Ledger® — Secure Access & Ledger Live App Download

This guide explains how to set up and access your Ledger® experience — covering Ledger wallet setup, Ledger hardware wallet best practices, how to download Ledger Live (desktop & mobile), and how to use Ledger Wallet Extension safely. Official resources are linked throughout to ledger.com.

Start at ledger.com/start

Overview

The Ledger® experience centers on a hardware device (Ledger Nano family) that stores your private keys offline, and Ledger Live — the companion app for managing accounts, sending/receiving crypto, installing apps, and checking portfolio value. Ledger Live is available as a Desktop app (Ledger Live Desktop) and mobile apps; there is also a Ledger Wallet Extension for certain browser interactions.

Key terms

Ledger wallet — your hardware device (e.g., Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X)
Ledger hardware wallet — physical device securing private keys offline
Ledger Live — the official companion application for portfolio and device management
Ledger Wallet Extension — optional browser extension to connect certain dApps

Official resources

Step-by-step: Ledger® setup & Ledger Live App Download

Follow these steps to set up your Ledger wallet and begin using Ledger Live (desktop or mobile). Wherever possible, use official Ledger links (ledger.com) and avoid third-party downloads.

Unbox and verify your device. Check the tamper-evident packaging and confirm the serial number on the device matches the packaging instructions. Ledger provides packaging verification guidance at ledger.com/start.
Install Ledger Live (Desktop or Mobile). Visit the official Ledger Live download page: Ledger Live Download. Choose Ledger Live Desktop for Windows/macOS/Linux or download the mobile app from official app stores. Always confirm the URL and checksum when offered.
Initialize your Ledger device. Power on the device and follow the on-screen steps to create a new wallet or restore an existing one using a recovery phrase. Record your recovery phrase on the provided recovery sheet — never store it digitally or share it.
Connect Ledger Live to your device. Open Ledger Live Desktop (or mobile), select “Get started,” and choose whether you're setting up a new device or restoring from recovery. Follow the prompts to pair the device and add cryptocurrency accounts.
Install apps on the Ledger device. Ledger Live uses an app manager to install coin-specific apps (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum). Only install the apps you need, and keep Ledger Live updated.
Optional: Ledger Wallet Extension. If a dApp requires a browser extension, verify authenticity before installing any extension. Ledger’s official guidance and supported extensions are listed on the Ledger website; prefer using Ledger Live with native integrations when available.

Security best practices

A hardware wallet is only as secure as the procedures you follow. Here are essential security practices for Ledger® users:

Never share your recovery phrase. Ledger staff will never ask for your 24-word phrase. If someone asks, it’s a scam.
Use official software and links. Always download Ledger Live from ledger.com or official app stores.
Keep firmware updated. Ledger periodically releases firmware improvements — update only via Ledger Live and follow official instructions.
Verify addresses on-device. Confirm recipient addresses directly on your Ledger device screen before approving transactions.
Store your recovery sheet safely. Use a fireproof safe, secure deposit box, or metal backup solution designed for seed phrases.

Troubleshooting common issues

Problems connecting Ledger Live Desktop or completing setup are usually resolvable with these checks:

Device not detected: Try a different USB cable/port, update Ledger Live, and ensure device firmware is current.
App errors: Reinstall the coin app through Ledger Live's Manager and restart both the device and Ledger Live app.
Recovery concerns: If you lost your recovery phrase, stop using the device and migrate funds to a new wallet only after obtaining a new device and secure seed.
Phishing & scams: If you encounter suspicious sites or emails, verify any link against official Ledger domains: ledger.com and support.ledger.com.

If issues remain, consult official Ledger Support: support.ledger.com.

FAQ

Q — What is Ledger®?: A — In this guide, Ledger® stands as the referenced access phrase for the Ledger Live entry point. The brand encompasses Ledger hardware wallets and the Ledger Live companion app used to access and manage crypto.
Q — Where do I download Ledger Live?: A — Use the official Ledger Live download page: ledger.com/ledger-live/download. Avoid third-party download sites.
Q — Can I use Ledger Live on multiple devices?: A — Yes. Ledger Live can be installed on multiple machines (desktop & mobile). Your private keys remain on the Ledger hardware device and are never transferred to the host computer.
Q — Is Ledger Wallet Extension necessary?: A — Not usually. Many dApps integrate directly with Ledger Live. Use the extension only when recommended by trusted services and verify extension authenticity before installing.
Q — How do I update Ledger device firmware?: A — Use Ledger Live Manager to update firmware. Follow official prompts and back up your recovery phrase before any major operation.