Download & Install Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the official companion application for Ledger hardware wallets (Nano S, Nano S Plus, Nano X, Stax, Flex). It lets you securely manage your crypto — install apps, add accounts, send/receive funds, stake, view NFTs, swap and more — all while keeping your private keys isolated inside your Ledger device. To get started, you must download and install Ledger Live safely and correctly. Below is a comprehensive guide covering desktop and mobile installations, system requirements, best practices, common issues, and security tips.

Why It’s Crucial to Use the Official Download

Beware: many phishing sites mimic Ledger Live installers to trick users into entering their recovery phrase and steal their assets. Ledger will never ask for your 24‑word seed phrase or your private keys. Always download from ledger.com or via the Ledger Live official download portal. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Fake Ledger apps have been observed especially on macOS. Users have been urged to verify domain authenticity and avoid installing software from unknown sources. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

System & Device Requirements

Before installing, ensure your system and hardware are compatible:

• Desktop: Windows 10 (64‑bit) or later, macOS 10.15 or later, Linux (Ubuntu 20.04+ or similar). :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
• Mobile: iOS 14+, Android 8.1+ (note: only Ledger Nano X supports Bluetooth; Nano S / S Plus require OTG/USB cable). :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
• A stable internet connection, and a USB cable (or Bluetooth) to connect your Ledger device.
• Sufficient free disk space (e.g. ~1 GB) and basic hardware specs (minimum 2 GB RAM recommended). :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Step 1: Download Ledger Live

1. Open your browser and go to ledger.com/ledger-live or via ledger.com/start. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
2. On the download page, select your platform (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android). :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
3. Click the corresponding download button (e.g. `.exe`, `.dmg`, `.AppImage`) or go to the iOS App Store / Google Play store for mobile. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
4. (Optional but recommended) Verify the integrity of the download by comparing its checksum (SHA‑512 or other) or signature if Ledger provides it. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

Step 2: Install Ledger Live on Desktop

Windows

1. Locate the `.exe` file you downloaded (usually in the Downloads folder).
2. Double-click to run the installer.
3. If prompted by a security warning ("The app you're attempting to install isn't Microsoft‑verified"), approve it to proceed. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
4. Follow the on-screen installation steps (accept terms, choose folder, etc.).
5. After installation, click “Finish” and launch Ledger Live. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

macOS

1. Open the downloaded `.dmg` file.
2. Drag and drop the Ledger Live application into the Applications folder. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
3. Open the app from Applications (you may need to confirm with “Open” in a security prompt depending on macOS version). :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

Linux

1. Make the `.AppImage` executable (e.g. via Terminal: `chmod +x ledger-live-desktop-*.AppImage`). :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
2. Double-click or run `./ledger-live-desktop-*.AppImage` to launch it. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
3. Alternatively, some distributions support `.deb` or `.rpm` installers or package manager installations. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
4. If you get sandboxing or permission errors, try launching with `--no-sandbox` or adjust udev rules / permissions for USB. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}

Step 3: Install Ledger Live on Mobile

1. Open Apple App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
2. Search for “Ledger Live” and ensure the publisher is Ledger. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
3. Tap “Install” / “Get” and wait for the app to download and install.
4. Open the app from your home screen or app drawer. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}

Step 4: Setup & Connect Your Ledger Device

1. Connect your Ledger via USB (or Bluetooth for supported models like Nano X). :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
2. Unlock the Ledger device by entering your PIN.
3. In Ledger Live, select “Get Started.” :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
4. Choose “Set up as new device” or “Restore device” if you already have a 24‑word seed. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
5. If new, the device will generate a 24‑word recovery phrase. Write it down precisely on the recovery sheet (offline). :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}
6. Ledger Live will often perform a “genuine check” to confirm the device hasn’t been tampered with. :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}
7. Install or update the firmware if required. :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}
8. In the Manager section of Ledger Live, install apps for the blockchains you want (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.). :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}
9. Finally, add accounts for each installed app (e.g. BTC, ETH) so Ledger Live can display balances & history. :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

• Installer won’t open / blocked: Re‑download from official site, check file permissions, or bypass security settings. :contentReference[oaicite:28]{index=28}
• App update fails / “Install Now” button doesn’t respond: Some users report this—workaround is to manually re-download the latest installer and run it over the existing installation. :contentReference[oaicite:29]{index=29}
• Device not recognized: Try a different USB cable or port, ensure proper drivers / permissions (particularly on Linux with udev rules). :contentReference[oaicite:30]{index=30}
• Missing apps after update: Some users report removal of installed blockchain “apps” after version upgrades. Re‑install via Manager. :contentReference[oaicite:31]{index=31}
• Wrong app store version (mac only downloads mobile): Occasionally, a macOS user may be shifted to a mobile app link. Always verify and choose the correct version manually. :contentReference[oaicite:32]{index=32}

Security Best Practices

• Always verify you are on ledger.com and ensure the SSL lock is present. :contentReference[oaicite:33]{index=33}
• Never enter your 24‑word recovery phrase into any software, website, or app — only ever on the Ledger device. :contentReference[oaicite:34]{index=34}
• Verify installer signatures or checksums if available. :contentReference[oaicite:35]{index=35}
• Keep Ledger Live and your device firmware up to date — updates often include security patches. :contentReference[oaicite:36]{index=36}
• Avoid installing on untrusted or public computers. :contentReference[oaicite:37]{index=37}
• Be wary of phishing emails or unsolicited links claiming to upgrade your Ledger — go directly via ledger.com. :contentReference[oaicite:38]{index=38}

What You Can Do Next in Ledger Live

Once installation and setup are complete, here are the common actions you can perform inside Ledger Live:

• Receive and send cryptocurrencies — all transactions must be confirmed physically on your device.
• Buy or swap crypto via integrated partner services.
• Stake or delegate supported assets (e.g., Ethereum, Tezos, Polkadot).
• Connect to Web3 / DeFi apps, manage NFTs, and more (via WalletConnect, bridges, etc.).
• View portfolio performance across assets, in fiat or crypto terms.
• Install new apps or remove existing ones on your Ledger hardware via Manager.

Conclusion

Downloading and installing Ledger Live is a critical first step in securely managing your cryptocurrencies while retaining full control of your keys. Follow the steps above to ensure you get the official, untampered version of the app, correctly set it up with your Ledger device, and adopt best practices from day one.

If you run into issues, check Ledger’s official support pages or community forums. And always stay alert to phishers attempting to trick you with fake downloads or requests for your recovery phrase.