Ledger® Live — Login & Getting Started | Complete
Step 1: Download Only from the Official Source
Never Google “Ledger Live” — always go directly to https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live Click the big purple “Download” button. Ledger Live is 100% free and available for:
Windows 10/11 (64-bit)
macOS 12 Monterey or newer (Intel + Apple Silicon)
Linux (Ubuntu 20.04+, Fedora, Debian – .AppImage or .deb)
iOS 16+ and Android 10+ (mobile companion app)
File size ~180 MB. Verify the SHA-256 hash on the download page if you’re extra cautious.
Step 2: Install Ledger Live (30 seconds)
Windows: Run .exe → Next → Finish
macOS: Open .dmg → drag Ledger Live to Applications
Linux: Double-click .AppImage or sudo dpkg -i ledger-live-desktop-*.deb
The app auto-launches after install.
Step 3: Connect Your Ledger Device
Supported devices (2025): Nano S Plus, Nano X, Stax, Flex, and legacy Nano S (firmware must be 2.1.0+).
Plug in via original USB-C cable (or Bluetooth for Nano X/Stax/Flex)
Enter your 8-digit PIN on the Ledger device itself (never on the computer)
When Ledger Live shows “Unlock your device”, press both buttons (or tap on Stax/Flex) to allow connection
You’ll see the green “Genuine check passed” banner — this proves your firmware is authentic.
Step 4: First-Time Setup Choices
Option A — Initialize as New Device
Choose “Set up a new Ledger”
Select your device model
Ledger Live guides you through:
Choose 24-word recovery phrase (default) or 12-word (legacy)
Write down the words in order on the official recovery sheet
Confirm words 4, 9, 17, 22 (randomized) on the device screen
Set PIN (8 digits recommended)
Optional: Set up passphrase (25th word) for hidden wallets
Option B — Restore from Recovery Phrase
Choose “Restore from recovery phrase”
Enter your 24 words exactly (lowercase, no typos)
Choose new PIN
Ledger Live will re-derive all your accounts automatically
Never enter your 24 words on a computer or phone — only on the Ledger itself.
Step 5: Install Apps via Manager
Open the “Manager” tab in the left sidebar
Allow “Manager” on your device when prompted
Search and install the apps you need:
Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Polygon, Ripple, Cardano, etc.
Each app is ~200–800 KB and runs isolated inside the secure chip
You can have 100+ apps on Nano X/Stax/Flex, ~18 on Nano S Plus.
Step 6: Add Accounts
Go to “Accounts” → “Add account”
Choose the coin/app (e.g., Bitcoin)
Ledger scans the blockchain automatically and adds your first receiving address
Name the account (e.g., “Cold Storage BTC”, “Daily Spending”)
Repeat for every coin/token you own.
Step 7: First Login (Daily Use)
Every time you open Ledger Live:
Plug in / wake your Ledger
Enter PIN on the device
Ledger Live unlocks automatically — no password needed for the app itself
Optional: Enable “Password lock” in Settings → Security for extra protection if someone steals your computer
Mobile Pairing (Nano X, Stax, Flex)
Open Ledger Live mobile
Tap “Pair via Bluetooth”
Confirm pairing code on both device screen and phone
All accounts sync instantly
Security Best Practices (2025)
Never screenshot or photograph your 24 words
Buy only from ledger.com or authorized resellers
Always verify receiving addresses on the Ledger screen before sending large amounts
Enable “Clear signing” in Settings → Experimental features
Update firmware only through official Ledger Live
Quick Dashboard Tour
Portfolio: Total balance + allocation chart
Discover: Built-in dApps (1inch, Lido, Paraswap, Rainbow.me)
Swap / Buy / Sell: Direct fiat ↔ crypto without leaving the app
Earn: Native staking dashboard
You’re now fully operational. Ledger Live + your Ledger device = the most secure, user-friendly self-custody experience available in 2025.
Official download (always): https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live Your keys. Your coins. Your control.