Ledger® Live: app — Getting Started™
Ledger Live is the official application that pairs with your Ledger hardware wallet so you can securely initialize devices, install coin-specific apps, create accounts, check balances, and sign transactions — always requiring confirmation on your Ledger device. This landing page is a focused pagelanding to get you from download to secure first use.
Ledger.com/start directly). Never share your recovery phrase — Ledger Live will never ask for it.
Hardware-backed signing
Private keys remain inside your Ledger device. Ledger Live prepares transactions and the device displays a human-readable confirmation that you approve before any signing occurs.
App Manager
Install and uninstall blockchain apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.) from Manager. Uninstalling apps does not remove funds — your seed still controls accounts.
Portfolio & analytics
Track balances, transaction history, and market prices with optional privacy settings. Ledger Live aggregates minimal public data to display account activity.
Features & Highlights
Ledger Live pairs convenience with security. Below are the core capabilities and a short explanation of why each matters to your everyday crypto management.
Device-first security
All critical actions (PIN entry, recovery phrase generation, final transaction approval) occur on the device screen — isolating keys from the host computer reduces risk from malware or remote attackers.
Official firmware & Manager
Ledger Live Desktop provides Manager to install apps and apply signed firmware updates. Always update only through Ledger Live to ensure authenticity and security.
Cross-platform support
Installers exist for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Mobile apps are available for iOS and Android for on-the-go checks. Use desktop for firmware and Manager features.
Privacy-aware
Ledger Live shows only the public account information required to display balances while keeping private keys local. Telemetry options are configurable.
Download & Install — step-by-step
These concise steps will get you from download to a working device. Read each step fully and follow the on-device prompts — the device is the authority for confirmations.
Go to Ledger.com/start (type the URL directly) and choose your platform. Avoid links emailed or shared on social media unless they are official.
Run the installer. macOS users may need to authorize Ledger Live in System Preferences → Security & Privacy; Windows users may see UAC/SmartScreen prompts — allow only if you downloaded from the official domain.
Launch Ledger Live, accept terms, and start the guided flow to create a new device or restore an existing wallet.
On the Ledger device itself, create a PIN (enter it on-device) and the device will generate a recovery phrase. Write the words exactly on the provided recovery sheet and store offline.
Use the Manager in Ledger Live to install the blockchain apps you need and then add accounts for each supported currency.
Send a small test transaction to ensure address verification and signing work as expected. Confirm receiving addresses on the device screen — not just in the app UI.
Pluing / Connector (plugin/helper)
“Pluing” (also spelled plugging or plugin) in this context refers to the small local connector/helper some systems require so Ledger Live or compatible web apps can communicate reliably with your Ledger device. The helper is a local background component that facilitates USB or WebHID/WebUSB access — it does NOT hold or transmit private keys or recovery phrases.
Why you may need the connector
Certain operating systems or browser configurations restrict direct device access for security reasons. The connector solves permission and discovery issues so Ledger Live Desktop and authorized web applications can detect and talk to the device reliably.
- Older macOS & browser sandbox limitations
- Some Linux distributions needing udev rules
- Browsers without stable WebUSB / WebHID support
How to install & permit safely
- Only download the connector from the official Ledger downloads page (Ledger.com/start).
- Run the official installer and follow OS prompts; on macOS authorize the helper in Security & Privacy if Gatekeeper flags it.
- On Linux, the installer often adds udev rules; you can reload rules with:
sudo udevadm control --reload-rules && sudo udevadm trigger. - After install, restart Ledger Live and your browser (if using web integrations) — then check connector status inside Ledger Live's settings.
Troubleshooting pluing issues
Try the original cable and a direct USB port; avoid hubs. Restart the helper or reboot your machine.
macOS: allow in Security & Privacy. Windows: try running Ledger Live as Administrator. Linux: ensure udev rules are present and reloaded.
If an antivirus flags the helper during install, temporarily allow the official installer and re-enable protections after adding the helper to your whitelist.
Use WebHID/WebUSB-compatible browsers such as Chrome, Edge, or Brave for direct browser integrations — otherwise prefer Ledger Live Desktop for the smoothest experience.
Security best practices — critical rules
Ledger Live and a Ledger hardware device dramatically reduce attack surface, but human behavior matters most. Treat your recovery phrase like a vault key: offline, immutable, and never shared.
Do
- Buy devices only from official Ledger channels or authorized resellers.
- Initialize the device privately and write down the recovery phrase on the supplied sheet.
- Confirm receiving addresses on the device screen before sending funds.
- Keep Ledger Live and device firmware updated via official channels.
Don't
- Never enter your recovery phrase into websites, forms, or chats.
- Don't photograph or store the seed phrase digitally.
- Don't buy used devices — tampering risk is real.
- Don't share PINs, passphrases or recovery words with anyone.
Compromise response
If you suspect your recovery phrase or device has been exposed, move funds immediately to a new wallet generated with a new device and seed. Use a trusted machine to perform the transfer and do not enter exposed seeds anywhere online.
Advanced options & developer notes
For power users: passphrases, hidden wallets, multi-account setups, and integration considerations. Carefully evaluate trade-offs — advanced features increase responsibility.
Passphrase & hidden wallets
A BIP39 passphrase adds an extra word to derive hidden wallets. It gives plausible deniability but if you forget the passphrase you permanently lose access to those funds. Record passphrases with the same rigor as your recovery phrase.
Developer integration
Use official SDKs and recommended transports (WebHID, WebUSB, Bluetooth). Present clear, human-readable transaction details for users to confirm on-device. Never ask for seeds or private keys. Test extensively on testnets.
# Linux tip: reload udev rules after installing connector
sudo udevadm control --reload-rules && sudo udevadm trigger
Troubleshooting & FAQ
Common issues are connectivity or permissions related. Try the simple steps below before contacting support.
Try another USB cable/port (avoid hubs), restart Ledger Live, and check connector status in settings.
Do not unplug. Follow on-screen guidance; if interrupted, follow official recovery docs or contact support with logs.
Ensure Ledger Live and firmware are updated, reinstall the specific app, and gather logs in Help → Support if contacting official support.
Resources & final checklist
Final checklist before moving funds
- ✔️ Download Ledger Live only from the official site.
- ✔️ Initialize device and write down the recovery phrase on the supplied sheet.
- ✔️ Install only needed apps and test with a small transaction.
- ✔️ Confirm receiving addresses on the device screen before sending funds.
- ✔️ Keep firmware and Ledger Live updated via official channels.
Official links
Tutorials
- Unboxing & setup videos
- Recovery phrase best practices
- Advanced: passphrase & hidden wallets