What is Ledger® Live (Ledger Wallet™)?
Ledger® Live — recently presented as the Ledger Wallet™ app — is the official desktop and mobile companion application for Ledger hardware wallets. It provides the GUI to manage assets, install apps on your device, approve transactions, and interact with on-chain services while keeping private keys offline in the Ledger device.
Before you start — security checklist
1. Only download from official sources
Always get installers or app downloads from Ledger's official domains and stores. Never install a Ledger-related app from unknown sites or email links. If anything asks for your recovery phrase (seed phrase), it is a scam — you should never type it into a program or website.
2. Verify installation files
When available, verify the checksum/signature of the Ledger Live installer to ensure the binary hasn't been tampered with.
Quick pro tip
Keep your recovery phrase offline in a secure place (a steel backup is best for long-term safety) and enable a PIN on the device — the device will prompt you during setup.
Download & install — step-by-step
1. Choose the platform
Ledger Wallet is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android. Pick the correct installer for your operating system.
2. Download from the official site or official stores
Use the official Ledger website download page or the Apple App Store / Google Play for mobile installs. Avoid search results that claim to be “Ledger Live” but come from unrelated domains.
3. Install and run
Follow the installer prompts. When you run the app, you'll see a welcome flow that lets you either create a new device or restore an existing wallet using a recovery phrase — only do the latter if you control that phrase and are restoring your own device.
# Example: quick command (macOS) to check downloaded file (SHA512)
shasum -a 512 /path/to/ledger-installer.dmg
Login & first-time setup
Connecting your Ledger device
Open Ledger Wallet (Ledger Live) and connect your Ledger hardware device via USB (or BLE for supported mobile devices). Pick Get started, choose your device model, and follow prompts. The app will communicate with the device; you will approve operations directly on the device screen.
Creating or restoring a wallet
If you are setting a new device: follow the device prompts to create a PIN and generate a recovery phrase. If restoring: only enter your recovery phrase on the device itself — never on a computer or phone app. Ledger devices are designed so the recovery phrase is created and stays on the device.
Managing assets: apps, accounts, and transactions
Install apps
Open the Manager inside Ledger Wallet to install coin-specific apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) onto the device. Each app consumes device storage; remove apps you don't use and reinstall later when needed.
Add accounts
After installing an app on the device, use the Ledger Wallet interface to add accounts for that asset — this will let you view balances, send/receive, and review transaction history.
Signing transactions
Every transaction must be approved on the physical device. This ensures that even if your computer is compromised, attackers cannot sign transactions without holding your physical Ledger.
Troubleshooting & common problems
“App not found” or connectivity issues
Ensure your firmware and Ledger Wallet app are up to date. Try a different USB port or cable. Reboot the app and device. If issues persist, use the official support knowledge base or contact support through official channels.
Scams, fake apps, and phishing
There have been targeted campaigns distributing fake Ledger installers for some platforms. The safest action is: uninstall suspicious software and re-download installers from the official site. Never share your recovery phrase.
Best practices — keep your crypto safe
- Download only from ledger.com or the official app stores.
- Verify installer signatures or checksums when provided.
- Keep firmware and the Ledger Wallet app up to date.
- Use a dedicated computer when possible, and minimize the number of places your seed phrase is written.
- Back up your recovery phrase securely (consider a metal backup product).
Official resources (quick access)
Below are the most useful official Ledger pages — each link is colored for fast scanning. Use them for downloads, support, setup guides and verification.
Conclusion — start safely
Getting started with Ledger Wallet (Ledger Live) is straightforward when you follow the security-first steps above. Keep downloads official, never expose your recovery phrase, and always sign transactions on your device. With those practices in place, Ledger devices and Ledger Wallet give you a strong, user-friendly path to self-custody.