The Only Tool You Need for Your Crypto
Welcome to **Ledger Live**, the secure and intuitive application that is your essential companion for managing your digital assets with a Ledger hardware wallet. While your Ledger device (like the Nano S Plus or Nano X) keeps your private keys safe and offline, Ledger Live acts as your dashboard, allowing you to access a wide range of services, including managing your portfolio, sending and receiving crypto, and even interacting with the world of decentralized finance (DeFi). This guide will take you through every step of the process, from downloading the official application to performing your first secure transaction.
The single most important security rule is to **only download Ledger Live from the official source**. The official download page is located at Ledger.com/Live. Phishing scams and malicious websites are a constant threat in the crypto space. They often create fake versions of Ledger Live to trick users into revealing their recovery phrases. By bookmarking and using this official URL, you take a critical step in protecting your investments. Do not trust links from emails, social media, or search ads. With Ledger Live, your private keys never leave your device, ensuring that even if your computer is compromised, your funds remain safe.
Why Use Ledger Live with Your Hardware Wallet?
Ledger Live is much more than a simple wallet interface. It's a comprehensive platform designed for security and convenience. Its key features include:
- Secure Access: Ledger Live provides a secure connection to the blockchain without exposing your private keys. Every transaction is signed and validated on your Ledger device itself.
- Portfolio Management: Get a real-time overview of your total crypto holdings, track their value, and see a historical performance graph for your portfolio.
- All-in-One Dashboard: Easily manage a wide variety of cryptocurrencies. Install apps for popular assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP, as well as a multitude of altcoins.
- Staking and Swapping: Access services directly within Ledger Live to earn rewards on your holdings through staking or to exchange one cryptocurrency for another securely.
- Firmware and App Updates: The app notifies you of new firmware updates for your Ledger device, ensuring your hardware is always running the latest security software.
Step-by-Step Guide: Downloading and Setting Up Ledger Live
Follow these steps to ensure a smooth and secure setup process. If you haven't yet, you must first initialize your Ledger device with a PIN and a recovery phrase. For details on that, visit our main getting started page at Ledger.com/Start.
1. The Download:
Open your web browser and manually type **Ledger.com/Live/download** into the address bar. On this page, select the correct installer for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux). Download the file and save it to a secure location on your computer.
2. The Installation:
Run the downloaded installer file. The process is straightforward and will guide you through accepting the terms and conditions and choosing an installation location. Once the installation is complete, launch Ledger Live.
3. Connecting Your Device:
When you open Ledger Live for the first time, you will be prompted to connect your Ledger device. Plug your Ledger Nano S Plus or Nano X into your computer using the supplied USB cable. If you have a Nano X, you can also use Bluetooth for a wireless connection. Once connected, enter your PIN on your device to unlock it.
4. The Genuine Check:
Ledger Live will now perform an automated **Genuine Check**. This crucial cryptographic process verifies that your Ledger device is authentic and has not been tampered with. This is a vital security feature that protects you from counterfeit hardware. If the check passes, you can proceed with confidence. If it fails, do not use the device and contact Ledger Support immediately for assistance.
Mastering Asset Management in Ledger Live
Once your device is connected and authenticated, you can start managing your crypto assets. Ledger Live's interface is designed to be user-friendly, even for beginners.
Installing Apps and Adding Accounts:
To manage a specific cryptocurrency, you must first install its corresponding app on your device. The apps are very small and allow your Ledger to securely interact with that specific blockchain.
- In Ledger Live, go to the **Manager** section.
- Search for the cryptocurrency you want to add, for example, Bitcoin or Ethereum.
- Click "Install" next to the app. Your Ledger device will show "Processing..." during the installation.
- Once installed, go to the **Accounts** section and click "+ Add account" to create a new account for that cryptocurrency.
You can find more detailed instructions on how to install apps and add accounts on our support page how to set up as a new device.
The Security of Every Transaction
The core of Ledger's security model is the physical verification of transactions on your device's screen. This protects you from malware on your computer that might try to alter a transaction without your knowledge.
Receiving Crypto:
When receiving funds, go to the **Receive** tab in Ledger Live. The application will generate a receiving address and display it. **Crucially**, your Ledger device's screen will also display the exact same address. You must **manually verify** that the address on both screens matches perfectly. This step is your final check against address-swapping malware. Read more about this process on our guide on receiving crypto assets.
Sending Crypto:
When sending funds, you will enter the recipient's address and the amount in Ledger Live. However, to complete the transaction, you must confirm the details on your Ledger device's screen. The device will show the recipient address and amount. You must check that these details are correct before physically pressing the buttons on your device to approve the transaction. If anything is amiss, simply decline the transaction on your Ledger. This prevents a hacker from initiating an unauthorized transfer. For a complete guide, visit our sending crypto assets page.
Beyond the Basics: Advanced Features and Community Support
Ledger Live is constantly evolving. In the **Discover** section of the app, you can access a variety of third-party dApps to do more with your crypto, all while maintaining the security of your hardware wallet. You can access decentralized exchanges for swapping assets, or connect to staking protocols to earn passive income. For more on staking, visit our guide on how to stake crypto.
Our official Ledger Academy is a fantastic resource for learning about blockchain technology, security, and the crypto market. If you have any questions or run into issues, the official Ledger Support Center is your best resource. Remember that we will never ask you for your 24-word recovery phrase. Your security is your own to protect.