Your essential guide to securely managing your crypto with Ledger hardware
Ledger Live is the companion desktop application for Ledger hardware wallets (e.g. Nano S Plus, Nano X, Stax). It lets you manage your crypto portfolio, install apps for various blockchains, stake, swap, and oversee your assets — all while keeping your private keys securely on your device.
Go to ledger.com/start and select the version compatible with your system (Windows, macOS, or Linux). Download the installer, run it, and complete the installation process. Once installed, launch the app.
Use the USB cable to connect your Ledger (Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Stax) to your computer. If this is the first time you use it, choose “Set up as new device.” Otherwise, you can “Restore from recovery phrase” if you already own one. Follow the on-screen prompts.
On the device itself, you’ll choose a 4–8 digit PIN code, and then you’ll see a sequence of 24 words — the recovery phrase — that you must write down in the correct order.
After writing down all 24 words, the device will request you to confirm a few random words to verify you have recorded them correctly. This is critical — this phrase is your only backup if you lose or damage your device.
Back in Ledger Live, you'll see a “Check my device” or “Genuine check” prompt. This step ensures your hardware is authentic and safe. You must approve it on the device by pressing both buttons when prompted.
In Ledger Live, go to the “Manager” tab, connect your device, and install the blockchain apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) that you want to use. Then go to the “Accounts” tab, click “Add account,” choose the coin, and let Ledger Live scan and detect your addresses and balances.
In an account, click “Receive.” Connect your device and open the corresponding coin app. Verify the address displayed on your device matches what appears in Ledger Live before sharing it.
Click “Send,” enter the recipient’s address and amount, check fee options (e.g. slow, medium, fast), then verify the transaction details *on your device* before approving it. Only after your physical confirmation is the transaction broadcast.
Ledger Live supports built‑in integrations for swaps and buying crypto via partners (e.g. MoonPay, Coinify). You can also stake supported coins (e.g. Ethereum, Solana, Polkadot) directly inside Ledger Live. For NFTs, you can view, manage transfers, and integrate with supported Web3 applications.
Ledger Live will prompt you when a firmware or app update is available. Always follow those prompts and apply updates carefully — verifying them on the hardware device itself. Also, in Ledger Live settings you can enable options like “App password lock,” and manage bug‑reporting / analytics preferences.