Introduction
Ledger Live is the official app that connects to Ledger hardware devices and lets you manage, buy, swap, stake, and monitor your crypto assets while keeping private keys offline. This guide walks you through what you need, how to set up safely and best practices to keep your crypto secure.
What you need
- A Ledger hardware wallet (e.g., Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, Ledger Stax, Ledger Flex).
- A computer or mobile phone and the official Ledger Live app.
- Your 24-word recovery phrase (generate and store it during setup — never share it).
Step-by-step setup
1) Download Ledger Live from the official Ledger site and install the desktop or mobile app.
2) Open the app and choose “Set up as new device” if you have a brand new Ledger, or “Restore device” if you’re restoring from a recovery phrase.
3) Create a secure device PIN on the Ledger hardware when prompted — this protects access to the device itself.
4) Carefully write down the 24-word recovery phrase shown on the device (never type it into a phone or computer). Keep that paper offline and in separate locations if possible.
Managing accounts & apps
After setup, add accounts inside Ledger Live for each supported cryptocurrency you want to manage. Ledger Live includes a My Ledger / Apps manager to install currency apps onto the device as needed. You’ll approve transactions physically on the device, which keeps private keys offline.
Security best practices
Treat your recovery phrase as the single master key to your funds — nobody from Ledger or any service will ever ask for it. Use the Recovery Check app to verify backups, keep firmware up to date, and beware of fake Ledger downloads or phishing sites. Consider using an optional passphrase (advanced) for extra security, but know it acts as a form of “25th word” and must be remembered exactly.
Maintenance & troubleshooting
Keep Ledger Live and device firmware updated. If you lose a device but have your recovery phrase, you can restore accounts on a new Ledger or compatible wallet. If you lose the recovery phrase and don’t have device access, recovery is not possible — prevention is critical.
Conclusion
Ledger Live + a Ledger hardware wallet gives you the convenience of an app with the security of offline private keys. Follow the setup steps carefully, never reveal your recovery phrase, and use Ledger’s official resources for downloads and support.