Getting Started with Ledger Wallet (formerly Ledger Live)

Ledger Wallet — previously known as Ledger Live — is the official software application for managing Ledger hardware wallets, including the Ledger Nano S, Nano S Plus, and Nano X. It provides a secure and user-friendly interface for storing, sending, receiving, and tracking cryptocurrencies without ever exposing your private keys to the internet.

Whether you're setting up your first Ledger device or transitioning from an exchange wallet to a more secure solution, this guide will walk you through everything you need to get started with Ledger Wallet safely and confidently.

What Is Ledger Wallet?

Ledger Wallet is the control center for your Ledger hardware wallet. It connects to your device and allows you to perform important tasks such as:

  • Adding and managing crypto accounts
  • Sending and receiving digital assets
  • Staking supported coins
  • Viewing real-time portfolio performance
  • Installing apps on your Ledger device
  • Updating your device firmware
  • Accessing third-party services securely

Even though Ledger Wallet serves as your dashboard, your private keys remain stored offline inside your Ledger hardware wallet. Ledger Wallet simply allows you to interact with the blockchain securely.

Before You Begin: What You Need

To get started, prepare the following:

✔ A Ledger Hardware Wallet

Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, or the latest Ledger models.

✔ A Computer or Smartphone

Supported platforms include:

  • Windows
  • macOS
  • Linux
  • iOS
  • Android

✔ The Official Ledger Wallet App

Always download from the official Ledger website.

✔ Your 24-Word Recovery Phrase

This will be generated when you initialize your Ledger device.
Never type it into Ledger Wallet or any computer.
Ledger does not store or recover this phrase for you.

Step 1: Download Ledger Wallet from the Official Source

To ensure maximum security, always download Ledger Wallet directly from:

Ledger.com/ledger-live

Avoid downloading from third-party websites or ads. Ledger Wallet is frequently updated with important security improvements, new features, and coin support.

Choose your platform (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android) and download the latest version.

Step 2: Install Ledger Wallet on Your Device

Desktop Installation

  • Windows: Open the .exe installer and follow the prompts.
  • macOS: Drag the Ledger Wallet icon to the Applications folder.
  • Linux: Extract the .tar.gz file and follow the included instructions.

Mobile Installation

  • Visit the App Store or Google Play Store.
  • Search for Ledger Live / Ledger Wallet.
  • Download the official version (Ledger SAS is the publisher).

Once installed, open the app and proceed with setup.

Step 3: Connect or Initialize Your Ledger Device

When you open Ledger Wallet for the first time, you will see several options:

1. Set Up New Device

Choose this if your Ledger wallet is brand new. Ledger Wallet will guide you through:

  • Selecting a PIN
  • Writing down your 24-word recovery phrase
  • Confirming each word on the device screen

2. Restore from Recovery Phrase

If you're recovering an existing Ledger wallet, select this option and enter your 24 words on the hardware wallet only, never in Ledger Wallet.

3. Already Have a Ledger Device

Use this if your device is already initialized and you simply want to connect it to Ledger Wallet.

Once your device is ready, connect it through USB (or Bluetooth for Nano X).

Step 4: Install Cryptocurrency Apps on Your Ledger Device

Each blockchain (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Cardano) requires a specific app installed on your Ledger hardware wallet.

To do this:

  1. Open Ledger Wallet
  2. Navigate to the Manager tab
  3. Connect and unlock your Ledger device
  4. Ledger Wallet will verify that your device is genuine
  5. Search for the apps you need
  6. Click Install

Your Ledger device has limited storage, so you may install and uninstall apps as needed. Removing an app does not delete your crypto — the keys remain on the device.

Step 5: Add Cryptocurrency Accounts in Ledger Wallet

To manage your assets, add accounts for the coins you want to hold.

  1. Go to Accounts
  2. Select Add Account
  3. Choose a cryptocurrency
  4. Open the corresponding app on your Ledger hardware wallet
  5. Ledger Wallet will scan the blockchain
  6. Add the account to your portfolio

You can add multiple accounts for the same crypto (e.g., personal, business, staking).

Step 6: Receiving Crypto into Ledger Wallet

To receive crypto securely:

  1. Open Ledger Wallet
  2. Select the account
  3. Click Receive
  4. Unlock your Ledger device
  5. Verify the address shown on Ledger Wallet matches the address on your Ledger device
  6. Copy or scan the address

Always verify the receiving address on your hardware device.
This prevents malware from replacing your address with an attacker’s.

Step 7: Sending Crypto from Ledger Wallet

To send crypto:

  1. Select the account
  2. Click Send
  3. Enter the recipient’s address
  4. Enter the amount
  5. Select a network fee (slow / medium / fast)
  6. Confirm the transaction on your Ledger device
  7. Ledger Wallet broadcasts the transaction

Your private keys never leave the Ledger device during the process.

Step 8: Staking and Earning Rewards

Ledger Wallet supports staking for several cryptocurrencies, including:

  • Tezos (XTZ)
  • Solana (SOL)
  • Tron (TRX)
  • Algorand (ALGO)
  • Polkadot (DOT)
  • Cosmos (ATOM)

To stake:

  1. Add a supported account
  2. Go to the account
  3. Click Earn Rewards
  4. Follow the delegation steps

Your staked crypto remains under your control — Ledger does not custody your assets.

Step 9: Portfolio Management and Tracking

The Portfolio Dashboard provides a full view of your crypto holdings in real time.

It displays:

  • Total portfolio value
  • Asset allocation
  • Market charts
  • Transaction history
  • Reward earnings
  • Price alerts (optional)

This dashboard makes Ledger Wallet a complete management tool rather than just a storage app.

Step 10: Security Best Practices

To use Ledger Wallet safely:

✔ Only download Ledger Wallet from the official Ledger website

✔ Never enter your 24-word recovery phrase into Ledger Wallet

✔ Keep your device firmware and Ledger Wallet updated

✔ Always verify addresses on your hardware device

✔ Store your recovery phrase offline—never digitally

✔ Avoid public or insecure Wi-Fi during transactions

Following these steps ensures maximum protection against phishing, malware, and scams.

Conclusion

Getting started with Ledger Wallet (formerly Ledger Live) is straightforward, secure, and empowering. By connecting your Ledger hardware wallet to the Ledger Wallet app, you gain complete control over your digital assets while benefiting from top-tier security.

Ledger Wallet helps you:

  • Securely store your crypto
  • Send and receive funds effortlessly
  • Track and manage your portfolio
  • Stake assets and earn rewards
  • Install and manage Ledger device apps

Whether you’re securing your first crypto investment or managing a diverse portfolio, Ledger Wallet provides the tools and confidence you need to navigate the crypto world safely.