Ledger Live Download — Secure Your Crypto Wallet™

Overview

Ledger Live is the official desktop and mobile application that pairs with Ledger hardware wallets (for example, Nano S Plus and Nano X). It provides a secure interface to view balances, manage multiple cryptocurrency accounts, install blockchain apps on your device, update firmware, stake supported assets, and sign transactions safely — the private keys remain on your hardware device at all times.

Important security principle: Your recovery phrase (seed) must remain private and offline — it is the only reliable backup for your funds. Ledger Live will never ask for your recovery phrase. If anyone (including "support") asks you for it, it is a scam.

Why download Ledger Live?

• Manage multiple cryptocurrencies from one secure interface.
• Install, update, and remove blockchain apps on your Ledger device.
• Sign transactions on-device — the private keys never leave the hardware wallet.
• Access additional services (staking, buy/swap integrations through third parties) while keeping keys offline.
• Receive firmware updates that keep your device secure and compatible with new blockchains.

Before you download — safety checklist

• Only download Ledger Live from the official Ledger source. Do not download from search result links you don't explicitly trust or from emails offering attachments.
• Do the download on a trusted, personal computer (avoid public or shared machines for initial setup).
• Have a genuine USB cable for your Ledger device (and Bluetooth pairing for Nano X if you prefer mobile).
• Prepare a quiet, private area to write your recovery phrase when setting up the device for the first time.

Tip: Bookmark the official Ledger website after you reach it manually once. That reduces the chance of falling for phishing sites later.

How to download Ledger Live — Desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux)

1. Open your web browser and manually type the official Ledger site address into the address bar (do not click unknown links). Look for the official Ledger Live download page.
2. On the downloads page, choose your operating system:
   • Windows: download the .exe installer.
   • macOS: download the .dmg installer (or notarized package).
   • Linux: download the AppImage or the appropriate package for your distribution.
3. Verify the installer if Ledger provides checksums or PGP signatures. If available, validate the file before running it (this reduces risk of tampered downloads).
4. Run the installer and follow the system-specific prompts. On macOS you may need to allow the application in Security & Privacy if Gatekeeper blocks it on first run.
5. Launch Ledger Live after installation and complete the initial onboarding screens.

If your operating system shows a "downloaded from the internet" warning, confirm you used the official source before proceeding. If unsure, cancel and verify the URL again manually.

How to download Ledger Live — Mobile (iOS & Android)

1. Open the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android) on your phone.
2. Search for Ledger Live and ensure the app is published by the official Ledger publisher (check the publisher name and app screenshots carefully).
3. Install the app and open it. Follow the mobile onboarding flow to connect to your Ledger device via USB (OTG) or Bluetooth (Nano X).

On Android, avoid downloading "APK" files from third-party sites. On iOS, only use the App Store. Both platforms have malicious imitations; double-check publisher details and user reviews if unsure.

How to verify your download (optional but recommended)

When provided by Ledger, checksums and PGP signatures add a verification step that confirms an installer hasn't been tampered with.

1. Locate the checksum (SHA256) or PGP signature on the Ledger download page next to the installer link.
2. On your computer compute the file's checksum (e.g., sha256sum LedgerLiveSetup.exe on many systems) and compare it to the value shown on the website.
3. If PGP signatures are available, import Ledger's official signing key and verify the signature per the instructions on the downloads page.

If verification fails or the website doesn't provide verification data you expect, do not run the installer — contact official Ledger support channels for guidance.

Initial setup after installation

1. Open Ledger Live on the device where you installed it.
2. Choose whether you are setting up a new Ledger device or restoring an existing one:
   • New device: follow on-device prompts to create a PIN and record your recovery phrase (24 words in many models).
   • Restore device: use your existing recovery phrase to restore keys directly on the hardware device — do not enter the phrase into Ledger Live or any computer.
3. Connect and unlock your Ledger hardware wallet with the PIN. Ledger Live will ask you to open the Ledger Manager or specific blockchain apps on-device as required.
4. Use Ledger Live's Manager to install blockchain apps (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) on your hardware device. Installing apps does not reveal private keys.

NEVER type your recovery phrase into Ledger Live, a website, an email, or chat. The recovery phrase must only be entered into your Ledger device during a restore — and only when you control the device and environment.

Adding accounts and basic operations

1. In Ledger Live, go to Accounts → Add account.
2. Select the cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.). Ledger Live will ask you to connect and open the corresponding app on your device.
3. Ledger Live scans addresses derived from your device and lists accounts you can add. Name them for easier organization (e.g., “BTC — Savings”).
4. To receive funds, click Receive in the chosen account. Verify the same address shown in Ledger Live is displayed on your device before sharing.
5. To send funds, click Send, enter the recipient address and amount, then confirm and sign the transaction on the Ledger device itself.

Always verify addresses and transaction amounts on the device screen — the hardware display is your trusted source of truth.

Security best practices

• Recovery phrase safety: Write the recovery phrase on the supplied recovery sheet and store it in a secure, offline place (safe, safe-deposit box, or indestructible metal backup). Never store it digitally.
• PIN: Use a PIN on your Ledger device. Do not publish or store the PIN with the recovery phrase.
• Passphrase: Advanced users may enable a passphrase (25th word) for a hidden wallet — only use this if you fully understand the recovery implications (losing the passphrase means losing access).
• Trusted machine: Use Ledger Live on a personal machine that you control. Avoid public or untrusted systems for critical operations.
• Phishing awareness: Ledger or legitimate support will never ask for your recovery phrase. Verify URLs carefully — phishing sites mimic Ledger branding to harvest secrets.
• Software hygiene: Keep your operating system and antivirus updated and minimize risky browser extensions that can alter clipboard contents.

Troubleshooting & FAQ

Q: Ledger Live can't detect my device.

A: Try a different USB cable/port, avoid USB hubs, unlock the device before connecting, and on Linux ensure udev rules are installed. Rebooting the computer sometimes helps.

Q: What if I lose my device?

A: If you have your recovery phrase you can restore your wallet on a new Ledger device (or compatible wallet that supports the same seed standard). If you do not have the recovery phrase, funds are irrecoverable.

Q: Ledger Live is asking for my recovery phrase.

A: This is a scam. Close the app, disconnect, and never provide your recovery phrase to anyone. Ledger Live itself will never ask you to type your recovery phrase into the app.

If persistent errors occur, collect exact error messages and consult Ledger's official support channels. Sharing full logs with untrusted parties can leak information — only share logs with official support when asked.

Final checklist before you go live

• Downloaded Ledger Live from a verified source.
• Verified the installer (when checksums/signatures are provided).
• Setup device PIN and recorded the recovery phrase offline.
• Installed required blockchain apps on the Ledger device via Ledger Live Manager.
• Added accounts and completed a small test transaction (receive/send).
• Followed security best practices and stored recovery material securely.

Following this checklist reduces common risks and gives you a repeatable, secure workflow for managing crypto with Ledger hardware + Ledger Live.