Your Gateway to Digital Asset Security
Welcome to the official starting point for your Ledger journey. Here, you will download the Ledger Live app and learn how to initialize your hardware wallet to achieve unparalleled security for your crypto assets.
Begin Secure SetupOne App, Total Control
Ledger Live is your all-in-one companion to the world of crypto, powered by the world-class security of your Nano hardware wallet.
Ironclad Security
Securely manage, buy, sell, and stake your assets. Your private keys never leave the certified Secure Element chip on your device.
Multi-Asset Support
Install apps for Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Cardano, and thousands of other coins and tokens. Manage your entire portfolio from one place.
Web3 & DeFi Access
Connect to NFT marketplaces, decentralized exchanges, and DeFi protocols with full transparency and security through the Discover section.
Your Step-by-Step Security Protocol
Follow these critical steps to properly initialize your Ledger wallet. Do not rush. Your financial sovereignty depends on this process.
Download and Install Ledger Live
The very first action is to download the Ledger Live application directly from our official source. Do not use third-party links or search engine results that seem suspicious. Ledger Live is available for Desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux) and Mobile (iOS, Android). This application is your secure window into your crypto assets; it cannot access your private keys but communicates with your device to manage transactions. The integrity of this software is paramount, so ensure you are downloading it from the authentic Ledger.com/start page. Once downloaded, proceed with the installation process just as you would with any other trusted application on your system.
Initialize Your Ledger Device
Connect your Ledger Nano to your computer using the provided USB cable. The device screen will light up and guide you. Select "Set up as new device." You will now be prompted to choose a PIN code (4 to 8 digits). This PIN is your first line of defense, preventing unauthorized physical access. Confirm it. This is not your master key, but a crucial local security feature. The next step is the most important part of the entire process.
Secure Your 24-Word Recovery Phrase
Your device will now generate and display a unique 24-word recovery phrase. This is the master key to all your crypto assets. NEVER take a photo of it, NEVER store it on a computer or phone, and NEVER share it with anyone, including someone claiming to be Ledger support. Write each of the 24 words down, in order, on the recovery sheets provided in the box. Take your time and double-check every word. The device will then ask you to confirm your phrase by re-entering some of the words. This ensures you have recorded it correctly. Store this physical paper copy in a secure, private location. This phrase is your only backup if you lose or damage your device.
Complete the Genuine Check
Now that your device is initialized, open the Ledger Live application. Navigate to the Manager tab. Ledger Live will perform a cryptographic check to verify that your hardware wallet is a genuine Ledger product. This is an automatic and essential security step that ensures your device's hardware has not been tampered with. If the check is successful, you can proceed with confidence. This verification process confirms the integrity of the Secure Element chip, the core of your device's security model.
Install Apps and Add Accounts
Your crypto assets are not stored "on" the Ledger device itself, but on the blockchain. The Ledger holds the keys. To manage a specific crypto asset, you must first install its corresponding app on your device via the Manager in Ledger Live. For example, to manage Bitcoin, install the Bitcoin app. To manage Ethereum and ERC-20 tokens, install the Ethereum app. After installing an app, you can add an account in Ledger Live. This will sync with the blockchain and display your balance. You can install multiple apps depending on your device's capacity, securing a diverse portfolio.
Download the Official Ledger Live App
Choose your platform below to download the latest version. Always verify you are on Ledger.com before downloading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? Here are some of the most common inquiries about getting started with Ledger.
1. What happens if I lose my Ledger device?
Losing your device is not a catastrophe as long as you have your 24-word recovery phrase. Your crypto assets are safe on the blockchain, not on the device itself. You can purchase a new Ledger (or use another compatible wallet), restore it using your 24-word phrase, and you will regain full access to all your funds. This is why protecting your recovery phrase is the most important step.
2. Can Ledger or anyone else access my funds?
No. Ledger is a non-custodial wallet. This means you, and only you, are in control of your private keys and your 24-word recovery phrase. Ledger as a company has absolutely no access to your crypto and cannot help you recover it if you lose your recovery phrase. This design is central to the principle of self-custody and financial sovereignty.
3. Why do I need to install apps on the device?
Each cryptocurrency has its own unique set of rules and cryptographic algorithms. The apps on your Ledger device contain the specific information needed to understand and sign transactions for that particular blockchain. Installing apps allows the device to manage a wide variety of assets while optimizing its limited storage space. You can safely add and remove apps as needed without affecting your assets.
4. Can my Ledger device get a virus?
No. The security model of Ledger hardware wallets is designed to be resilient against malware. Your private keys are stored within a certified Secure Element (SE) chip, which is isolated from your computer or smartphone. Even if the computer you connect to is infected with a virus, the malware cannot access the keys inside the SE. All transactions must be physically verified and confirmed on the device's trusted screen, preventing unauthorized activity.
5. What is the difference between my PIN and my 24-word recovery phrase?
The PIN is a local security feature for your specific device. It prevents someone who gains physical access to your wallet from using it. If you enter the wrong PIN three times, the device resets to factory settings to protect your funds. The 24-word recovery phrase is your master key and universal backup. It can be used to restore access to your entire crypto portfolio on any new Ledger or compatible wallet. The PIN protects your device; the recovery phrase protects your assets for a lifetime.