Ledger® Live — Getting Started | Official Ledger Wallet App

Managing cryptocurrency securely requires more than just holding coins—it requires trusted tools, verified software, and a workflow designed to keep private keys offline. Ledger® Live, the official Ledger Wallet App, is the central hub that makes this possible for millions of users worldwide. Whether you’re a beginner buying your first crypto or an experienced holder managing a diversified portfolio, ledger live provides a secure, intuitive interface that works hand-in-hand with Ledger hardware wallets.

This guide walks you through getting started with Ledger® Live, explains the differences between ledger live and ledger live desktop, and shows why beginning at the official setup page ledger.com/start is critical for security. We’ll also cover best practices, common features, FAQs, and SEO-ready metadata to support content deployment.

What Is Ledger® Live?

Ledger® Live is the official application developed by Ledger to manage crypto assets securely using Ledger hardware wallets (such as Ledger Nano X and Ledger Nano S Plus). The app allows users to:

• Set up and initialize Ledger devices

• Install blockchain apps on the hardware wallet

• Create and manage crypto accounts

• Send, receive, and swap supported assets

• Track portfolio performance

• Interact with DeFi and NFTs (via integrations)

Importantly, ledger live does not store your private keys. Those remain safely inside the Ledger hardware device. The app simply builds transactions and sends them to the device for secure, on-device signing.

To ensure you’re downloading the authentic app and following the correct setup steps, Ledger directs all users to start at ledger.com/start, the official onboarding portal.

Why Start at Ledger.com/Start?

Security in crypto begins with using official sources. ledger.com/start is the only recommended place to begin your Ledger setup. From there, you can safely download ledger live or ledger live desktop, verify your device, and install firmware updates.

Starting at ledger.com/start ensures that:

• You download the genuine Ledger® Live app

• You avoid phishing sites and fake installers

• Your device firmware is authentic and up to date

• You follow Ledger’s verified security workflow

Never download ledger live from ads, emails, or unofficial websites. Always type ledger.com/start directly into your browser.

Ledger Live vs Ledger Live Desktop

While people often use the term ledger live broadly, there are two main ways to use it:

Ledger Live (General App)

This refers to the Ledger® Live ecosystem as a whole, including web-based guidance and device interaction during setup.

Ledger Live Desktop

ledger live desktop is the dedicated desktop application for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It is the most commonly used and recommended version for long-term crypto management.

Why choose ledger live desktop?

• Enhanced performance and stability

• Local execution on your computer

• Better suited for managing multiple accounts

• Reduced reliance on browser environments

Most users install ledger live desktop directly after visiting ledger.com/start.

How to Get Started with Ledger® Live (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Visit Ledger.com/Start

Open your browser and go to https://www.ledger.com/start. This page detects your operating system and device type and guides you through the setup.

Step 2: Download Ledger Live Desktop

From ledger.com/start, download the official ledger live desktop app for your operating system. Install it like any standard desktop application.

Step 3: Launch Ledger Live

Open ledger live and select whether you’re setting up a new Ledger device or restoring one using an existing recovery phrase.

Step 4: Initialize Your Ledger Device

You’ll be prompted to:

• Create a PIN on the hardware wallet

• Generate a 24-word recovery phrase

• Confirm the recovery phrase directly on the device

⚠️ Your recovery phrase should never be entered into ledger live, a website, or shared with anyone.

Step 5: Install Apps & Add Accounts

Using ledger live desktop, install blockchain apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) and add accounts to start managing assets.

Key Features of Ledger® Live

1. Secure Asset Management

ledger live allows you to manage thousands of supported coins and tokens while keeping private keys offline.

2. Portfolio Overview

Track balances, market values, and performance across accounts in one place using ledger live desktop.

3. Transaction Building & Signing

Transactions are prepared in ledger live, then securely signed on your Ledger hardware wallet.

4. App Management

Install, uninstall, and update blockchain apps on your Ledger device directly from ledger live desktop.

5. DeFi & NFT Access

Through integrations, ledger live provides access to staking, DeFi protocols, and NFT management—without exposing private keys.

Security Model Behind Ledger Live

Ledger’s security model relies on separation of roles:

• Ledger hardware wallet: Stores private keys and signs transactions

• Ledger Live app: Builds transactions and displays data

• User verification: Confirms actions on the physical device

This design ensures that even if a computer is compromised, private keys remain protected. Starting from ledger.com/start ensures this model is implemented correctly from day one.

Best Practices When Using Ledger Live

• Always download from ledger.com/start

• Use ledger live desktop for long-term use

• Verify transaction details on the device screen

• Never share your recovery phrase

• Keep Ledger Live and device firmware updated

• Bookmark official Ledger URLs

Common Issues & Tips

• Ledger device not detected: Use a different USB cable or port and ensure ledger live desktop is up to date.

• App install issues: Update device firmware via ledger live.

• Phishing warnings: Ledger will never DM or email asking for recovery phrases.

Who Should Use Ledger® Live?

• Beginners seeking guided setup via ledger.com/start

• Long-term holders (HODLers)

• Active traders managing multiple assets

• Users interested in DeFi and NFTs with hardware-level security

If you own a Ledger device, ledger live is the official and recommended way to manage it.

Final Thought

Ledger® Live is more than just an app—it’s the control center for secure crypto ownership. By starting at ledger.com/start, installing ledger live desktop, and following Ledger’s verified setup process, you build a strong security foundation from the beginning.

In an industry where mistakes can be costly and irreversible, using the official Ledger Wallet App correctly is one of the smartest decisions you can make. Take the time to set it up properly, verify every transaction on your device, and let ledger live handle the rest—securely.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Ledger® Live?
   It’s the official Ledger Wallet App for managing crypto with Ledger hardware wallets.

2. Is ledger live free to use?
   Yes, both ledger live and ledger live desktop are free.

3. Where should I download ledger live desktop?
   Only from ledger.com/start.

4. Does Ledger Live store my private keys?
   No, private keys stay on the Ledger hardware wallet.

5. What is ledger.com/start used for?
   It’s the official onboarding page for setting up Ledger devices and downloading Ledger Live.

6. Can I use Ledger Live without a Ledger device?
   Limited features are available, but full functionality requires a Ledger hardware wallet.

7. Is Ledger Live safe on Windows and macOS?
   Yes, when downloaded from ledger.com/start.

8. What’s the difference between ledger live and ledger live desktop?
   ledger live desktop is the installed desktop version, recommended for most users.

9. Does Ledger Live support NFTs?
   Yes, via supported blockchains and integrations.

10. How often should I update Ledger Live?
    Update whenever prompted to ensure security and compatibility.