Ledger hardware wallet (reference image)

Ledger® — Your Ledger Live wallet: Secure management for crypto

Ledger® (the Ledger Live wallet experience) pairs Ledger hardware wallets with Ledger Live software so you can securely store, manage, and grow your cryptocurrency portfolio — on desktop, mobile, and in your browser.

Start at Ledger.com/start

Overview — What is Ledger® (Ledger Live wallet)?

Ledger® refers here to the Ledger Live wallet experience: a secure ecosystem that combines Ledger’s offline hardware devices (Ledger Nano X, Ledger Nano S Plus, and others) with Ledger Live — the official companion app. With this combination you keep private keys protected on the hardware device while using Ledger Live (desktop or mobile) to check balances, install coin apps, sign transactions, swap assets, stake supported tokens, and interact with Web3 applications via the Ledger Wallet Extension.

The official onboarding portal is Ledger.com/start, and Ledger Live downloads and documentation are available at Ledger Live.

Key features of Ledger Live

  • Multiplatform support: Ledger Live is available as Desktop (Windows/Mac/Linux) and Mobile (iOS/Android) — install from the official pages. See Ledger Live app download.
  • Secure transaction signing: All private keys remain isolated on the Ledger hardware wallet and signing is performed on-device.
  • Portfolio management: Real-time balances, transaction history, performance charts, and multi-asset support (thousands of tokens).
  • Integrated services: Buy/sell partners, swap integrations, and staking support for eligible assets — all while your keys stay offline.
  • Ledger Wallet Extension / Web3: A browser extension that enables secure interactions with decentralized applications while requiring on-device confirmation for each action.

Getting started — Ledger wallet setup (step-by-step)

Follow these concise steps to set up your Ledger® (Ledger Live wallet) safely:

  1. Visit the official start page: Always begin at Ledger.com/start to avoid phishing sites.
  2. Download Ledger Live: Use the official Ledger Live app download page and choose Desktop or Mobile.
  3. Initialize your hardware device: Connect your Ledger device and follow the device prompts to create a PIN and generate your recovery phrase (24 words for most devices).
  4. Install apps: Use Ledger Live to install the specific coin apps (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) on your device.
  5. Add accounts in Ledger Live: Add cryptocurrency accounts inside Ledger Live to start receiving, sending, and managing assets.
  6. Securely store your recovery phrase: The recovery phrase is the single backup of your keys — write it down and store it offline and safe.

For full illustrated guidance and device-specific instructions, return to Ledger.com/start or consult the Ledger Support Center.

Ledger Live Desktop & Mobile — differences and recommendations

Ledger Live Desktop is ideal for power users who want the full feature set: app management, firmware updates, detailed transaction history, and advanced integrations. It is the recommended environment for initial setup and firmware upgrades.

Ledger Live Mobile provides convenience for on-the-go portfolio checks, quick sends (with device confirmation), and push notifications. Both versions sync the same accounts — device confirmations are required for any sensitive action.

Ledger Wallet Extension & Web3 integrations

The Ledger Wallet Extension allows Ledger Live users to interact with Web3 applications in a secure manner. When a dApp requests a signature, the transaction details are shown on the Ledger device and must be physically confirmed — guaranteeing keys never leave the hardware.

Use the extension alongside Ledger Live for the smoothest Web3 experience. Always confirm the origin of dApps and check transaction parameters on-device to avoid signing malicious transactions.

Security best practices for Ledger® users

  • Only download Ledger Live from the official site: Ledger Live.
  • Never share your 24-word recovery phrase — Ledger never asks for it.
  • Keep firmware and Ledger Live updated to the latest releases.
  • Use a dedicated, secure computer for high-value operations if possible.
  • Store your recovery phrase offline in a safe, preferably fireproof location; consider a metal backup solution for long-term durability.

Ledger hardware wallets use a certified Secure Element (SE) and a proprietary OS to protect keys; combining hardware security with safe user practices creates a strong defense against theft.

Troubleshooting & common questions

If you run into issues, the common fixes are:

  • Device not recognized: Check cables, ports, and use Ledger Live Desktop to detect and troubleshoot.
  • Firmware or app update failure: Retry with a different USB cable/port and ensure Ledger Live is the latest version.
  • Lost recovery phrase: If the recovery phrase is lost and the device fails, recovery may be impossible. Ledger emphasizes safe storage of the recovery phrase at setup.
  • Phishing attempts: Always validate URLs — only use ledger.com domains and official support pages.

For step-by-step solutions and support tickets, visit the Ledger Support Center.

FAQ — Quick answers

Is Ledger Live free?

Yes. Ledger Live software is free to download and use. Third-party services integrated in the app (buy/sell providers, swap partners) may charge fees.

Can I recover my Ledger accounts on a new device?

Yes — using your 24-word recovery phrase you can recover accounts on another Ledger device or compatible wallet that supports the same seed standard.

Where do I download Ledger Live safely?

Always download Ledger Live from the official page: Ledger Live (or start at Ledger.com/start).