A colorful, practical guide to installing, securing, and mastering Ledger Live with your Ledger hardware wallet.
Secure · Simple · Self‑Custody
Ledger Live is the official companion app for Ledger hardware wallets (like Ledger Nano X, Nano S Plus, and Stax). It lets you manage thousands of coins and tokens, check balances, receive and send crypto, stake supported assets, and connect to Web3 dApps using your device as the secure key. Think of it as your control center for self‑custody, where private keys never leave your Ledger.
Every transaction is reviewed on‑device and confirmed physically. Ledger’s Secure Element and firmware isolate secrets from your computer and browser risks.
A clean portfolio, per‑account views, and guided flows for send/receive and staking make daily use quick and intuitive.
Available on desktop and mobile with optional Bluetooth (for supported devices). You keep control of keys; analytics and permissions can be tuned for privacy.
Use only the official website and verify the installer signature when possible. Avoid app stores or search‑ad links that might be malicious look‑alikes.
Tip: bookmark the official site and type it directly into your browser to dodge phishing.
Power on, choose a strong PIN, and generate a new 24‑word recovery phrase. Write it down on paper or a metal backup; never photograph or store it in cloud notes.
Anyone with your recovery phrase can take your assets. Keep it offline and secret.
Connect via USB (or Bluetooth where supported). In Ledger Live, install the relevant coin apps on the device, then add accounts for each network you plan to use.
Many tokens live on base networks (e.g., ERC‑20 on Ethereum). Add the base account first; tokens will index under it.
Click Receive, display address on your device, and verify every character. For your first test, send a tiny amount before moving larger holdings.
Always confirm the destination address on your hardware screen. If a website shows a QR, compare the text version too. Fees vary by network; learn to adjust them when supported.
On chains with memo/tag requirements (e.g., XRP, XLM), include them or the funds may not credit the destination exchange account.
Stake supported assets directly in Ledger Live or via trusted integrations. Understand lock‑up periods, slashing risks, and reward schedules before committing.
Manage NFTs and connect to dApps using Ledger’s secure signing flow. Review permissions (spend approvals) and use test transactions for new protocols.
Periodically revoke unlimited token approvals you no longer need using trusted tools.
Match addresses and amounts on the device screen, not only your computer. The device is the source of truth.
Optionally use a passphrase for plausible deniability. Be disciplined: losing a passphrase means losing funds.
Explore settings to tune analytics and node connections. For sensitive operations, use your own node where feasible.
Close other wallet apps, try a different USB cable/port, and ensure Ledger Live has permissions (desktop: Allow Ledger Manager). Reboot the device and your PC.
Toggle Bluetooth, forget/re‑pair the device, and keep the app in the foreground during sync.
Confirm you’re on the correct network and account derivation. Add the token contract under the right base network. Refresh the cache in settings.
Wrapped or bridged tokens may need a specific network view or partner app to appear.
Back up your recovery phrase first. Don’t update during power/battery risk windows. After updates, re‑install coin apps if prompted — your accounts remain as they derive from your seed.
No. You hold your seed on the hardware wallet; Ledger Live is the interface.
Yes. You can pair multiple Ledger devices or clone a wallet by restoring the same recovery phrase on another device you control.
Network fees go to miners/validators, not Ledger. Partner services may charge separate fees shown before confirmation.
Your device screen is the final check. If the on‑device details match your intent, you’re safe to sign; otherwise, cancel.
Use only the official links below. Bookmark them to stay safe from phishing.