How to Set Up Your Ledger Hardware Wallet
Secure your digital assets with the world's leading hardware wallet solution. Trusted by over 8 million customers worldwide.
Secure your digital assets with the world's leading hardware wallet solution. Trusted by over 8 million customers worldwide.
Ledger Live™ is your all-in-one crypto wallet app to confidently and conveniently manage all your digital assets from one secure place while keeping your private keys offline, far from hackers’ reach.
Trusted by over 8 million customers, Ledger Live™ provides a seamless interface for buying, selling, swapping, staking, and tracking your cryptocurrencies.
Choose your operating system below to download Ledger Live™ today and start securing your crypto journey.
Download for Windows Download for macOS Download for Linux Download for Android Download for iOSYour private keys stay securely on your Ledger device, never exposed to the internet. This cold storage approach protects against online hacks and malware, ensuring your assets remain safe even if your computer is compromised.
Learn MoreManage over 5,500 cryptocurrencies and NFTs in a single app. From Bitcoin and Ethereum to altcoins and DeFi tokens, Ledger Live™ supports a vast ecosystem for diversified portfolios.
Explore AssetsWith Ledger Flex™, review and approve transactions directly on the device's secure touchscreen. No need to trust your computer's display—verify everything independently for maximum security.
Get Ledger Flex™Setting up your Ledger device is straightforward and takes just a few minutes. Follow these detailed steps to initialize your wallet and connect it to Ledger Live™. This process ensures your private keys are generated securely and your recovery phrase is protected from the start.
Begin by unboxing your Ledger hardware wallet, such as the Nano S Plus, Nano X, or the advanced Flex™. Inside, you'll find the device, a USB cable (for non-Bluetooth models), recovery sheets, and a getting started guide. Inspect the packaging for any tampering—Ledger devices come in tamper-evident seals to prevent unauthorized access during shipping.
Power on your device by pressing the button (or touching the screen on Flex™). If it's a new device, it will prompt you to set it up as a fresh wallet. Avoid using a device that has been previously set up unless you're recovering an existing wallet.
This initial preparation step is crucial for establishing trust in your hardware. Remember, Ledger never asks for your seed phrase during setup, and any site or app requesting it is likely a scam.
Head to the official download page at ledger.com/start and select the version compatible with your operating system. For Windows users, download the .exe installer; macOS users get the .dmg file; Linux enthusiasts can opt for the .deb or .tar.gz packages. Mobile users should visit the Google Play Store or Apple App Store for the Ledger Live™ app.
Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions. During installation, Ledger Live™ will check for the latest version and prompt any necessary updates. This app acts as the bridge between your hardware wallet and the blockchain, allowing you to manage assets without ever exposing sensitive data.
Pro tip: Always download from the official site to avoid phishing risks. Verify the URL starts with https://www.ledger.com and look for the green lock icon in your browser.
Launch Ledger Live™ and create an account if you're new— this requires just an email for notifications, not your private keys. Then, plug in your Ledger device via USB or pair it via Bluetooth for Nano X or Flex™ models.
The app will detect the device and guide you through firmware updates if needed. Always update to the latest firmware for enhanced security features and bug fixes. Once connected, the device screen will display a pairing code—confirm it matches the one in the app to ensure a secure connection.
For Bluetooth pairing, enable it on the device under Settings > Experimental Features, then select "Pair a new device" in the app. This wireless option offers flexibility for mobile use, but USB remains the most secure for desktop setups.
On your Ledger device, set a 4-8 digit PIN code. Enter it twice to confirm—this PIN protects access to your wallet. If you enter it incorrectly three times, the device will reset, safeguarding your funds.
Next, generate your 24-word recovery phrase. The device will display words one by one; write them down in order on the provided recovery sheet, never digitally. Store this sheet in a safe, offline location like a fireproof safe. This phrase is your backup—if your device is lost or damaged, you can restore your wallet on a new Ledger.
Verify the phrase by re-entering select words on the device. Never share it with anyone, including Ledger support. Scammers often pose as support to steal phrases—remember, legitimate setups are self-service.
Back in Ledger Live™, navigate to the Manager tab. Here, you can install apps for specific blockchains, like Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Solana. Each app is lightweight and enables interaction with that network.
Search for and install the apps you need— for example, the Ethereum app for ERC-20 tokens or the XRP app for Ripple. The device has limited storage, so install only what you use. Updates for these apps are pushed through Ledger Live™ for ongoing security.
This modular approach ensures your device remains optimized, supporting everything from DeFi staking to NFT management without bloating the firmware.
With apps installed, add accounts in Ledger Live™ by selecting "Add Account" and choosing the cryptocurrency. The app will generate a public address—verify it on your device's screen before using.
Transfer a small test amount from an exchange or another wallet to your new address. Monitor the transaction in the app's Portfolio view, which shows real-time balances and charts. Once confirmed, you're ready for larger transfers.
For receiving, always double-check addresses. For sending, review details on the Ledger screen before signing— this on-device verification is what makes hardware wallets superior to software ones.
Now that setup is complete, dive into Ledger Live™'s advanced tools. Stake assets like ETH or ADA directly in the app for passive income. Swap tokens via integrated partners like Changelly, or buy crypto with fiat using our MoonPay integration.
Connect to DeFi dApps through WalletConnect, or manage NFTs in the dedicated section. For Ledger Flex™ users, enjoy the touchscreen for effortless navigation and signing.
Regularly check for app updates and enable notifications for security alerts. Join the Ledger community on forums or Reddit for tips and troubleshooting.
With industry-leading security certified by ANSSI, Ledger devices use a secure element chip to protect your keys. Backed by years of innovation, we're committed to evolving with the crypto space.
Read Our StoryDon't enter your recovery phrase online, skip firmware updates, or use unofficial apps. Always verify downloads with checksums for authenticity.
Get SupportSecure your recovery sheet, enable 2FA on linked accounts, and diversify your portfolio. Consider Ledger's enterprise solutions for advanced users.
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