Ledger® Live – Getting Started™

Introduction

Ledger® Live is the official companion application for Ledger hardware wallets. It allows users to manage cryptocurrencies, monitor portfolio balances, receive or send funds, and integrate with decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms—all with top-tier security. This guide will walk you through every step to get started with Ledger® Live safely and efficiently.

Tip: Always download Ledger® Live from the official Ledger website to avoid phishing attempts: Ledger.com

Step 1: Downloading Ledger® Live

Ledger® Live is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Follow these steps to download:

Go to Ledger.com/ledger-live.
Choose the correct version for your operating system.
Download and install the application following on-screen instructions.

Tip: Always verify the checksum of the downloaded file if prompted to ensure the software is authentic.

Step 2: Connecting Your Ledger Hardware Wallet

After installing Ledger® Live, connect your Ledger hardware wallet:

Use the supplied USB cable to connect your device to your computer or mobile device.
Unlock your Ledger device using your PIN.
Ensure your device displays the “Dashboard” or main screen.

Important: Never share your PIN or recovery phrase with anyone, even if someone claims to be Ledger support.

Step 3: Setting Up Ledger® Live

Once your device is connected, follow these steps to set up Ledger® Live:

Open Ledger® Live on your computer or mobile device.
Select “Get Started”.
Choose whether you are setting up a new device or restoring from a recovery phrase.
Follow on-screen instructions to initialize your device securely.

Step 4: Creating a Secure PIN and Backup

Security starts with your PIN and recovery phrase:

Choose a strong PIN code for your Ledger device.
Write down your 24-word recovery phrase on the supplied recovery sheet.
Store your recovery phrase offline in a secure location.

Important: Your recovery phrase is the only way to recover your funds if your device is lost or damaged.

Step 5: Installing Cryptocurrency Apps

Ledger® Live allows you to manage multiple cryptocurrencies. To install apps:

Open Ledger® Live and navigate to the “Manager” tab.
Allow Ledger® Live to access your device.
Select the apps for the cryptocurrencies you want to manage.
Click “Install” and wait until the process is complete.

Step 6: Adding Accounts

To start managing your crypto, you need to add accounts:

Go to the “Accounts” tab in Ledger® Live.
Click “Add Account”.
Select the cryptocurrency for the account.
Follow the prompts to add the account to Ledger® Live.

Step 7: Receiving and Sending Funds

Ledger® Live makes it easy to send and receive crypto:

To receive: Open the account, click “Receive”, verify the address on your device, and share the address.
To send: Open the account, click “Send”, enter the recipient address and amount, verify on your device, and confirm the transaction.

Tip: Always verify the receiving address on your Ledger device before confirming any transaction.

Step 8: Managing Your Portfolio

Ledger® Live provides real-time portfolio tracking:

View balances for all added accounts.
Check transaction history for each cryptocurrency.
Use the “Dashboard” to see portfolio performance over time.

Step 9: Staking and Earning Rewards

Ledger® Live supports staking certain cryptocurrencies:

Select a supported staking asset in your Ledger® Live account.
Click “Stake” and follow prompts to delegate your funds.
Monitor rewards in Ledger® Live and claim when available.

Tip: Only stake assets that are supported officially to prevent loss of funds.

Step 10: Firmware and Software Updates

Keeping Ledger® Live and your hardware wallet updated ensures maximum security:

Check for updates in the “Manager” tab regularly.
Follow on-screen instructions to update Ledger Live and device firmware.
Do not disconnect your device during updates.

Important: Updating firmware is critical for security; never skip updates.

Step 11: Security Best Practices

To maintain top security with Ledger® Live:

Never share your PIN or recovery phrase.
Verify all addresses on the device, not the computer screen.
Store recovery phrases offline in multiple secure locations.
Enable passphrase protection for added safety.

Step 12: Troubleshooting & Support

If you encounter issues:

Ensure Ledger® Live and firmware are updated.
Check USB connections and device functionality.
Visit Ledger Support for official guidance.

Tip: Never share your recovery phrase when seeking support.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully set up Ledger® Live and are ready to manage your cryptocurrencies securely. By following this guide, you can confidently receive, send, stake, and track your digital assets while keeping them safe.

Always adhere to security best practices, keep your recovery phrase safe, and stay updated with Ledger® Live for a safe and rewarding crypto journey.