Ledger® Live – Getting Started with Ledger® Wallet

A concise, step-by-step introduction to install, configure, and securely use your Ledger hardware wallet with Ledger Live.

1. What you need (Quick checklist)

Before you begin, confirm you have the following:

  • Ledger hardware device (Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, or equivalent)
  • Computer or mobile device with a USB or Bluetooth connection
  • Ledger Live app (download from the official Ledger website)
  • Secure place to write and keep the 24-word recovery phrase

2. Install Ledger Live

Download the latest version of Ledger Live from the official site. Install the desktop app on Windows/Mac/Linux or the mobile app from the App Store/Google Play. Always verify the download link and signature on Ledger’s site to avoid phishing.

3. Initialize your Ledger device

On first power-up, follow the device prompts to create a new wallet or restore an existing one.

  1. Choose Create a new device or Restore device.
  2. Write down the 24-word recovery phrase exactly and store it offline.
  3. Never share your recovery phrase — Ledger will never ask for it via email or chat.

4. Add accounts in Ledger Live

Open Ledger Live → Accounts → Add account. Choose the cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.), connect the device, and follow the prompts. Ledger Live syncs your balances and transaction history while your private keys stay on the device.

5. Send & receive funds

To receive: click Receive, select account, share the on-screen address with the sender, and always verify the address on your Ledger device screen.
To send: enter the recipient address in Ledger Live and confirm the transaction on the device.

6. Security best practices

  • Keep firmware and Ledger Live up to date.
  • Use a strong PIN on your device; avoid predictable numbers.
  • Store recovery phrase offline in a fireproof/waterproof place.
  • Be suspicious of unsolicited support messages or links — verify via Ledger’s official site.
Troubleshooting & support

If Ledger Live cannot detect your device, try a different USB cable/port, enable Bluetooth for mobile, or restart the app. For persistent issues, consult the official Ledger support pages.

7. Advanced tips

Use Ledger Live’s built-in portfolio and staking features to monitor assets and stake supported tokens. For large holdings, consider splitting funds among multiple hardware wallets or multisig solutions for additional redundancy.

8. Backups and recovery

Never store your recovery phrase digitally. When restoring, ensure you’re using a genuine Ledger device and Ledger Live downloaded directly from Ledger’s website.

9. Final checklist before going live

  • Device firmware updated
  • Ledger Live verified and installed from official site
  • 24-word seed securely stored
  • PIN set and known only to you

10. Resources

Official documentation and downloads: Ledger.com. For Office editing and collaboration, open this HTML in Office 365: Open in Office 365.