Ledger LiveGETTING STARTED
Desktop guide Get Ledger Live

YOUR FIRST STEPS, MADE CLEAR

Ledger live desktop

A calm, step-by-step guide to getting started with Ledger Live and your Ledger hardware wallet.

Start setup
Your recovery phrase stays with you. Always.
THE ESSENTIALS6 STEPS ABOUT 10 MIN

Security comes first
This is an independent educational guide, not an official Ledger website. Download the app only from ledger.com/ledger-live. Never share your 24-word recovery phrase or enter it into a computer, phone, website, or app. Ledger Support will never ask for it.

01

START HERE

Download & install Ledger Live

Get the desktop app from Ledger’s official website. Ledger Live is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

  1. 1Go directly to ledger.com/ledger-live.
  2. 2Choose the download for your operating system.
  3. 3Open the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
  4. 4Launch Ledger Live to reach the welcome screen.

Take a moment to verify. Follow the checksum or signature verification instructions shown on Ledger’s download page if available.

02

PAIR YOUR DEVICE

Connect your Ledger device

Connect a Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Ledger Stax to your computer. Use USB, or Bluetooth with a supported Nano X setup.

Open and connect

Open Ledger Live, connect your device, then unlock it with the PIN you set on the device.

Check for updates

Use Ledger Live to check for genuine firmware updates and follow the prompts on both screens.

Verify on the device

Read what’s shown on your hardware wallet and confirm only actions you initiated and understand.

Ledger Live Desktop includes the components needed for its supported USB connection. Follow Ledger’s own instructions if a prompt appears.

03

CREATE OR RESTORE

Set up your wallet

Choose whether to initialize a new hardware wallet or restore access to an existing one. Your recovery phrase is handled on the device—not in Ledger Live.

NEW DEVICE

Set up as new

Your device generates a recovery phrase during initialization. Write it on the recovery sheet and keep it private, offline, and physically secure.

  • Choose a strong PIN on your device.
  • Write down the phrase exactly as shown.
  • Confirm the words using the device itself.
EXISTING WALLET

Restore access

Restore using your recovery phrase only through the trusted, on-device process for your Ledger hardware wallet.

  • Never type the phrase into a computer or phone.
  • Never enter it into Ledger Live or a website.
  • Stop if an unexpected person or prompt requests it.

Your 24-word phrase is the master backup to your assets. Anyone who gets it can take control. Ledger will never ask you to share it online. If a prompt asks you to enter it into an app, browser, or support chat, stop.

04

GET ORIENTED

Explore the Ledger Live dashboard

Once setup is complete, the app brings common portfolio tools together. Features and supported assets may vary by region, device, and provider.

Accounts

View the accounts you add and their portfolio balances.

Send & receive

Prepare transfers and check receiving addresses on-device.

Buy & sell

Explore integrated providers where the service is available.

Swap

Compare available asset exchange options and providers.

Discover

Explore supported apps and services with care.

Settings

Adjust app preferences, currency, and other settings.

Every transaction needs your careful review. Verify the full destination address and transaction details on your Ledger device before confirming.

05

MAKE IT A HABIT

Keep your Ledger secure

Good security is built from small, repeatable habits. Keep these principles close whenever you use your wallet.

✓

Keep your recovery phrase private. No support agent, website, or app needs to see it.

✓

Check addresses on your device. Clipboard malware can silently replace an address.

✓

Install updates through Ledger Live. Only use official channels and follow device prompts.

✓

Protect your PIN and backup. Store the written phrase offline in a secure place.

✓

Be skeptical of urgency. Ignore unsolicited messages, fake support, and links promising to recover funds.

ADVANCED

Ledger Live may support features such as custom nodes or coin control for some assets. Review official documentation before changing advanced settings.

06

YOU’RE IN CONTROL

Ready for what’s next?

Your device is set up and you know the basics. Take your time, verify every action on-screen, and stay in control of your keys.

Visit Ledger Live

Need help? Visit official Ledger Support and double-check the URL before continuing.

LEDGER LIVE · DESKTOPINDEPENDENT EDUCATIONAL GUIDE · 2026