Ledger® Live: Getting Started™

Your Secure Gateway to the World of Digital Assets

Navigate the essentials of setup, security, and asset management.

Phase 1: Prerequisites & Foundation

1. The Device

Ensure your **Ledger Nano** (S, X, or Stax) is new and the seals are intact. Use only hardware purchased directly from Ledger or an authorized reseller. Never buy second-hand devices. The integrity of the hardware is the primary line of defense.

2. Safe Environment

Find a quiet, private, and distraction-free setting. You will be writing down your **24-word Recovery Phrase**, which is the master key to your funds. This step must be performed in absolute isolation and focus.

3. System Requirements

A desktop computer (Windows 10+, macOS 10.15+, or Linux) is required for the initial setup. Ensure you have a stable internet connection and the necessary USB cable to connect your Ledger device.

Phase 2: Device Initialization (The Seed)

1.

Set up as New Device

Power on your device. When prompted, choose the option to **"Set up as a new device"**. This triggers the generation of a truly random, unique private key and the corresponding Recovery Phrase.

2.

Define Your PIN Code

Choose a **4-to-8 digit PIN code**. This code is used to unlock your Ledger device physically. Memorize it and never write it down digitally. Confirm the PIN immediately.

3.

THE RECOVERY PHRASE (CRITICAL STEP)

Write down the **24 words** in the exact order they appear on the device screen. Use the provided Recovery Sheet. Do not take photos. Do not save to the cloud. Do not type them into any computer. This phrase is the sole backup of your assets.

4.

Confirm the Phrase

The device will ask you to confirm several words from your phrase. This is a vital verification step to ensure you transcribed them correctly. Do not proceed until you are 100% certain of the backup.

Phase 3: Installing Ledger Live

Download ONLY from the Official Source

Navigate directly to the **official Ledger website**. Never download the application from third-party app stores, direct search results (which might be ads), or links sent via email. Verify the URL is correct.

Installation and First Launch

Follow the standard installer procedure for your operating system. Once installed, launch the Ledger Live application. It will guide you through the initial connection and setup sequence.

The Security Check

Ledger Live performs a crucial **Authenticity Check** on your device by communicating a cryptographic challenge. This verifies that your Ledger is genuine and has not been tampered with. Only proceed if this check passes successfully.

Phase 4: Adding Your First Accounts

1. Install Crypto Applications

  • Navigate to the **Manager** section in Ledger Live.
  • Unlock your Ledger device and allow the Manager to connect.
  • Install the necessary application for the cryptocurrency you wish to use (e.g., **Bitcoin**, **Ethereum**, **Solana**).
  • Note: The device can only hold a limited number of apps, but deleting an app does *not* affect your funds, only the ability to manage them.

2. Add the Accounts in Live

  • Click on the **Accounts** tab, then **+ Add account**.
  • Select the cryptocurrency you installed the app for.
  • Your Ledger device must be connected and unlocked, with the corresponding crypto app open.
  • Ledger Live scans the blockchain using your public key and detects existing accounts. Name your new account and click **Done**.

Remember: The hardware wallet stores the keys; Ledger Live is just the user interface to view and manage your holdings on the blockchain.

Phase 5: Executing Transactions

Receiving Assets

  1. In Ledger Live, click **Receive**. Select the account where you want to receive funds.
  2. Ledger Live displays the address. You **MUST** click **Verify** to display the address on your physical Ledger device screen.
  3. CRITICAL STEP: Compare the address shown in Ledger Live **exactly** to the address displayed on your physical device.
  4. Approve the address on the device. Once verified, copy the address from Ledger Live and use it as the destination for your transaction.
  5. The funds will appear in Ledger Live after the network confirms the transaction.

Sending Assets

  1. In Ledger Live, click **Send**. Select the account you are sending from.
  2. Enter the recipient's address and the amount. Review the network fees (gas).
  3. Click **Continue**. Your Ledger device will prompt you to review and approve the transaction details.
  4. CRITICAL STEP: **NEVER** sign a transaction unless the recipient address, amount, and fees displayed on the physical device screen match what you intended.
  5. Approve the transaction on your device. Your signature authorizes the transfer, and Ledger Live broadcasts it to the network.

Phase 6: Discovering More Features

Buy, Sell, & Swap

Ledger Live integrates with trusted third-party providers in the **Discover** section, allowing you to buy crypto directly into your secure Ledger accounts, or swap one asset for another without moving funds to an external exchange. Always review the fees and provider terms carefully.

Staking and Earning

For proof-of-stake assets (like ETH, SOL, ATOM), you can use Ledger Live to **stake** your coins and earn rewards, all while your private keys remain secured on your device. Research staking risks and lock-up periods before committing funds.

DApps and Web3 Connect

Ledger Live supports direct integration with Web3 applications via the **Discover** tab, connecting your secure hardware wallet to decentralized exchanges, NFT marketplaces, and other protocols. This is the safest way to interact with the decentralized web.

Final Security Checklist (Always Remember)

You Are Now Ready!

Enjoy the security and control that Ledger Live provides.