Introduction
Ledger Live is the official companion application for Ledger hardware wallets. It allows users to securely manage multiple cryptocurrencies, monitor account balances, send and receive funds, perform firmware updates, and access advanced features with peace of mind. Ledger Live provides a seamless interface to interact with your digital assets while keeping private keys offline and secure.
1. Downloading Ledger Live
Always download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website. Ledger Live is available on multiple platforms including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. Verify the installer checksums where possible to ensure the integrity of the downloaded files.
- Go to the official Ledger Live download page
- Choose your operating system
- Verify the checksum (SHA-256) provided by Ledger
- Install the application following platform instructions
- Ledger Live mobile apps
- Desktop vs Mobile guide
- System requirements for Ledger Live
- Update Ledger Live
- Ledger Live changelog
- Official Ledger installation guide
2. Connecting Your Ledger Device
Connect your Ledger hardware wallet to your computer using the supplied USB cable. Ledger Live will automatically detect the device.
- Enter your PIN directly on the device, not on the computer
- Do not connect via unknown USB hubs during setup
- Check device detection issues: Troubleshooting Ledger connection
- Device LED indicators guide
- macOS privacy settings for USB
- Linux udev rules
- Windows USB permission guide
- Using Ledger with mobile devices
- Multiple device support
- Security alerts on connection
3. Initial Setup and Security
Setting up a Ledger device securely is crucial. Configure a strong PIN and properly back up your recovery phrase.
- Choose a secure PIN code
- Write down your 24-word recovery phrase offline
- Do not store recovery phrase digitally
- Recovery phrase backup tips
- Passphrase setup guide
- Device wipe and restore
- Hidden wallets and passphrases
- Security best practices
- Ledger recovery test
- Avoid phishing attempts
4. Adding Accounts
Ledger Live allows multiple cryptocurrency accounts. Install apps for each coin on your Ledger device and sync them with Ledger Live.
- Install apps via Ledger Live
- Add accounts for Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and more
- View account balances and transaction history
- Supported coins list
- Managing multiple accounts
- Removing accounts safely
- Account overview
- Portfolio tracking
- Customizing account names
- Account synchronization
5. Sending and Receiving Funds
- Generate receiving addresses and verify them on-device
- Send cryptocurrency transactions securely via Ledger Live
- Always confirm transaction details on the device screen
- Sending crypto guide
- Receiving crypto guide
- Transaction verification
- Transaction fees explained
- Batch transaction management
- Multi-asset transaction handling
- Ledger Live transaction history
6. Performing Test Transactions
Always perform a small test transaction before transferring large amounts to new addresses or services.
- Test transaction tutorial
- Address verification
- Exchange withdrawal testing
- Blockchain explorer usage
- Transaction confirmation checks
- Avoiding common transaction errors
- Verifying fees and network details
- Ledger Live test procedures
- Address derivation verification
- Troubleshooting failed transactions
7. Daily Best Practices
- Confirm addresses and amounts on-device before signing
- Keep Ledger Live and firmware updated
- Perform small test transactions for new addresses
- Store recovery phrase offline and verify periodically
- Daily security checklist
- Firmware update guide
- Backup verification
- Malware awareness