Ledger® Wallet Live — Getting Started | Official Ledger™ Live App

Managing cryptocurrency securely is one of the most important responsibilities for any crypto holder. The Ledger® Wallet Live experience, powered by the official Ledger™ Live App, provides a secure, intuitive, and professional solution for managing digital assets using Ledger hardware wallets. Whether you are new to crypto or a seasoned investor, ledger live offers a reliable way to buy, sell, store, stake, and manage your portfolio.

This guide explains how to get started with ledger live, how to install ledger live desktop, and why you should always begin your setup through ledger.com/start, the official onboarding portal from Ledger.

What Is Ledger® Wallet Live?

Ledger® Wallet Live, commonly referred to as ledger live, is the official application designed to work with Ledger hardware wallets. It acts as the secure interface between your hardware wallet and the blockchain, allowing you to manage crypto assets without exposing your private keys online.

The Ledger™ Live App is available in two main formats:

ledger live desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux)
Mobile version (iOS and Android)

For full functionality, firmware updates, and advanced asset management, ledger live desktop is the recommended option. All official downloads and setup instructions begin at ledger.com/start.

Why Use the Official Ledger™ Live App?

The ledger live ecosystem is built around one core principle: you control your private keys. Unlike software-only wallets, ledger live desktop works in combination with a physical Ledger device, ensuring maximum security.

Key benefits include:

Offline private key storage
On-device transaction verification
Portfolio tracking in real time
Secure access through ledger.com/start

When you use ledger live, your private keys never leave your hardware wallet, even when interacting with decentralized applications or exchanges.

Getting Started with Ledger® Wallet Live via ledger.com/start

To avoid phishing scams and malicious downloads, Ledger strongly advises users to start at the official website.

Step 1: Visit ledger.com/start

Open your browser and navigate to https://www.ledger.com/start. This page is the only official source for downloading ledger live and setting up your Ledger device.

Step 2: Download Ledger Live Desktop

From ledger.com/start, select your operating system and download ledger live desktop. The installer ensures you are getting the authentic Ledger™ Live App.

Step 3: Install and Launch Ledger Live

Install the application and open ledger live desktop. You will be guided through a welcome screen that explains how ledger live works with your hardware wallet.

Step 4: Connect Your Ledger Device

Plug in your Ledger hardware wallet, unlock it with your PIN, and follow the on-screen instructions inside ledger live.

Step 5: Add Accounts and Begin Managing Crypto

Once setup is complete, you can add accounts for supported cryptocurrencies and start managing assets securely within ledger live desktop.

Understanding Ledger Live Desktop

ledger live desktop is the most powerful version of the Ledger™ Live App. It is designed for users who want complete control over their crypto holdings.

🔐 Security First

Every transaction initiated in ledger live must be confirmed on the physical Ledger device. This ensures that even if your computer is compromised, your assets remain safe.

📊 Portfolio Overview

With ledger live desktop, you can track balances, price movements, and historical performance across all supported assets in one place.

🔄 Buy, Sell, and Swap Crypto

Through integrated partners, ledger live allows you to buy, sell, and swap crypto assets directly within the app, while maintaining hardware-level security.

🪙 Staking and Rewards

Earn passive income by staking supported cryptocurrencies such as Ethereum, Solana, and Polkadot using ledger live desktop.

Why ledger.com/start Is Critical

Cybercriminals often create fake websites that look like Ledger pages. Using ledger.com/start protects you from these threats.

Always remember:

Only download ledger live from ledger.com/start
Ledger will never ask for your 24-word recovery phrase
Never enter your recovery phrase into ledger live desktop

Bookmarking ledger.com/start is one of the simplest and most effective security measures you can take.

Supported Assets in Ledger Live

ledger live supports thousands of cryptocurrencies and tokens, including:

Bitcoin (BTC)
Ethereum (ETH)
Litecoin (LTC)
Ripple (XRP)
Cardano (ADA)
Solana (SOL)
ERC-20 tokens

New assets and features are regularly added through updates in ledger live desktop.

How Ledger® Wallet Live Protects Your Crypto

The security model behind ledger live is built on multiple layers:

Hardware Isolation: Private keys never leave the Ledger device
Secure Element Chip: Industry-grade security used in banking cards
Manual Verification: All transactions must be approved on the device screen
Official Distribution: Downloads only from ledger.com/start

Even if your computer is infected with malware, ledger live desktop keeps your crypto safe as long as your recovery phrase is protected.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

❓ Ledger Live Not Detecting Device

Ensure your Ledger device is unlocked
Try a different USB cable or port
Restart ledger live desktop

❓ Ledger Live Won’t Install

Verify the download source is ledger.com/start
Disable conflicting antivirus software temporarily
Reinstall ledger live

❓ Transaction Pending

Check blockchain network congestion
Increase transaction fees if possible
Monitor status within ledger live desktop

Best Practices for Using Ledger Live Safely

Write down your 24-word recovery phrase offline
Store your recovery phrase in a secure location
Never share your recovery phrase with anyone
Always verify transaction details on your Ledger device
Keep ledger live desktop updated
Use ledger.com/start for all official downloads

Final Thought

The Ledger® Wallet Live experience, delivered through the official Ledger™ Live App, offers one of the most secure and user-friendly ways to manage cryptocurrency. By combining the power of hardware security with the convenience of ledger live desktop, Ledger provides a solution trusted by millions of users worldwide.

Starting your journey through ledger.com/start ensures you are protected from scams and using the authentic ledger live software. Whether you are holding crypto long-term, actively trading, or staking for rewards, ledger live gives you full control without compromising security.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is Ledger® Wallet Live?
It is the official application used to manage crypto assets with Ledger hardware wallets.

2. Is Ledger Live free?
Yes, ledger live and ledger live desktop are free to download and use.

3. Where should I download Ledger Live?
Always download from ledger.com/start.

4. Does Ledger Live store private keys?
No, private keys remain inside the Ledger hardware wallet.

5. Can I use Ledger Live without a Ledger device?
No, ledger live requires a Ledger hardware wallet.

6. Is Ledger Live Desktop better than mobile?
Yes, ledger live desktop offers advanced features and full functionality.

7. Can I stake crypto using Ledger Live?
Yes, staking is available for supported assets within ledger live.

8. What happens if my computer is hacked?
Your crypto remains safe because private keys never leave the hardware wallet.

9. How often should I update Ledger Live?
Always update ledger live desktop when new versions are released.

10. What if I lose my Ledger device?
You can recover your assets using your 24-word recovery phrase on a new device.