Ledger® Live – Getting Started™

Ledger Live is the official application designed to provide a seamless and secure interface for managing your Ledger hardware wallet and your cryptocurrency portfolio. Whether you’re new to crypto or an experienced user, Ledger Live offers a user-friendly experience to help you securely manage, buy, sell, and exchange cryptocurrencies in one place.

Why Choose Ledger Live?

Ledger Live acts as the bridge between your hardware wallet and the blockchain network, enabling you to manage your private keys safely offline while performing transactions through a secure interface. It supports hundreds of cryptocurrencies and provides real-time balance updates, portfolio tracking, and built-in apps for buying and selling assets.

Key Benefits of Ledger Live:

• Security: Your private keys never leave your Ledger hardware device, protecting you from hacks and malware.
• Multi-asset Support: Manage Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and over 1800 tokens in one app.
• User-Friendly: Intuitive interface makes complex crypto management simple.
• Real-Time Portfolio Tracking: Keep track of your assets’ value across multiple blockchains.
• Built-In Exchange & Buy Options: Easily buy crypto with trusted partners or swap assets directly inside the app.
• Regular Updates: Frequent improvements add new coins, features, and security fixes.

System Requirements

Before installing Ledger Live, ensure your device meets these requirements:

• Operating Systems Supported: Windows 8.1 or later, macOS 10.14 or later, Linux (various distros), Android 8.0+ and iOS 13.3+ for mobile.
• Internet Connection: Required for software download, updates, portfolio synchronization, and transactions.
• Hardware Wallet: Compatible Ledger device such as Ledger Nano S, Nano S Plus, or Nano X.

Step 1: Downloading Ledger Live

Always download Ledger Live from the official source to avoid phishing attempts and malicious software.

1. Open your web browser and go to https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live.
2. Choose the version compatible with your operating system and download the installer.
3. Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Security Tip: Verify the download checksum if provided to ensure file integrity.

Step 2: Setting Up Ledger Live for the First Time

After installation, launch Ledger Live and you will be greeted by a welcome screen with several setup options:

• Initialize a new Ledger device if you’re setting up your hardware wallet for the first time.
• Restore from recovery phrase if you already have a recovery seed and want to recover your wallet.
• Use Ledger Live without device for viewing portfolios or tracking crypto without hardware wallet connection (read-only).

Choose the option that fits your situation and follow the prompts carefully.

Initialize a New Device

If you are new to Ledger hardware wallets:

1. Connect your Ledger device to your computer or mobile via USB or Bluetooth.
2. Follow on-device instructions to set up a PIN and generate a 24-word recovery phrase.
3. Write down your recovery phrase carefully offline and keep it secure; this is your wallet backup.
4. Confirm your recovery phrase by selecting the words in the correct order on your device.

Restore an Existing Wallet

If you have a recovery phrase from a previous wallet:

1. Connect your Ledger device.
2. Choose the option to restore a wallet.
3. Enter your 24-word recovery phrase when prompted, securely on the device.

Step 3: Installing Cryptocurrency Apps on Your Ledger Device

Your Ledger device supports different cryptocurrencies through individual apps installed on the hardware wallet. Ledger Live’s Manager tab allows you to install or uninstall apps as needed.

1. Open Ledger Live and go to the Manager tab.
2. Connect and unlock your Ledger device.
3. Browse the list of available apps and click Install next to the cryptocurrencies you want to manage.
4. Apps take up storage space; uninstall unused apps to free up space.

After installing the apps, you will be able to add accounts for each cryptocurrency in Ledger Live.

Step 4: Adding Accounts and Managing Your Portfolio

To start managing your crypto assets, add accounts for each supported cryptocurrency:

1. Go to the Accounts tab in Ledger Live.
2. Click Add account.
3. Select the cryptocurrency and click Continue.
4. Follow instructions to open the corresponding app on your Ledger device.
5. Ledger Live will sync your account and display your balance and transaction history.

You can add multiple accounts and multiple cryptocurrencies to get a consolidated view of your portfolio.

Step 5: Sending and Receiving Cryptocurrencies

Ledger Live makes it easy to send and receive funds securely:

Receiving Funds

1. Select the account you want to receive into.
2. Click Receive.
3. Connect and unlock your Ledger device, then open the relevant cryptocurrency app.
4. Verify the receiving address shown on your Ledger device screen carefully; it should match what Ledger Live displays.
5. Share the verified address with the sender.

Sending Funds

1. Select the account to send from.
2. Click Send and enter the recipient’s address and amount.
3. Review the transaction details carefully.
4. Confirm the transaction on your Ledger device; verify the destination address and amount before approval.
5. Submit and wait for blockchain confirmations.

Security reminder: Always verify the transaction details on your physical Ledger device screen to prevent malware attacks or address substitution.

Step 6: Exploring Additional Features

Ledger Live includes other powerful features to enhance your crypto experience:

• Buy Crypto: Purchase cryptocurrencies directly through Ledger Live using integrated third-party partners.
• Swap: Instantly exchange one cryptocurrency for another without leaving the app.
• Staking: Participate in proof-of-stake (PoS) networks to earn rewards directly via Ledger Live.
• Portfolio Tracking: Monitor real-time valuations and historical performance of your assets.
• Settings and Security: Customize app preferences, manage device settings, and enable advanced features like passphrase protection.

Security Best Practices

• Always keep your Ledger device firmware and Ledger Live updated.
• Never share your 24-word recovery phrase or PIN with anyone. Ledger employees will never ask for this information.
• Use a strong, unique PIN for your device and enable optional passphrase protection for an extra layer of security.
• Verify every transaction on your device screen before confirming.
• Download Ledger Live only from the official Ledger website.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter problems using Ledger Live or your Ledger device, try these solutions:

• Ensure your Ledger device is properly connected via USB or Bluetooth and unlocked.
• Restart Ledger Live and reconnect the device.
• Update Ledger Live to the latest version.
• Update your device firmware through the Manager tab if prompted.
• Consult the Ledger Support Center for detailed guides and live support.

Conclusion

Ledger® Live is a powerful, user-friendly tool that allows you to harness the full potential of your Ledger hardware wallet securely. By following this guide to getting started, you can confidently manage your crypto assets, perform transactions safely, and explore advanced features like staking and swapping.

Remember, the security of your crypto holdings depends on following best practices and remaining vigilant. Always verify transaction details on your hardware device, keep your software up-to-date, and guard your recovery phrase carefully.

For more resources, tutorials, and official downloads, visit Ledger.com/ledger-live.