Ledger Live App – Your Secure Crypto Dashboard (Desktop & Mobile)

Ledger Live is the essential all-in-one companion application for your Ledger hardware wallet (Nano S Plus, Nano X, etc.). It provides a secure, easy-to-use interface to manage, check the balance, send, receive, buy, swap, and stake your crypto assets while your private keys remain safe on your hardware device.

1. Desktop App: Download and Installation

The desktop version offers the most comprehensive set of features and is required for initial device setup and firmware updates.

1.1. Download from the Official Source

1. Visit the Official Website: Navigate directly to the official Ledger website's download page. Do not use search engine links that may lead to malicious sites.
2. Select Your Operating System: Choose the appropriate version for your computer:
   • Windows (10 or later, 64-bit)
   • macOS (10.14 or later)
   • Linux (64-bit Ubuntu, Debian, or Fedora)
3. Download the Installer: Click the download button to save the installer file (e.g., Ledger-Live-X.X.X.exe for Windows or Ledger-Live-X.X.X.dmg for macOS).

1.2. Installation Process (Windows & macOS)

1. Run the Installer: Locate the downloaded file and double-click it to start the installation.
2. Follow On-Screen Prompts:
• Windows: You may be prompted by User Account Control; click 'Yes.' Follow the setup wizard to choose the installation location and then click 'Install' and 'Finish.'
• macOS: Drag the Ledger Live application icon into your Applications folder. You may need to confirm that you wish to open an app downloaded from the Internet.
3. Launch Ledger Live: Open the application from your desktop shortcut or Applications folder.

2. Desktop App: Initial Device Setup

Once Ledger Live is installed, you will need to connect and set up your Ledger hardware wallet.

2.1. Welcome Screen and Device Selection

1. Get Started: On the Ledger Live welcome screen, click 'Get started'.
2. Choose Your Device: Select your specific Ledger model (e.g., Ledger Nano X, Ledger Nano S Plus).
3. Choose Your Setup Option:
   • 'Set up a new device' (Recommended for new users): This is for devices that have never been used. You will generate a new PIN and the 24-word Secret Recovery Phrase.
   • 'Restore an existing device': Use this if you are restoring an existing wallet with a previously created 24-word Recovery Phrase.
   • 'Use an already initialized device': Choose this if your Ledger device is already set up and you are simply connecting it to a new computer.

2.2. Setting Up a New Device (Critical Steps)

You must follow the instructions displayed on your Ledger hardware device's screen for maximum security.

1. Set PIN Code: Use the buttons on your device to choose a 4-to-8-digit PIN code. You will confirm this on the device.
2. Write Down the Recovery Phrase: The device will display 24 words one by one. Write them down *exactly* in order on your physical Recovery Sheet. Do not skip this step.
3. Confirm Recovery Phrase: The device will ask you to confirm several words from your phrase to ensure you wrote it correctly.
4. Security Checklist: Ledger Live will guide you through a quick checklist (e.g., checking if the device is genuine) to verify the integrity and setup of your device. Follow these steps carefully.

2.3. Install Apps and Add Accounts

1. Navigate to Manager: In the left sidebar of Ledger Live, click 'Manager'.
2. Connect Your Device: Unlock your Ledger device and allow My Ledger to access your device (press both buttons on the device when prompted).
3. Install Crypto Apps: In the Manager, search for the cryptocurrencies you want to manage (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana). Click 'Install' to load the corresponding application onto your Ledger device.
4. Add Accounts: Go to the 'Accounts' tab and click '+ Add account'. Select the crypto you just installed, and Ledger Live will sync with your device to create and display your account(s).

3. Mobile App: Download and Setup (Ledger Nano X/S Plus)

The mobile app offers convenience for checking balances and making on-the-go transactions. The Ledger Nano X connects via **Bluetooth**, while the **Nano S Plus** connects via **USB-C cable** (with an adapter if needed).

3.1. Download and Installation

1. Official App Stores Only: Search for "Ledger Wallet" (formerly Ledger Live) on:
   • Apple App Store (for iOS)
   • Google Play Store (for Android)
2. Install the App: Verify the developer is 'Ledger' and tap 'Install'.
3. Launch the App: Open Ledger Live on your mobile device.

3.2. Connecting to Your Device

1. Get Started: Tap 'Get started' in the mobile app.
2. Pairing Method:
   • Ledger Nano X (Bluetooth): Select your device and follow the on-screen prompts to enable Bluetooth and pair the device. A unique code will appear on both your phone and the Nano X; confirm they match.
   • Ledger Nano S Plus (USB): Select your device and follow the prompts to connect it via a USB-C cable.
3. Import Accounts: The easiest method is to 'Import accounts from Desktop' (if you already set up Ledger Live on your computer). The mobile app will display a QR code to scan from your Desktop App's settings to securely sync your accounts.
4. Manual Setup: If you did not use the desktop app first, the mobile app will walk you through the full device setup (PIN, Recovery Phrase, etc.), similar to the desktop process.

4. Managing Your Portfolio and Assets

With Ledger Live set up on your chosen platform, you can now securely manage your digital assets.

4.1. Core Functionality

• Portfolio: View your total crypto holdings and their value in fiat currency.
• Accounts: Manage individual crypto accounts. You must have the corresponding app installed on your Ledger device to add an account in Ledger Live.
• Receive: Generate a receiving address for deposits. Always verify the address on your Ledger device screen before confirming.
• Send: Initiate a transfer. The transaction details (amount, recipient address, fees) will appear on your device for physical confirmation—this is the core security feature.
• Buy/Sell/Swap: Use integrated third-party services to transact crypto directly within the Ledger Live ecosystem.
• Discover: Access dApps, staking services, and other features.

4.2. Firmware and App Updates

Regularly check the 'Manager' section in Ledger Live to ensure your Ledger device's firmware and installed crypto apps are up-to-date. Updates are crucial for security and performance.