Ledger™ Live: Download | Getting Started | Ledger™

A focused guide to downloading Ledger Live and getting started securely with your Ledger hardware wallet. This page walks you through choosing the right installer, verifying the download, installing Ledger Live on desktop and mobile, first-run setup, device initialization, security best practices, and troubleshooting common download and installation issues.

Why download Ledger Live?

Ledger Live is the official companion app for Ledger hardware wallets. It enables you to install blockchain apps on your device, add and manage crypto accounts, view balances, create transactions and send them to your Ledger device for secure signing. Downloading the official Ledger Live client is the first step toward safely managing your crypto while keeping private keys on-device.

Always use the official download source — ledger.com/start — to avoid tampered installers or phishing attempts.

Choose the right Ledger Live build

Ledger Live is available for multiple platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux (desktop), and iOS/Android (mobile). Choose the build that matches your device and operating system. If you plan to use Ledger primarily on desktop, download the desktop installer. If you plan to pair a Ledger Nano X with your phone, use the mobile version with Bluetooth pairing.

  • Desktop builds: Windows 64-bit, macOS, and Linux installers.
  • Mobile builds: iOS from the App Store and Android from Google Play.
  • Which to pick: Desktop for full management, mobile for on-the-go access (Nano X), or both if you want cross-platform flexibility.

Download from the official source

  1. Open a browser and type ledger.com/start — avoid clicking links in emails or messages claiming to offer Ledger Live.
  2. Select your Ledger device model and the operating system you use.
  3. Click the download button for the appropriate installer (desktop) or the App Store / Google Play links for mobile.

Phishing is common. Always confirm the domain is ledger.com and avoid search results that show other domains claiming to provide Ledger Live.

Verify the download (recommended)

Advanced users can verify the authenticity of the downloaded installer by checking cryptographic signatures or checksums when Ledger publishes them. While this is not required for most users, it provides additional assurance that the installer wasn't tampered with.

  1. Ledger may publish a checksum (e.g., SHA256) or a detached signature for the installer on its website or GitHub.
  2. Use a checksum tool or GPG to verify the signature against the published value.
  3. If verification fails or you cannot find the signature, re-download from the official page or ask Ledger Support for guidance.

If you're unfamiliar with signature verification, you can still stay safe by downloading only from ledger.com, keeping your OS updated, and using reputable antivirus software.

Install Ledger Live on desktop

  1. Run the installer you downloaded and follow the platform-specific prompts.
  2. On macOS you may need to allow the app under System Preferences → Security & Privacy if Gatekeeper blocks it. On Windows, allow any driver prompts required for USB connectivity.
  3. After installation, open Ledger Live. The app will offer an introductory flow for new users.

If your OS flags the file as unrecognized, double-check you downloaded it from ledger.com/start. Some systems may warn about new apps; proceed only when confident of the source.

Install Ledger Live Mobile

  1. Open the Apple App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android) and search for Ledger Live or follow the official store link from ledger.com/start.
  2. Install the app and grant any necessary permissions (Bluetooth for Nano X pairing).
  3. Open the app and follow the onboarding flow to pair the device or set up for desktop-only use.

Mobile stores also protect against tampered apps to some extent, but always verify the publisher is Ledger SAS and review app permissions before installing.

First-run: "Get started" flow

On first launch Ledger Live will guide you through an onboarding flow. You'll be asked whether you're setting up a new device or restoring an existing one, and whether you want to create a Ledger Live application password — an optional local password to encrypt app metadata.

  1. Choose Get started and select your Ledger device model.
  2. Decide whether to set up a new device or restore existing wallets with a recovery phrase.
  3. Optionally create a Ledger Live password to encrypt local data like account labels. This is not the device PIN and can be reset by reinstalling Ledger Live.

The Ledger Live application password is for local convenience and privacy — it does not control your wallets. The device PIN + recovery phrase are the keys to your funds.

Initialize your Ledger device (on-device)

Device setup is performed on the Ledger hardware itself. Ledger Live will instruct you through the process but you will enter PINs and record your recovery phrase using the device interface.

  1. Power on the device and choose "Set up as new device" if applicable.
  2. Create a secure PIN directly on the device using its buttons.
  3. Record the 24-word recovery phrase exactly in order on the supplied recovery card — do not photograph or store it digitally.
  4. Confirm the words on the device when prompted to complete setup.

Always store the recovery phrase offline. Anyone with the phrase can restore your wallets on another device and steal funds.

Install apps & add accounts in Ledger Live

After installing Ledger Live and initializing your device, you’ll use the Manager to install blockchain-specific apps and add accounts to view balances and transactions.

  1. Connect and unlock your Ledger device and open Ledger Live.
  2. Go to Manager to install apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) on the device.
  3. Navigate to Accounts → Add account to synchronize addresses and balances for installed apps.

Uninstalling an app does not delete funds; accounts are derived from your recovery seed and reappear when you reinstall the app and add the account in Ledger Live.

Security best practices after download

  • Only download Ledger Live from ledger.com/start and official app stores.
  • Never share your 24-word recovery phrase. Ledger support will never ask for it.
  • Store your recovery phrase offline on paper or a steel backup and consider multiple secure locations.
  • Use a unique Ledger Live application password and enable auto-lock to protect local data.
  • Keep device firmware and Ledger Live updated through official channels.
  • Watch out for phishing messages and always verify URLs before clicking. When in doubt, navigate directly to ledger.com.

Troubleshooting download and install issues

Installer won't run or is blocked

On macOS you may need to allow the app under Security & Privacy if Gatekeeper blocks it. On Windows, allow driver prompts and ensure you have administrative privileges to install software.

Checksum or signature mismatch

If signature verification fails or a checksum mismatch occurs, do not run the installer. Re-download from ledger.com/start and verify again. Contact Ledger Support if you cannot resolve the issue.

Mobile app not available in store

App availability may vary by country or device. Use the official Ledger site links to the App Store / Google Play; avoid third-party APKs. If your store doesn't show the app, confirm device compatibility and OS version requirements.

Frequently asked questions

Can I trust the Ledger Live download link I found via search?

Always verify the domain is ledger.com. Attackers may create lookalike domains or ads that lead to malicious downloads. Prefer typing the URL directly or using bookmarks you created yourself.

Do I need to verify signatures?

Signature verification adds security for advanced users but is optional. For most users, downloading from the official domain and keeping systems patched offers strong protection.

Resources & official links