Ledger Live — Starting Up Your Device | Ledger

Ledger Live is the official companion application designed to help you set up, manage, and secure your Ledger hardware wallet with confidence. Whether you’re new to crypto or an experienced holder, starting your device with Ledger Live ensures a smooth, secure, and guided onboarding process. This page walks you through everything you need to know to get started safely and efficiently.

What Is Ledger Live?

Ledger Live is a desktop and mobile application that connects directly to your Ledger device, such as Ledger Nano S Plus or Ledger Nano X. It allows you to initialize your device, install apps, manage crypto assets, send and receive funds, and track your portfolio—all from one secure interface. By using Ledger Live, you ensure that every action is verified on your physical device, keeping your private keys offline and protected.

Starting Up Your Ledger Device

To begin, download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website and install it on your computer or smartphone. Once installed, connect your Ledger device using a USB cable or Bluetooth (for supported models). When you open Ledger Live for the first time, you’ll be prompted to choose whether you are setting up a new device or restoring an existing one.

If you select “Set up a new device,” Ledger Live will guide you step by step. You’ll create a secure PIN directly on your device and generate a 24-word recovery phrase. This recovery phrase is critical—it is the only way to recover your funds if your device is lost or damaged. Ledger Live will remind you multiple times to write it down offline and never share it with anyone.

Verifying Device Security

One of the most important steps during setup is the genuine check. Ledger Live verifies that your device is authentic and has not been tampered with. This process happens automatically within the app and ensures you’re using a trusted Ledger product. Once the check is complete, you can proceed with full confidence that your device meets Ledger’s security standards.

Installing Apps and Adding Accounts

After setup, Ledger Live allows you to install blockchain apps (such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other supported assets) directly onto your device. Each app enables you to manage a specific cryptocurrency. With Ledger Live, you can then add accounts, view balances, and perform transactions while always confirming actions on your hardware wallet screen.

Managing and Growing Your Crypto with Ledger Live

Beyond setup, Ledger Live offers powerful features for everyday crypto management. You can send and receive assets, stake supported coins, buy or swap crypto through integrated partners, and monitor your portfolio’s performance in real time. Regular updates to Ledger Live also bring new features, asset support, and security enhancements.

Why Use Ledger Live?

Using Ledger Live keeps everything centralized, secure, and user-friendly. It reduces reliance on third-party wallets while giving you full control over your private keys. From initial setup to long-term asset management, Ledger Live is the trusted gateway to your Ledger hardware wallet experience.

By following the guided steps in Ledger Live, you ensure your device is started correctly, securely, and ready to protect your digital assets for the long term.