Setting Up Ledger Live Wallet: Complete Beginner’s Tutorial

Welcome — this guide walks you step-by-step through installing and configuring Ledger Live, Ledger’s desktop/mobile app for managing hardware wallet accounts. Follow the steps carefully to keep your crypto safe.

Before you start

Ledger device: Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, or similar (with USB/Bluetooth where applicable).
Computer or phone: use your personal device — avoid public computers.
Recovery phrase: your 24-word phrase — keep it offline and secret. Never share it.

Step 1 — Download and install Ledger Live

Visit the official Ledger site and download Ledger Live for your platform (Windows / macOS / Linux / iOS / Android). Only download from the official source. Install and open the app.

Tip: verify the URL carefully — phishing sites mimic Ledger. When in doubt, type the address yourself.

Step 2 — Initialize or restore your Ledger device

If your device is new: choose Create a new wallet on the device and write down your 24-word recovery phrase on the included recovery sheet. If you already have a recovery phrase, choose Restore and carefully enter your words in order.

Warning: never enter your recovery phrase into a computer or phone — only on the Ledger device.

Step 3 — Connect Ledger Live and add an account

Open Ledger Live and follow the onscreen setup assistant.
Allow Ledger Live to detect your device via USB/Bluetooth and confirm the pairing on the device.
In Ledger Live, go to Accounts > Add account, choose the cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.), and follow prompts.

Ledger Live will scan the blockchain and display your addresses and balances. You can add multiple coin accounts.

Step 4 — Receive and send funds

To receive: choose the account, click Receive, confirm the address on your Ledger device and share only that confirmed address. To send: click Send, enter recipient, amount, and confirm the transaction on your device.

Always verify the address on the hardware device screen — malware can show a different address on your computer.

Extra Tips & Best Practices

Keep your recovery sheet safe and offline — consider a fireproof safe.
Enable a strong PIN on your Ledger device.
Use Ledger Live’s built-in apps only; avoid third-party apps unless you trust them.
Update firmware and Ledger Live regularly from official sources.

Quick FAQ

Q: Can Ledger Live access my recovery phrase?
A: No — the recovery phrase stays on the device and on your written backup only.

Q: What if I lose my device?
A: Use your recovery phrase on a new Ledger (or compatible BIP39 device) to recover funds.