Ledger® Live — Getting Started with Live®

A colorful, user-friendly 2500-word guide that walks you through installing Ledger Live, initializing your Ledger device, securing your recovery phrase, managing accounts, staking, firmware updates, and keeping your crypto safe.

Start here — quick overview

Ledger Live is the official app to manage your Ledger hardware wallet. The core idea: your private keys never leave the device — Ledger Live builds transactions, but the device signs them. This guide helps you navigate the onboarding flow, set up strong defenses, and adopt safe daily habits.

Install Ledger Live

Only use the official Ledger site. Install the desktop app or mobile app, create a local profile, and prepare to connect your device.

Step-by-step

  1. Go to ledger.com/start and download Ledger Live for your system.
  2. Verify installer checksums if provided. Install and open Ledger Live; create a local profile (this stores UI prefs only).
  3. When prompted, select your device model and follow the app's onboarding prompts.
Security tip: bookmark the official download page and avoid search links that could point to phishing sites.

Set up your Ledger device

Choosing the right sequence during setup reduces risk. Use a private space and the original USB cable if possible.

Initialize as new

  1. Connect your device and choose "Set up as new device" in Ledger Live and on-device.
  2. Create a PIN on the device — longer PINs are safer. The device may show a randomized keypad to protect against keyloggers.
  3. The device will display your recovery phrase. Write it down in order on the recovery sheet — do not digitize it.

Restore existing wallet

  1. Select "Restore from recovery phrase" and enter words in order on the device to recreate your wallet.
  2. After restoring, set a PIN and connect Ledger Live to add accounts.

Recovery phrase — protect it like gold

Your recovery phrase (seed) is the master key to all your accounts. Treat it with extreme care.

Storage best practices

  • Write words by hand on the provided sheet — check spelling and order.
  • Use multiple copies in separate secure locations (safe deposit box, home safe).
  • Consider stainless steel backups to resist fire, water, and decay.
  • Never photograph, email, or store the seed digitally.
If your seed is exposed, move funds to a new wallet generated on a new device immediately.

Accounts & Ledger Manager

Ledger Manager installs the small blockchain-specific apps your device needs. Accounts in Ledger Live reflect addresses derived from your seed for different networks.

How to add an account

  1. Open Ledger Live → Manager and install the app for the blockchain you want to use.
  2. Go to Accounts → Add account and select the asset. Ledger Live will scan addresses derived from your seed.

You can remove and reinstall apps safely — account access is restored by your recovery phrase.

Send & Receive — best practices

Receiving

  1. Open Accounts → Receive in Ledger Live and request an address.
  2. Confirm the address shown on the device matches the app before sharing.

Sending

  1. Open Accounts → Send, paste the destination address, set amount and fee.
  2. Verify the transaction details in Ledger Live and on-device; confirm to sign.

Always confirm addresses on-device to avoid clipboard or host attacks.

Staking & earning — what to know

Ledger Live supports staking for certain Proof-of-Stake networks. Staking rules, rewards, and lockup periods vary across chains.

Quick steps

  1. Add the staking-compatible account in Ledger Live.
  2. Choose Stake/Delegate and select a validator after researching performance and fees.
  3. Confirm transaction on-device and monitor rewards via Ledger Live.

Staking involves protocol-level risks and potential lockups. Understand the validator's reputation before delegating.

Firmware updates & device integrity

Firmware is cryptographically signed; Ledger Live will prompt updates. Always verify the release notes and any checksums presented.

Update safely

  1. When Ledger Live prompts, read the release notes and begin the update while connected.
  2. Confirm fingerprints/checksums shown by the device and app if provided.
  3. Do not disconnect during the update. If it fails, reconnect and use recovery options in Ledger Live.

Security tips — daily habits

  • Buy devices only from official or authorized sellers.
  • Never share your recovery phrase — Ledger support will never ask for it.
  • Use a strong PIN and consider an additional passphrase for a hidden wallet (but manage it carefully).
  • For high-value holdings, consider multisig and custody diversification.
  • Test your recovery on spare hardware in a secure environment to ensure backups are correct.
If you suspect your seed or device is compromised, create a new seed on a clean device and transfer funds immediately.

Support & troubleshooting

Common issues

  • Device not detected: try another USB cable/port, restart Ledger Live and your system.
  • Firmware update failed: reconnect and follow recovery prompts in Ledger Live.
  • Lost recovery phrase: if you still have device access, create a new wallet and move funds; otherwise funds may be irretrievable.

FAQ

Can I use Ledger with MetaMask?
Yes — Ledger devices can sign transactions via MetaMask and other third-party wallets; confirm on-device.
Are NFTs supported?
Viewing and transacting NFTs may require third-party wallets compatible with Ledger; support varies by network.
What if my device is stolen?
If your recovery phrase and PIN are secure, theft alone does not grant access. If the seed is exposed, move funds immediately.