Ledger Live

Secure Hardware Wallet Setup — Complete guide

Ledger Live — Secure hardware wallet setup

Ledger Live is the companion application for Ledger hardware wallets. This guide provides a full, practical walkthrough — from download to sending your first transaction — and dives into security practices, recovery, troubleshooting, and advanced features such as passphrases, staking and NFT handling. Read each section carefully and follow security recommendations to protect your assets.

Download Ledger Live Support Center
1
Download & verify
Obtain Ledger Live only from Ledger's official website and verify checksums where possible.
2
Connect & initialize
Plug in your Ledger device, set a PIN, and generate or restore your recovery phrase securely.
3
Install apps & add accounts
Use the Manager to install blockchain apps on-device and add accounts inside Ledger Live.
4
Receive, verify & send
Verify addresses on-device, receive a test amount, then sign outgoing transactions physically on the device.

Download & verify Ledger Live

Always navigate to Ledger's official website (type the URL yourself) to download Ledger Live. Avoid links from search ads, social media, or messages. For added safety, verify the installer checksum or signature if Ledger provides it for your platform. Verifying ensures the file hasn’t been tampered with between Ledger and your machine.

Hardware wallet setup — step by step

Setting up a hardware wallet involves several steps; don't rush. The device's security depends on how you handle the recovery phrase and PIN. These steps assume a new Ledger device.

Step 1 — Unbox & inspect

Inspect packaging for tamper evidence. Ledger devices are shipped sealed; if the seal is broken or the box looks tampered with, contact Ledger support before proceeding. Use only the cables and accessories provided or verified by Ledger.

Step 2 — Power & choose language

Connect your Ledger to your computer or phone using the supplied cable. The device powers on and lets you choose a language; follow on‑device prompts. The screen and buttons are your authority — do not trust host apps that show different information.

Step 3 — Choose setup method

Select "Set up as new device" to create a fresh wallet or "Restore from recovery phrase" if migrating an existing wallet. Creating a new wallet generates a new 24‑word recovery phrase on the device — the device itself is the only trusted place to generate this seed.

Step 4 — Write down your recovery phrase

Ledger will display a series of words (typically 24). Write each word in order on the supplied recovery sheet. This phrase is the only backup to restore your accounts on a new device. Never photograph, copy/paste, or store the phrase digitally. Consider durable metal backups to protect against physical damage.

Step 5 — Set a PIN

Choose a PIN you can remember but that is not easily guessable. The PIN prevents unauthorized use if your device is stolen. Ledger devices lock and wipe after several incorrect attempts — understand the behavior for your model.

Step 6 — Install Ledger Live & Manager

Open Ledger Live on your computer and follow the on‑screen pairing flow to connect the device. Use the Manager tab in Ledger Live to install the blockchain-specific apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) onto the hardware wallet. Installing apps does not move your keys; it enables the device to manage specific chains.

Step 7 — Add accounts

Within Ledger Live, add accounts corresponding to the apps you installed. Ledger Live will derive addresses from the device and display balances and transaction history while your private keys remain on the secure element of the hardware wallet.

Step 8 — Receive a test amount

To confirm everything is correct, request a small test transfer from another wallet or exchange. Always verify the receiving address on your Ledger device’s screen matches the address shown in Ledger Live; this step defends against address‑altering malware.

Security concepts & best practices

Ledger Live together with a Ledger hardware wallet implements defense in depth. The most critical elements are the device's secure element, the PIN, and the recovery phrase. Follow these practices:

  • Never share your 24‑word recovery phrase. Ledger support will never ask for it.
  • Store recovery phrase offline in at least two geographically separate secure locations.
  • Prefer metal backups for long-term durability against fire/water incidents.
  • Enable passphrase protection (a user-defined 25th word) if you need hidden wallets or extra segregation. Understand that losing the passphrase means losing access to funds in that hidden wallet.
  • Keep Ledger Live and device firmware updated. Firmware updates patch vulnerabilities and add features—apply them only via official Ledger prompts.
  • Use Ledger Live’s integrated partner services (buy/swap) cautiously and review partner fees and reputations.

Advanced topics: passphrases, multisig & recovery

Advanced users may enable a passphrase (which acts like a 25th word) to create hidden accounts. This provides plausible deniability and account separation but increases complexity. Multisignature (multisig) setups are another option for institutional or high-value storage — Ledger supports multisig workflows through third‑party integrations where multiple devices or cosigners are required to approve transactions.

Recovery: if you lose your Ledger device, you can restore all accounts on a new compatible device using your recovery phrase. Test recovery procedures in a safe environment if you manage large balances, so you are comfortable with restoring on new hardware.

NFTs, DeFi & integrations

Ledger Live supports viewing NFTs for certain chains and integrates with partner services for swaps, purchases, and limited DeFi access. When interacting with DeFi protocols or marketplaces, Ledger will present transaction details for on‑device confirmation. Carefully inspect contract calls and approvals — malicious or poorly written smart contracts can access tokens if approvals are granted without scrutiny.

Frequently asked questions

Is Ledger Live custodial?
No. Ledger Live is non‑custodial. You retain full ownership of private keys via your hardware device and recovery phrase.
Can I use Ledger Live without a hardware wallet?
No. Ledger Live operates as an interface; private keys are generated and stored on Ledger hardware wallets.
What if I forget my PIN?
If you forget your PIN and cannot unlock the device, the only recovery path is your 24‑word seed. Use that seed to restore on a new device.
How do I check if Ledger Live is genuine?
Always download from Ledger's official website, verify checksums/signatures where available, and avoid links from unknown sources.

Troubleshooting common issues

  • Device not detected: try a different USB cable/port, ensure the device is unlocked, and that Ledger Live has necessary permissions on your OS.
  • Balances not showing: refresh accounts in Ledger Live, ensure apps are installed on-device, and allow time for blockchain indexing.
  • Firmware update failed: do not disconnect the device mid‑update. If interrupted, follow Ledger's recovery instructions and contact support if needed.