Ledger® Live: Getting Started™ with Ledger® Hardware Wallets

In the fast-evolving world of cryptocurrency, security and control are non-negotiable. Ledger® Live is the official application designed to work seamlessly with Ledger’s hardware wallets—empowering users to buy, sell, manage, and secure their digital assets, all in one place. Whether you're new to crypto or a seasoned investor, this guide walks you through getting started with Ledger® Live.

🔐 What Is Ledger® Live?

Ledger® Live is the companion application for Ledger’s hardware wallets (Ledger Nano S Plus™ and Ledger Nano X™). It allows users to manage their cryptocurrency securely while ensuring their private keys never leave the device. With Ledger® Live, you can:

  • View portfolio balances and performance

  • Buy, sell, and swap over 5,500 crypto assets

  • Send and receive digital currencies securely

  • Stake assets like ETH, DOT, ADA to earn rewards

  • Manage NFTs

  • Access DeFi and Web3 dApps using Ledger Connect

All critical actions must be physically verified on your Ledger hardware wallet—keeping you in full control.

🛠️ Step 1: Downloading Ledger® Live

To begin, download Ledger® Live only from the official website to avoid scams:
🔗 https://www.ledger.com/start

For desktop: Compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux.
For mobile: Available on iOS and Android via App Store or Google Play.

Once installed, open the app and get ready to connect your Ledger device.

🔌 Step 2: Set Up Your Ledger Hardware Wallet

If your Ledger device is brand new:

  1. Unbox and inspect it for any signs of tampering.

  2. Connect it to your computer or smartphone.

  3. Choose “Set up as a new device” and follow the on-screen instructions.

  4. Create a PIN code (4 to 8 digits) to protect your device.

  5. You’ll be shown a 24-word recovery phrase — write it down and never store it digitally.

This seed phrase is your backup — losing it means losing access to your funds.

If restoring a wallet, select “Restore from recovery phrase” instead.

📲 Step 3: Pair Your Ledger Device with Ledger® Live

  1. Open Ledger Live and choose “Get started.”

  2. Select your device model (Nano S Plus or Nano X).

  3. Connect the hardware wallet using the USB cable or Bluetooth (Nano X only).

  4. Ledger Live will check and install any firmware or app updates.

  5. You’ll now be prompted to add your first crypto account.

💼 Step 4: Add Crypto Accounts

Each cryptocurrency you manage in Ledger Live requires an individual account. Here’s how:

  1. Go to Accounts → Add Account.

  2. Choose your preferred asset (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum).

  3. Ledger Live will install the corresponding app onto your device.

  4. Confirm the process using the buttons on your Ledger wallet.

  5. Once added, you can view balances and transactions.

Repeat the steps for each additional asset you'd like to manage.

💸 Step 5: Receive and Send Crypto

To receive funds:

  • Go to the Receive tab.

  • Select the crypto account and generate an address.

  • Confirm the address on your Ledger device.

  • Share the address (or QR code) with the sender.

To send funds:

  • Click on Send.

  • Paste the recipient’s address and input the amount.

  • Review the transaction details on both Ledger Live and your device.

  • Confirm on your hardware wallet.

Your private keys stay protected inside your Ledger device during every transaction.

🔄 Step 6: Buy, Swap, and Stake

Buy crypto directly in Ledger Live:

  • Go to the Buy tab.

  • Select a provider (e.g., MoonPay, Coinify).

  • Choose your currency, enter payment details, and the crypto is sent directly to your wallet.

Swap tokens:

  • Use the Swap tab to exchange between supported assets.

  • Always verify details on your Ledger device before confirming.

Stake assets to earn rewards:

  • Navigate to Earn.

  • Choose a coin like Ethereum (ETH), Polkadot (DOT), or Cosmos (ATOM).

  • Stake using the integrated partner platform and track your earnings in-app.

🌐 Step 7: Connect to Web3 and NFTs

Ledger Live supports NFT management and Web3 integration:

  • Use Ledger Connect or MetaMask + Ledger to access DeFi platforms, NFT marketplaces, and more.

  • View and send NFTs directly in the NFTs tab within Ledger Live (Ethereum, Polygon supported).

  • Each interaction with dApps is verified and signed via your Ledger hardware wallet.

🛡️ Step 8: Security Reminders

  • Only download Ledger Live from ledger.com

  • Never share your 24-word recovery phrase

  • Always verify addresses on your device before confirming

  • Enable a passphrase (25th word) for enhanced protection

  • Update firmware regularly via Ledger Live

Ledger never asks for your recovery phrase—not by email, phone, or pop-up.

🧠 Final Thoughts: Why Ledger® Live?

Ledger Live offers trusted self-custody, allowing you to manage your digital wealth while keeping your private keys off the internet. With a clean interface, wide asset support, and top-tier security, it’s the ultimate tool for secure crypto management.

Whether you're buying Bitcoin, staking Ethereum, or exploring Web3 dApps, Ledger® Live + Ledger® hardware = true ownership.