Overview — What is Ledger Live & Ledger.com/Start®?

Ledger Live is the official companion app for Ledger® hardware wallets. Accessed via Ledger.com/Start®, Ledger Live lets you initialize devices, install apps for different blockchains, manage accounts, send and receive crypto, buy or swap assets, and keep your device firmware up to date. The combination of a Ledger hardware device and Ledger Live keeps your private keys offline while giving you a polished, user-friendly interface for daily crypto tasks.

Download & Install Ledger Live

Always download Ledger Live from the official page at Ledger.com/Start®. Below are the typical steps for downloading and installing Ledger Live on desktop or accessing the web-based experience.

  1. Visit the official start page: Open https://www.ledger.com/start and choose your platform (Windows, macOS, Linux, or mobile).
  2. Choose desktop or mobile: Download the installer for your operating system, or get the mobile app from your device's official store.
  3. Run the installer: Launch the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to install Ledger Live.
  4. Open Ledger Live: Launch the app and choose "Get started" to begin device initialization or recovery.
Tip: If you prefer not to install software, Ledger also provides web and mobile options — but installing Ledger Live on your machine generally offers the best balance of privacy and functionality.

First-time Setup — Initialize Your Ledger Device

The setup workflow walks you through creating a new wallet or restoring an existing one. Follow the on-screen instructions carefully and confirm actions on your Ledger device display.

  1. Connect your Ledger device: Plug the device into your computer or pair via Bluetooth (if supported by your model).
  2. Create a new device or restore: Choose "Set up as new device" to generate a new recovery phrase or "Restore device" to recover from an existing seed phrase.
  3. Choose a PIN: Create a PIN to unlock your device. Make it memorable but not easily guessable.
  4. Write down your recovery phrase: The recovery phrase (often 24 words) is the sole backup for your private keys. Write it down exactly as displayed and never store it digitally.
  5. Install apps in Ledger Live: After initialization, open Ledger Live’s Manager to install blockchain-specific apps (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) on the device.
// Quick checklist
1. Download Ledger Live from Ledger.com/Start®
2. Connect your Ledger device
3. Create PIN & write down recovery phrase
4. Install blockchain apps in Ledger Live
5. Add accounts and verify addresses on-device

Core Features of Ledger Live

Secure Key Storage

Private keys never leave your Ledger hardware device — they stay offline and protected.

Multi-Asset Support

Manage hundreds of cryptocurrencies and tokens in one place using Ledger apps and accounts.

Buy, Sell & Swap

Integrated third-party partners let you buy crypto, swap assets, and access DeFi connectors without exposing your keys.

Portfolio & Analytics

Track portfolio value over time, review transaction history, and export data for accounting or tax purposes.

Firmware & App Management

Safely update device firmware and add or remove blockchain apps through Ledger Live Manager.

Privacy Controls

Ledger Live offers privacy-friendly settings and connects only to trusted services for price and network data.

Security Best Practices

Ledger hardware combined with Ledger Live gives you a strong security posture, but the human element matters. Follow these practices to keep assets safe:

  • Only download Ledger Live from ledger.com/start: Phishing sites are common; verify the domain and keep a bookmark of the official start page.
  • Never share your recovery phrase: Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase. Treat it like cash — store it offline in a secure place.
  • Confirm addresses on-device: Always verify receiving addresses on your Ledger device display before sending funds.
  • Use a strong PIN and optional passphrase: A passphrase adds another layer of security and creates “hidden” wallets if used carefully.
  • Keep firmware up to date: Apply firmware updates through Ledger Live and verify update prompts on the device screen.
  • Avoid entering your recovery phrase on a computer or phone: The only time you should enter your recovery phrase is on a Ledger device during an authorized recovery flow.
Warning: Any unsolicited message, email, or webpage requesting your 24-word recovery phrase is a scam. If in doubt, consult official Ledger support resources.

Add Accounts & Receive Funds

After installing the appropriate blockchain apps, add accounts in Ledger Live. Each account lets you generate receive addresses that you can verify directly on your hardware device.

  1. Open Ledger Live and go to Accounts > Add account.
  2. Select the blockchain (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum), then follow prompts to synchronize the account.
  3. Generate a receive address and check that it matches the address shown on your Ledger device screen before sharing it.

Sending Crypto — Confirm on Your Device

When you send assets, Ledger Live prepares the transaction but requires confirmation on your physical device. This step prevents malware from silently altering transaction details.

  • Enter recipient address and amount in Ledger Live.
  • Review transaction fees and details.
  • Confirm the transaction directly on your Ledger device display.

Troubleshooting & Support

Common problems are usually simple to resolve. Try these first steps:

  • Check your USB cable and port — try a different cable if necessary.
  • Restart Ledger Live and reconnect the device.
  • Ensure you have the latest Ledger Live version and device firmware.
  • Disable browser extensions or other wallet software that may interfere with USB/HID connections.
  • Consult Ledger Support for step-by-step guides.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I recover my wallet if I lose my device?
Yes — your recovery phrase is the backup. Use the recovery flow on another Ledger device (or compatible BIP39 recovery tool if you understand the risks) to restore access.
Is Ledger Live open-source?
Ledger publishes components of its software and documentation for review. For sensitive operations, Ledger Live interacts with firmware and device-level code that ensure secure operations.
Do I need Ledger Live to use a Ledger device?
Ledger Live is the recommended, fully featured interface. Some advanced users use third-party software that is compatible with Ledger devices, but the official app provides the simplest and safest experience for most users.
What happens if someone gets my recovery phrase?
If an attacker obtains your recovery phrase, they can reconstruct your wallet and control your funds. Store recovery words offline and consider using a passphrase for additional protection.

Final Notes — Start Securely at Ledger.com/Start®

Ledger devices paired with Ledger Live provide a secure foundation for self-custody. The core principle is simple: keep your private keys offline, verify all critical operations on the device display, and never expose your recovery phrase. Begin at the official start page to download Ledger Live, follow the guided setup, and take the security steps that protect your crypto for years to come.

Go to Ledger.com/Start®