Download & Install Ledger Live

A friendly, secure guide to get Ledger Live installed on desktop or mobile — clean, colorful, and safe.

Why Ledger Live?

Ledger Live is the official companion app for Ledger hardware wallets. It lets you manage accounts, send and receive cryptocurrencies, install apps on your device, and keep track of your portfolio. Importantly, your private keys remain stored on your physical Ledger device, not on your computer, which reduces exposure to remote attackers.

Before you begin — quick checklist

  • Your computer meets minimum requirements (Windows 10 64-bit or later, macOS 10.15+ or a modern 64-bit Linux). Keep your OS updated.
  • If using mobile, make sure iOS 14+/Android 10+ is installed (or the version required by the app).
  • Use the USB cable that came with your Ledger device and a reliable USB port.
  • Only download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website.

Step 1 — Download

Open your browser and go to Ledger’s official Ledger Live download page. Choose the appropriate installer for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux) or use the official mobile apps from the App Store / Google Play. Do not download Ledger Live from third-party sites or random links — impostor apps exist.

Step 2 — Install (desktop)

  1. Windows: open the .exe file you downloaded and follow the installer prompts. You might need to approve the install in Windows’ security dialogs.
  2. macOS: open the .dmg, drag the Ledger Live app to Applications, then eject the image and open Ledger Live from Applications. macOS may ask you to confirm — this is normal.
  3. Linux: follow the instructions on Ledger’s site for the AppImage / deb / rpm files. Make the AppImage executable (chmod +x LedgerLive-*.AppImage) and run it.

Step 3 — Initial setup

Open Ledger Live, accept the Terms of Use, and create a local password if prompted to protect the app on your computer. Connect your Ledger device with the USB cable and unlock it with your PIN. Ledger Live will detect your device and guide you through pairing.

Step 4 — Add accounts & install apps

Once connected, use the Manager in Ledger Live to install blockchain apps (for example Bitcoin or Ethereum) directly on your Ledger device. Then add accounts in Ledger Live for each cryptocurrency you want to manage. You’ll verify actions on the device itself — transactions must always be confirmed on the physical device.

Security tips

  • Never share your recovery phrase (seed phrase). Ledger support will never ask for it. Keep it offline, ideally written on the supplied recovery sheet and stored securely.
  • Only download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website and official app stores.
  • Beware of fake apps, phishing sites, and social engineering. If anything asks for your seed phrase, it is a scam.
  • Keep Ledger Live up to date — the app displays update notifications or you can check the download page for the latest release.

Troubleshooting

If Ledger Live cannot detect your device:

  • Try another USB port or cable. Avoid USB hubs.
  • On Windows, make sure drivers are installed (Ledger’s support pages list any driver instructions).
  • Restart Ledger Live and your computer. Reconnect the device and unlock it before opening Ledger Live.
  • Consult the official Ledger support pages or community forums for specific device models.

Final notes

Installing Ledger Live is a simple process when you follow official guidance and prioritize security. After setup, you’ll have a clean interface to manage crypto while keeping private keys safely on your hardware wallet. If you ever doubt a download or update prompt, pause and verify the source — safety first.