Ledger® Live Wallet – Getting Started

A clear, practical 800-word guide plus quick links to official Ledger resources for safe setup and first use.

Overview

Ledger Live is the official companion application for Ledger hardware wallets. It provides a secure interface to set up a Ledger device, create or restore accounts, view balances, install apps specific to each cryptocurrency, and send/receive assets. Ledger Live keeps sensitive signing operations on your Ledger device while storing only account metadata on your computer or phone. Before you begin, always download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website and follow Ledger’s documented best practices to avoid scams. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Step 1 — Prepare

  1. Buy from an authorized source (Ledger’s shop) or verify the vendor. Avoid second-hand devices.
  2. Have a pen and paper ready for your 24-word recovery phrase; never store it digitally. Ledger’s support and safety pages explain why this is critical. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Step 2 — Download Ledger Live

  1. Download Ledger Live from the official download page for your OS (desktop or mobile). Install the app and open it. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
  2. Choose “Set up as new device” if you have a brand-new Ledger, or “Restore device” if you already have a recovery phrase. See Ledger’s step-by-step getting started documentation. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Step 3 — Initialize device

  1. Follow on-screen prompts on Ledger Live and confirm operations on your Ledger device. Create a PIN (memorize it; do not store it electronically).
  2. Write your 24-word recovery phrase exactly as shown. Confirm the phrase when prompted. Keep it offline — this is the single point of recovery for your funds. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Step 4 — Add accounts & apps

  1. Open the Manager in Ledger Live to install coin-specific apps to your device. Then add accounts for each cryptocurrency you want to manage. Ledger provides an apps/install guide in support. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
  2. For each incoming transfer, always verify addresses on your device screen before sending funds from exchanges or other wallets.

Step 5 — Security tips & recovery

  1. Never share your recovery phrase. Ledger will never ask for it. If an app or website prompts you for your seed, it’s a scam. Recent alerts warn about fake Ledger apps—always verify downloads from ledger.com. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
  2. If you lose your device, you can restore accounts on a new Ledger using your 24-word phrase. Follow Ledger’s restore guide. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

Quick checklist

  • Download Ledger Live only from the official Ledger site.
  • Create a strong PIN and store your recovery phrase offline in multiple secure copies.
  • Verify addresses on-device. Use passphrase feature only if you understand its implications. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

10 Official Ledger links (copy/paste-safe)

1) Ledger Live download
2) Ledger Live overview
3) Getting started with Ledger Live (support)
4) Restore accounts with recovery phrase (support)
5) Best safety practices (support)
6) How to set up your Ledger (start)
7) Ledger Nano X product
8) Ledger Nano S Plus product
9) Install/uninstall/update apps (support)
10) Ledger Academy: Passphrase feature