair your Ledger hardware wallet with the app. Connect your device to your computer or mobile phone using the USB cable or Bluetooth provided in the box. When prompted on your Ledger device, confirm the connection by pressing both buttons on the device simultaneously.

After the pairing is successful, you'll be asked to create a new wallet or restore an existing one using your 24-word recovery phrase. If you're new to Ledger, follow the on-screen instructions to generate a new recovery phrase. Write it down on the recovery sheet included in your package and store it in a safe place — never share this phrase with anyone.

Adding Cryptocurrency Accounts

Once your device is set up, adding accounts is simple. In the Ledger Live sidebar, click on Accounts and select Add account. Choose the cryptocurrency you want to add — Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, or any other supported asset — and click Continue. Your Ledger device will ask you to confirm the action by pressing both buttons. After confirmation, the account will appear in your portfolio, and you can begin managing that asset.

Key Features of Ledger Live

Ledger Live isn't just a viewing tool. It offers a robust set of features designed to give you full control over your crypto portfolio. You can send and receive funds directly within the app, check your transaction history, and verify all addresses on your hardware wallet's screen before confirming — a critical security step that protects you from malware and address spoofing.

The Swap feature lets you exchange one cryptocurrency for another directly within the app, with competitive rates and no need to transfer funds to a third-party exchange. Similarly, the Stake functionality allows you to earn rewards by staking supported coins like Tezos, Cosmos, or Polkadot, all while your keys remain secured on your device.

The app also provides real-time price updates, portfolio analytics, and the ability to track your asset allocation across different chains.

Final Thoughts

The Ledger Live app is the central hub for managing your hardware wallet assets securely and efficiently. By combining institutional-grade security with a user-friendly interface, it empowers both beginners and experienced users to take full ownership of their crypto holdings. Download Ledger Live today, pair your device, and experience the peace of mind that comes with managing your assets on your own terms.