Ledger Live App: Complete Installation & Setup Guide

Your secure journey into cryptocurrency management starts here. Follow these steps carefully.

Ledger Live is the mandatory companion app for your Ledger hardware wallet (Nano S, Nano S Plus, or Nano X). It acts as a user interface, allowing you to manage your crypto assets, install coin apps, and perform transactions, while the private keys remain securely locked on the device itself. **Security is non-negotiable**; never rely on third-party links for downloads.

II. Preparation and System Requirements

Before beginning, ensure you have:

  • Your **Ledger Hardware Wallet** and the included USB cable.
  • A stable **Internet Connection**.
  • A modern, clean operating system (Windows 8+, macOS 10.14+, or Linux).
  • **IMPORTANT:** Make sure your computer is free of malware or viruses.

III. Step 1: Securely Download and Install Ledger Live

To prevent phishing attacks, always navigate directly to the official Ledger website. Avoid search engine results that might lead to malicious clones.

  1. On the official site, locate the "Download" section.
  2. Select the installer appropriate for your operating system.
  3. Run the downloaded file and follow the on-screen prompts for installation.
  4. Once installed, launch the application.

IV. Step 2: Setting up Your PIN and Recovery Phrase (CRITICAL)

This is the single most important step. A PIN protects the device locally, but the **24-word Recovery Phrase** is the master key to your funds. **Lose it, lose your funds. Compromise it, lose your funds.**

🛑 **SECURITY ALERT: THE RECOVERY PHRASE**

The 24 words MUST be written down on the provided recovery sheet or a non-digital medium. **NEVER** type it into a computer, take a picture of it, or store it in the cloud. Anyone with these 24 words can access your cryptocurrency.

Use your Ledger device buttons (left/right, confirm both) to complete the following:

  1. Connect the device to your computer and select **"Set up as new device"**.
  2. Choose a strong **PIN Code** (4 to 8 digits) and confirm it.
  3. The device will display your **24-word Recovery Phrase** word by word. Write it down *exactly* as shown.
  4. The device will prompt you to confirm the words in a random order. Verify each word carefully.

Example of how the device interface displays the PIN selection:

> DEVICE SCREEN DISPLAY:
> Select PIN Code (4-8 digits)
> Use buttons to choose number and confirm

V. Step 3: Verification (The Genuine Check)

Ledger Live has a built-in feature to verify that your device is a genuine Ledger product and has not been tampered with. This is a cryptographic handshake that is impossible for counterfeit devices to fake.

  1. In Ledger Live, select the option **"Connect your device"**.
  2. Follow the prompts to enter your PIN on the device and allow the **Genuine Check** to proceed.
  3. Ledger Live will confirm the authenticity of your hardware. **Do not proceed if the check fails.**

VI. Step 4: Install Coin Apps and Add Accounts

To manage a cryptocurrency (like Bitcoin or Ethereum), you must first install its specific application onto the Ledger device using Ledger Live's Manager.

Steps to Add Bitcoin:

  1. Navigate to the **Manager** tab in Ledger Live.
  2. Unlock your device by entering your PIN.
  3. Search for "Bitcoin" and click **Install** next to the app.
  4. Once installed, go to the **Accounts** tab and click **"Add account"**.
  5. Select "Bitcoin" from the list and follow the prompts to create the account.

VII. Next Steps and Ongoing Security

Your Ledger Live is now set up! Remember to always keep both the application and the firmware on your Ledger device updated. **Never connect your device to an untrusted computer.** Your recovery phrase should be secured offline in a safe, fireproof location.