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Ledger® Live — Getting Started

Download, setup, and connect your Ledger hardware wallet

Overview

Ledger Live is the official companion app for Ledger hardware wallets. Use it to manage accounts, send and receive cryptocurrencies, install apps on your device, and access Ledger's ecosystem features. Available as Desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux) and Mobile (iOS, Android).

1. Download Ledger Live

Get the app from the verified Ledger domain or your platform's official store. Verify checksums when provided.

2. Install & open the app

Run the installer or open the mobile app. Accept required permissions. Create a new wallet in the app or restore an existing one using your recovery phrase only on your Ledger device (never enter it into apps or websites).

3. Connect your Ledger device

Connect the Ledger hardware with the official USB cable or via Bluetooth (if supported). On first connection the device will show instructions — follow them and confirm actions on-device.

4. Install apps on your Ledger

Ledger devices manage coins via on-device apps. From Ledger Live's Manager tab, install the apps you need (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum). Each app uses on-device storage and signs transactions locally.

5. Receive & verify

When receiving funds, use the Receive flow in Ledger Live and verify the receiving address on your device screen before sharing it. Always confirm transaction details on the device before approving.

Security & best practices

  • Never share your 24-word recovery phrase. Ledger or support will never ask for it.
  • Only download Ledger Live from the official Ledger domain or app stores.
  • Verify installer checksums and signatures when available.
  • Keep firmware and Ledger Live up to date; update only when instructed by official channels.
  • Prefer hardware confirmations — approve critical operations on-device only.

Verify checksums & signatures

After downloading the installer, compute SHA256 and compare it with the published value. Example:

shasum -a 256 LedgerLive-.dmg

Use PGP/GPG verification if Ledger provides signed manifests.

Support & resources

If you encounter issues, collect app logs, OS details, and Ledger device model/version, then contact official support. Never give out your recovery phrase or PIN.