Ledger® Live | Getting Started with Ledger® | Official Ledger® Guide

Welcome to the official Ledger® Live Getting Started guide — your one-stop resource to set up, secure, and manage your crypto with Ledger’s hardware wallets and Ledger Live app. Whether you're new to crypto or transferring from another wallet, this guide walks you through every step — from unboxing to safely managing your digital assets.

🔐 What Is Ledger® Live?

Ledger Live is the official desktop and mobile app used to interact with Ledger hardware wallets like the Nano S Plus and Nano X. It’s your command center for managing crypto, allowing you to:

• Set up your Ledger device
• View your portfolio in real-time
• Send and receive crypto assets
• Buy, sell, swap, and stake tokens
• Securely interact with Web3 apps and NFTs

Ledger Live connects directly to your hardware wallet, keeping your private keys offline and safe at all times.

📦 What You Need to Get Started

Before using Ledger Live, ensure you have:

• A Ledger Nano S Plus or Ledger Nano X hardware wallet (new and sealed)
• A computer (Windows, macOS, or Linux) or smartphone (iOS/Android)
• A secure internet connection
• The official Ledger Live app, downloaded from Ledger.com/start

🛠️ Step 1: Unbox and Set Up Your Ledger Device

1. Unbox your Ledger device: Ensure packaging is untampered. Ledger devices should never come pre-configured.
2. Connect the device via USB (Nano S Plus) or Bluetooth (Nano X mobile only).
3. Power on the device and follow on-screen instructions.
4. Choose “Set up as new device” or “Restore from recovery phrase” (only if you have an existing 24-word phrase).
5. Choose a secure PIN code (at least 4-8 digits) — this protects access to your wallet.
6. Write down your 24-word recovery phrase on the provided sheet — this is your only backup. Never take a photo or store it online.
7. Confirm your phrase during device setup to complete initialization.

🛑 Important: Ledger will never ask for your 24-word phrase via email, app, or web browser. If prompted, it’s a scam.

💻 Step 2: Install Ledger® Live App

1. Go to the official site: https://www.ledger.com/start
2. Download Ledger Live for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, or Android)
3. Install and open the app
4. Choose “Get Started” and connect your device

Make sure to only download from the official Ledger site to avoid fake apps or malware.

🔄 Step 3: Initialize Ledger Live with Your Device

Once you open Ledger Live:

1. Click “Set up new device” or “Connect existing device”
2. Follow prompts to complete the genuine check — this ensures your device is a legitimate Ledger product
3. Confirm actions on your hardware device when prompted
4. After successful pairing, Ledger Live will guide you to create your first account

🧾 Step 4: Add Your First Crypto Account

To receive, send, or track coins, you need to add accounts:

1. Go to the “Accounts” tab in Ledger Live
2. Click “Add account”
3. Select a crypto asset (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.)
4. Open the corresponding app on your Ledger device
5. Ledger Live will scan the blockchain and list your account

You can add multiple crypto accounts and view all balances in the “Portfolio” tab.

💸 Step 5: Receive and Send Crypto Safely

✅ To Receive Crypto:

1. Click on “Receive”
2. Select the account (e.g., BTC wallet)
3. Ledger Live will display a public address
4. Confirm the address on your device matches the one on the screen
5. Copy and share your public address with the sender

🚫 Never share your private keys or recovery phrase — only your public wallet address is safe to share.

📤 To Send Crypto:

1. Click “Send” in Ledger Live
2. Enter the recipient’s address, amount, and transaction fee
3. Confirm details on your Ledger device
4. Approve the transaction physically on your device

Ledger Live will broadcast the transaction to the blockchain once approved.

💹 Step 6: Explore Features in Ledger Live

🛒 Buy/Sell Crypto:

Use built-in providers (e.g., MoonPay, Banxa) to buy crypto directly in Ledger Live. Transactions settle to your hardware wallet — not an exchange.

🔄 Swap:

Exchange crypto assets (e.g., ETH to BTC) securely using swap integrations. Requires asset compatibility and supported regions.

💰 Stake Crypto:

Stake coins like ETH, DOT, or SOL directly from Ledger Live and earn passive rewards while keeping your keys secure.

🎨 NFT Management:

Manage NFTs on Ethereum or Polygon through the Ledger Live interface + Ledger device. Preview NFTs, confirm sends, and store securely.

📲 Mobile Access (Ledger Nano X Only)

Ledger Live Mobile works on iOS and Android and pairs wirelessly with the Ledger Nano X via Bluetooth. Mobile features include:

• Sending and receiving crypto
• Portfolio tracking
• Managing apps
• Staking and NFT support

For security, all transactions still require physical confirmation on your Nano X.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to log in with a username/password?

A: No. Ledger Live uses your device + PIN for access. There’s no account to log into.

Q: What happens if I lose my device?

A: You can recover your wallet using your 24-word recovery phrase on a new Ledger device.

Q: Can I reset Ledger Live if I forget my app password?

A: Yes. Resetting the Ledger Live app doesn’t affect your crypto. Just reinstall and reconnect your Ledger device to re-import your accounts.

🛑 Security Tips

• Never share your 24-word phrase — not with anyone, not even Ledger support
• Don’t enter your recovery phrase anywhere except your Ledger device
• Bookmark official sites:
  • https://www.ledger.com
  • https://support.ledger.com
• Always verify transactions on your device before approving
• Use discreet mode to hide balances on shared screens

🧩 Troubleshooting and Help

If you encounter issues:

• Visit the Ledger Help Center
• Use the “Help” tab in Ledger Live
• Join the official Ledger subreddit for community support
• Ledger support will never ask for your recovery phrase

✅ Conclusion

With Ledger Live and your Ledger hardware wallet, you take full control of your digital assets. You don’t log in with a password — you secure your funds with your PIN and physical device. From buying to staking to sending NFTs, Ledger Live is your trusted portal to the crypto world, backed by industry‑leading hardware security.