Ledger® Live
Ledger Live — the official companion that gives you clear, hardware-backed control of your crypto
Ledger Live is the desktop and mobile application designed to work with Ledger hardware wallets. It manages device initialization, app installation for supported blockchains, account creation, portfolio monitoring, and the secure signing of transactions — always requiring manual, physical confirmation on your Ledger device. This guide provides a complete Getting Started flow, troubleshooting, advanced options, and best practices to protect your funds.
Hardware-backed signing
The private keys never leave your Ledger device. Ledger Live constructs unsigned transactions and the device signs them only after you confirm details on its secure screen.
App Manager
Install only the apps you need (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.). Keep the device lean and install/uninstall as required without losing access to funds.
Portfolio & analytics
Track balances across accounts, monitor performance, and access market data — all while preserving control of your keys.
What is Ledger Live & why it matters
Ledger Live is the user-facing application that simplifies interactions between you and your Ledger hardware wallet. Its primary role is to manage administrative tasks (app installation, firmware updates), build unsigned transactions for sending crypto, display balances and history, and interact with network services (market data, blockchain explorers). Crucially, Ledger Live preserves the security model: your private keys remain sealed inside the device's secure element and never leave it. That separation provides strong protection against malware on computers and phones.
How the flow works (simple)
- Prepare: Ledger Live prepares a transaction with outputs, fees, and other metadata.
- Confirm on Device: The Ledger device displays a human-readable summary for you to confirm (address, amount, fee).
- Sign: After you confirm, the device signs the transaction with the private key stored inside and returns the signature to Ledger Live.
- Broadcast: Ledger Live broadcasts the signed transaction to the network.
What Ledger Live does not do
- It does not store private keys outside the device.
- It does not ask for your recovery phrase. If asked, it's a scam.
- It does not broadcast signed transactions without your physical consent on the device.
Installing Ledger Live — step-by-step
Follow these steps exactly for a secure, reliable setup. Always download Ledger Live from the official source listed on Ledger.com/start. Avoid links from emails, social media, or search results you don't trust.
Desktop installation (Windows / macOS / Linux)
- Download: Visit
Ledger.com/startand pick your platform. - Verify (optional): Power users can verify checksums or digital signatures of the installer if offered on the download page.
- Install: Run the installer. On macOS allow the app if Gatekeeper shows warnings; on Windows confirm UAC prompts.
- Run Ledger Live: Launch the app and follow the initial onboarding prompts.
- Allow connector/helper: If prompted to install a small helper or connector for your OS (to enable USB/WebUSB/WebHID access), follow the official instructions. This helper only facilitates local communications and does not store keys.
- Connect device: Plug in your Ledger and follow the on-device prompts to initialize or restore a wallet.
Mobile installation (iOS / Android)
- Download from official store: Use the Apple App Store or Google Play to install Ledger Live Mobile.
- Pair or connect: For Bluetooth-compatible devices (Nano X), pair via the app. For OTG-capable phones, connect using a compatible OTG adapter and cable.
- Initialize or restore: Initialize a new device or restore an existing recovery phrase when prompted (enter recovery phrase only on a device, never into the phone app unless restoring on the device).
First-time device initialization
Important: the recovery phrase (usually 24 words) is the single most important secret. Write the words on the supplied recovery sheet and keep them offline and secure. Do not photograph or store them digitally. Ledger Live will guide you to confirm several words to ensure correct recording.
Connector / helper / ADD PLUGING — when and why
On some platforms, Ledger Live (and certain web apps) require a small system helper/connector to enable secure USB or system-level access. This helper does not contain keys — it simply establishes a trusted, local communication channel between the app and the device.
When you might need the connector
- Older or stricter OS/browser environments that block direct WebUSB/WebHID communication.
- Using Ledger Live desktop where native access is preferred for firmware updates and Manager features.
- Linux distributions that require udev rules for USB device access.
How to install safely
- Only download the helper from Ledger.com/start or the official downloads page.
- Run the installer and follow OS prompts. On macOS allow the helper in Security & Privacy if required.
- Restart Ledger Live and/or your browser after installation to ensure the helper is recognized.
- Check the connector status inside Ledger Live (Settings → Device → Connector status).
Troubleshooting connector issues
Try the original cable and a direct USB port (avoid hubs). On mobile use the official OTG adapter if required.
macOS: System Preferences → Security & Privacy to allow the helper. Windows: try running Ledger Live as Administrator.
If udev rules are needed, the installer usually adds them. Use: sudo udevadm control --reload-rules && sudo udevadm trigger.
If an antivirus blocks the helper, temporarily disable or whitelist the official helper during install and re-enable protections afterwards.
Security best practices — protect your recovery and device
Ledger Live provides a secure environment, but security is a mix of technology and behavior. Below are detailed best practices and practical rules to follow.
DO: The essential checklist
- Do buy devices only from Ledger.com or authorized resellers.
- Do initialize devices in private and write the recovery phrase on the supplied sheet.
- Do store recovery phrases offline (safe, bank deposit box, or distributed geographic backups).
- Do verify receiving addresses on the device screen before approving a transaction.
- Do update firmware only via Ledger Live or official instructions.
- Do use strong, memorable PINs and consider passphrases for hidden wallets if you understand the trade-offs.
DON’T: Common risks to avoid
- Don't enter your recovery phrase into any website, chat, or form — legitimate support will never ask for it.
- Don't store your seed digitally (photos, cloud, notes app).
- Don't buy used devices — tampering risk is real.
- Don't share your PIN or passphrase with anyone.
- Don't follow instructions from unknown callers or social media DMs claiming to be support.
If your recovery phrase might be exposed
If you suspect exposure, move funds immediately to a new wallet secured by a freshly generated recovery phrase on a new device. Do not attempt complex recovery steps on compromised machines — use a trusted environment.
Physical security & long-term storage
Consider metal backups (steel embossed seed plates) for fire/water resistance. Keep one backup offsite (bank deposit box or trusted guardian). Use plausible deniability sparingly — hidden wallets via passphrases are powerful but riskier if you lose the passphrase.
Advanced options & power-user workflows
For experienced users and builders, Ledger Live provides advanced features such as passphrases, hidden wallets, multi-account setups, and developer integration points. These are powerful tools — use them only after understanding implications.
Passphrase & hidden wallets (BIP39 passphrase)
A passphrase is an additional secret combined with your recovery phrase to derive unique wallets. This enables hidden wallets for plausible deniability. However, losing the passphrase means permanent loss of access to those wallets. Record passphrases securely and treat them with the same rigor as your recovery phrase.
Multi-account & multi-currency strategies
Create separate accounts for saving, spending, and custodial test accounts. Ledger Live supports adding multiple accounts per coin and managing tokens on supported chains. To maximize security, install only apps you need and manage app space carefully on limited devices.
Developer integration notes
Developers should integrate using official SDKs and recommended transports (WebUSB, WebHID, Bluetooth for supported devices). Ensure your UI displays human-readable transaction details and that users always confirm on the physical device. Never prompt for seeds or private keys. Test on testnets and build clear fallback/error flows for missing permissions and connector issues.
Tip (Linux):
# Reload udev rules after installing connector/helper
sudo udevadm control --reload-rules && sudo udevadm trigger
Troubleshooting & common issues
Most problems are connectivity, permission, or outdated software related. Try the basic remedies below before contacting official support.
Try the original cable and a direct USB port; avoid hubs. Restart Ledger Live and your computer. On macOS check Security & Privacy; on Windows try running Ledger Live as Administrator; on Linux ensure udev rules are present.
Do not unplug during firmware updates. If interrupted, follow official recovery instructions or contact official support. Keep your recovery phrase safe before attempting major operations.
Ensure Ledger Live and the device firmware are current. Reinstall the specific coin app in Manager and try again. If errors persist, gather logs (Help → Support) and contact Ledger support with details — never share your seed phrase for troubleshooting.
Network congestion or low fees can cause delays. Ledger Live shows pending status. For networks supporting fee bumping (RBF), use supported tools carefully. Consult network-specific guidance when needed.
Collecting logs for support
If contacting support, collect logs from Help → Support within Ledger Live, note your OS and app versions, and provide a clear sequence of steps to reproduce the issue. Do not attach or send your recovery phrase — support will never request it.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Ledger Live required to use Ledger devices?
- Ledger Live is the official and recommended companion app, but third-party wallets may support Ledger hardware. Only use reputable third-party apps and verify community feedback and documentation before integrating them.
- Will firmware updates erase funds?
- No; firmware updates do not remove private keys. Your recovery phrase remains the single source of truth. Always keep the recovery phrase secure before performing significant operations.
- What if I forget my PIN?
- If you forget your PIN, you can reset the device to factory settings and restore from your recovery phrase. Resetting erases the device until you restore from the seed.
- Can I use Ledger Live on multiple machines?
- Yes. Ledger Live can be installed on multiple devices. Accounts are restored from the recovery phrase and will display when the device is connected and authorized.
- How do I verify I'm using official software?
- Always download from Ledger.com/start or official store pages. Check for HTTPS, official domain, and published checksums/signatures when available. Avoid links from unsolicited messages.
Checklist, resources & next steps
Before you move significant funds, complete this checklist and consult the official resources if you have questions.
Final checklist
- ✔️ Download Ledger Live from
Ledger.com/start. - ✔️ Initialize the device and write down your recovery phrase on the supplied sheet.
- ✔️ Verify receiving addresses on the device screen before sending funds.
- ✔️ Install only the apps you need in Manager and test with a small transaction.
- ✔️ Keep firmware and Ledger Live updated from official sources.
- ✔️ Consider a durable metal backup for long-term protection.
Official resources
Tutorials
- Step-by-step video walkthroughs (unboxing, setup, recovery)
- Advanced: passphrase and hidden wallets guides
- Sending & receiving best practices
- Developer how-tos & testnet examples