Ledger® Live Wallet – Getting Started™

A practical, step-by-step 2500-word guide to set up Ledger Live Wallet, initialize your Ledger device, secure your recovery phrase, manage accounts, stake tokens, update firmware, and troubleshoot common issues.

1. Preparation & safety first

Before plugging in your Ledger device, take a moment to prepare a secure space and gather necessary items.

  • Official Ledger device and original USB cable.
  • Computer or mobile device with internet access and a modern browser.
  • Quiet, private area to write down your recovery phrase without interruption.
  • Optional: metal backup kit for strong physical protection of your recovery phrase.

Always purchase Ledger devices from official channels or authorized resellers to avoid supply-chain tampering.

2. Install Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the official app for managing your Ledger wallet. Use only the official installer from ledger.com.

Desktop

  1. Go to ledger.com/start and download Ledger Live for your OS.
  2. Install and open Ledger Live. Create a local profile when prompted — this stores UI settings and a local cache, not your private keys.

Mobile

Install Ledger Live from the App Store or Google Play. Pair via Bluetooth (Nano X) or USB‑OTG for supported models.

3. Device setup — initialize your Ledger

Follow the on-device prompts to set up as a new device or restore an existing one.

Set up as new

  1. Connect device and open Ledger Live → Get started → Set up as new device.
  2. Choose a PIN on the device. Use at least 4 digits; longer is safer.
  3. Write down the recovery phrase (24 words usually) on the recovery sheet provided by Ledger. Keep it offline.
  4. Confirm the words when prompted to ensure accurate backup.

Restore from recovery phrase

  1. Select "Restore device" on the Ledger and enter your recovery phrase words in order using device controls.
  2. Set a new PIN and proceed to Ledger Live to add accounts.

Tip: Do not enter your recovery phrase into any computer or mobile device — it belongs only on the Ledger device during setup.

4. Recovery phrase (seed) — backup & resilience

The recovery phrase is the cryptographic root of your wallet. Protect it like cash — metal backups and geographically separated storage are recommended.

How to store

  • Write the phrase by hand on paper provided by Ledger in the exact order.
  • Store at least two copies in separate secure locations (home safe, bank safe deposit).
  • Use stainless steel backup plates to guard against fire and water damage.
  • Never take photos or store the phrase digitally (no cloud, no email, no photos).
If your recovery phrase is exposed, assume compromise. Move funds to a new wallet created on a new, secure device immediately.

5. Accounts, Apps & Manager

Ledger Live's Manager lets you install blockchain-specific apps on your device; Accounts in Ledger Live represent wallets for different blockchains.

Installing apps

  1. Open Ledger Live → Manager while the device is connected and unlocked.
  2. Install the required app(s) for the cryptocurrencies you want to manage (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.).

Adding accounts

  1. After installing apps, go to "Accounts" → "Add account" and select the cryptocurrency.
  2. Ledger Live will scan the blockchain to find addresses derived from your seed and add them as accounts.

Removing an app does not delete your funds — accounts are derived from your recovery phrase. Reinstall the app to regain access.

6. Send & Receive — safe transaction flow

Receiving

  1. Open Ledger Live → Accounts → Receive.
  2. Select the account and continue; verify the address on your Ledger device matches what Ledger Live shows.
  3. Share the verified address with the sender.

Sending

  1. Open Accounts → Send in Ledger Live. Paste the recipient address and optionally scan a QR code.
  2. Set the amount and choose a fee option based on desired confirmation speed.
  3. Review the transaction details and confirm on your Ledger device to sign the transaction.

Always verify addresses on the device screen — this protects you from clipboard malware and host-side attacks.

7. Staking & earning

Ledger Live supports staking for several Proof-of-Stake networks directly in-app. Staking parameters (rewards, lockup, unbonding) vary by chain.

How to stake

  1. Ensure the asset supports staking in Ledger Live and add the corresponding account.
  2. Choose "Stake" or "Delegate" and pick a validator (evaluate fees and reliability).
  3. Confirm the action on your device; review rewards and locking rules for your chosen chain.

Staking involves protocol risk. Research validators and understand unbonding periods before committing funds.

8. Firmware updates & device maintenance

Firmware updates patch security issues and add features. Ledger signs firmware binaries so devices can verify authenticity.

Update protocol

  1. Ledger Live notifies you of firmware updates. Read the release notes first.
  2. Initiate the update in Ledger Live while connected. Confirm checksums/signatures if presented.
  3. Do not interrupt the process — let the device reboot and display completion.

Care

  • Keep the device dry and clean.
  • Store away from magnets and extreme heat.
  • Keep the device and recovery phrase in separate secure locations.

9. Security best practices

  • Buy from authorized sellers — avoid second-hand devices.
  • Never give your recovery phrase to anyone; Ledger support will never ask for it.
  • Use a strong PIN and consider an optional passphrase for hidden wallets.
  • Consider multisig for high-value holdings to reduce single-point-of-failure risk.
  • Regularly test restores on spare hardware to ensure backups are correct.
If you suspect compromise—someone saw your recovery phrase or device was tampered with—generate a new seed on a fresh device and transfer funds immediately.

10. Troubleshooting & FAQ

Device not detected

  • Try a different USB cable/port; use original cable when possible.
  • Restart Ledger Live and your computer; check permissions on macOS and Linux.

App install or account issues

Ensure Ledger Live and device firmware are up to date. Reinstall apps via Manager — accounts remain recoverable via recovery phrase.

Lost recovery phrase

Without your recovery phrase, wallet recovery is not possible. If you still have device access, create a new wallet and move funds to it immediately.

Quick FAQ

Can I use Ledger with MetaMask?
Yes — Ledger devices can connect to MetaMask and other third-party wallets to sign transactions on-device.
Are NFTs supported?
Viewing and transacting NFTs often requires third-party wallets compatible with Ledger. Ledger Live supports some NFTs depending on network support.
What if my device is stolen?
If PIN and recovery phrase are secure, a thief cannot access funds. If the recovery phrase is compromised, move funds immediately.