Ledger Live: A Complete Tutorial for Beginners

How to install, secure, and use Ledger Live to manage your hardware wallet — step-by-step.
Estimated read: ~10–12 minutes
Difficulty: Beginner → Intermediate
Ledger Live screenshot

Introduction

Ledger Live is a desktop and mobile application that acts as the official companion to Ledger hardware wallets (Ledger Nano S, Nano S Plus, Nano X). It lets you manage crypto accounts, check balances, send & receive tokens, install device apps, stake, and more — while keeping your private keys safely on the hardware device. This guide walks you through everything a beginner needs to get started and to use Ledger Live safely and confidently.

What you need before we begin

Never share your recovery phrase or enter it into any website. Ledger Live will never ask for your 24-word recovery phrase.

Download & install Ledger Live

Go to the official Ledger website to download Ledger Live. Always verify the URL and download only from the official source. Install the app and open it.

  1. Open Ledger Live and choose Get started.
  2. Select your device model (Nano S, Nano S Plus, Nano X) and follow the on-screen instructions.
  3. When prompted, connect your Ledger device with its cable.

Ledger Live supports a wide range of blockchains and tokens. It uses apps on the Ledger device (installed via Ledger Live) to sign transactions securely on-device.

Set up your Ledger device (if it’s new)

  1. Power on the device and choose Set up as new device.
  2. Create a PIN code — this protects the device if lost or stolen.
  3. Write down the recovery phrase exactly as shown. Confirm the phrase when asked.
  4. Install the Ledger Live app on your computer and connect the device to complete the pairing.

If your device already has a recovery phrase and PIN, do not reset it unless you intend to. If you found a device or bought second-hand, reset and initialize the device yourself.

Adding accounts in Ledger Live

Accounts represent on-chain addresses that Ledger Live monitors. To add accounts:

  1. Open Ledger Live > Accounts > Add account.
  2. Choose the cryptocurrency (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) and follow the prompts. Ledger Live will ask you to unlock your device and open the corresponding app (for example, open the Bitcoin app on the device).
  3. Once confirmed, Ledger Live will scan the blockchain and add your account(s).

Tip: You can add multiple accounts for the same currency (e.g., different derivation paths or multiple Ethereum accounts).

Receiving crypto

  1. In Ledger Live, click Receive.
  2. Select the account that will receive funds.
  3. Connect and unlock your Ledger device and open the appropriate app (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.).
  4. Ledger Live shows an address — verify that the address on your computer matches the address displayed on the device screen. Always confirm on-device.
  5. Copy the address and provide it to the sender or paste it into the sending platform.

Always verify the address on the device screen. Malware can change the address displayed on your computer, but it cannot change the address shown on your hardware wallet.

Sending crypto

  1. Click Send in Ledger Live.
  2. Choose the account and enter the destination address and amount.
  3. Connect your Ledger device, open the corresponding app, and follow the on-screen prompts to verify the transaction details.
  4. Confirm the transaction on the device to sign it. The private keys never leave the device.

Ledger Live shows transaction status and history. For tokens and smart-contract interactions (e.g., DeFi), double-check contract addresses and gas fees before confirming.

Install and manage apps on the Ledger device

Ledger devices use small apps to support each cryptocurrency. To manage apps:

  1. Open Ledger Live > Manager.
  2. Connect your device and allow the manager when prompted.
  3. Find the app for the blockchain you want (e.g., Ethereum) and click Install.

Note: The device has limited storage. Uninstalling an app does not delete your crypto. Reinstall the app later and re-add the account in Ledger Live — funds are still on-chain and recoverable with your recovery phrase.

Staking, swaps, and extra features

Ledger Live includes built-in features like staking certain cryptocurrencies, swapping between tokens, and buying crypto via partners. Each feature may require extra verification and on-device confirmation. Use these features only if comfortable with the terms, fees, and counterparty services.

Security best practices

If anyone asks for your recovery phrase or PIN — it’s almost always a scam.

Troubleshooting common issues

  1. Device not recognized: Try a different USB cable/port and make sure the device is unlocked. Reboot Ledger Live and your computer if needed.
  2. App won’t install: Free up space on the device by uninstalling other apps or update device firmware.
  3. Transaction pending: Check network fees — low fees can delay confirmation. You may also speed up or cancel depending on the network. For Ethereum, use the nonce / replace-by-fee if you know how.
  4. Accidentally lost recovery phrase: If you lose the phrase and still have the device, create a new wallet and safely transfer funds to the new wallet immediately.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I recover my funds if I lose my Ledger device?

A: Yes — recover your wallet on a new Ledger device or compatible wallet using your recovery phrase. That’s why protecting the recovery phrase is critical.

Q: Is Ledger Live custodial?

A: No. Ledger Live is non-custodial. Your private keys remain on the Ledger hardware device and are never uploaded to Ledger Live or any server.

Q: Can Ledger Live manage NFTs?

A: Ledger Live supports viewing some NFTs through its NFT manager for supported chains, but for advanced NFT interactions you might use external wallets while keeping your Ledger device for signing.

Checklist: Before you finish