Introduction
Welcome to the ultimate guide for setting up Ledger® Live, the official companion software for your Ledger hardware wallet. Whether you’re new to crypto management or transitioning from another wallet, this guide provides a full 1600-word breakdown to ensure you understand every part of the process — from installation to secure account management.
Ledger Live acts as your secure bridge between digital assets and blockchain networks. With a clean interface and bank-grade encryption, it allows you to buy, send, receive, stake, and monitor over 5,000 cryptocurrencies directly from your computer or mobile device. Let’s begin your journey safely and confidently.
Step 1: Download Ledger Live
To get started, visit the official Ledger website at ledger.com/start. Avoid third-party links — security begins with authenticity.
- Choose your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, or iOS).
- Click “Download Ledger Live.”
- Wait for the file to fully download before opening.
Step 2: Install and Launch
Once downloaded, follow the installation instructions specific to your operating system. For Windows users, double-click the setup file and follow on-screen prompts. On macOS, drag the Ledger Live icon to your Applications folder.
After installation, launch the app. Ledger Live will prompt you to either:
- Set up a new device
- Restore a device from recovery phrase
- Connect an existing Ledger wallet
Step 3: Initial Device Setup
Choose “Set up a new device.” Connect your Ledger hardware wallet using the supplied USB cable. Your device will guide you through creating a new PIN and writing down your 24-word recovery phrase.