Ledger Live is the all-in-one free application from Ledger that turns your hardware wallet into an easy-to-use crypto bank. It works hand-in-hand with devices like Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, and the new Ledger Stax. You can install it on any computer or phone and manage thousands of coins and NFTs without ever exposing your secret keys to the internet.
Ledger Live is like a remote control for your hardware wallet. The real wallet lives inside the small Ledger device that fits in your pocket. The app only shows you the information and prepares transactions. Every time you want to spend or move money you must confirm on the physical screen and press the buttons. This simple rule has protected users for years even when computers get hacked.
You stay in complete control of your money. No company can freeze your account or take your coins. The app updates every month with new coins and better design. You can buy crypto with a card, swap between coins, stake for rewards, and connect to thousands of Web3 sites safely. Everything happens in one clean window instead of jumping between different websites.
Open the official box and check that the plastic bag is sealed. Connect the device with the included cable and press the button to start. Choose a PIN code you will remember but others cannot guess. The device shows 24 words one by one. Write them exactly in order on the recovery card that came in the box. Fold the card and store it somewhere only you can reach. Never store it on your phone or cloud. Now visit ledger.com and download Ledger Live for your system. Open the app and choose Set up a new device. Follow the simple screens until everything is ready.
Open Ledger Live and click the Accounts tab on the left. Press Add account. Pick Bitcoin to start. The app asks you to open the Bitcoin app on your Ledger device. Press both buttons when the name appears. Wait a few seconds and your first Bitcoin account appears with a fresh address. Do the same for Ethereum, USDT, or any other coin you like. Give each account a clear name like My Savings or Daily Use.
Open the account you want money to go into. Click the Receive button. A big QR code appears together with the long address. Look at your Ledger screen. The same address must show there. Press both buttons to approve it. Now you can copy the address or let someone scan the QR code. When the payment arrives the balance updates in real time.
Click Send at the top. Choose which account to send from. Paste the destination address carefully. Type the amount you want to send. Move the slider to choose slow, medium, or fast network fee. The total cost appears below. Click Continue. Connect your Ledger and open the correct app on the device. Check the amount and address on the small screen. If everything matches press both buttons together. The app shows a green check when the network accepts it.
Click the Buy/Sell tab. Choose Buy. Pick any supported coin and type how much you want to spend in dollars or euros. Choose credit card or bank transfer. The partner company asks for ID only the first time. After you pay the coins land directly in your Ledger account in a few minutes. No need to copy addresses or worry about mistakes.
Open the Swap section. Choose the coin you have on the left and the coin you want on the right. Type the amount. The app shows the exact rate with no hidden charges. Click Get Quote and wait a few seconds. When you like the rate click Swap. Confirm on your Ledger device. The new coins appear in your account after the network finishes.
Some coins pay you just for holding them. Click Earn on the left menu. Choose a coin like Solana or Polkadot. Read the short explanation and click Continue. Choose how many coins to stake. Sign the message on your device. Rewards start coming every few days directly to your account. You can stop and get your coins back anytime.
Open Settings and turn on Developer Mode. Install the Ethereum app on your Ledger. Open MetaMask in your browser and click Connect Hardware Wallet. Choose Ledger and confirm the connection on the device. Now you can visit Uniswap, OpenSea, or any site and trade while your keys stay safe inside the hardware.
A blue banner appears when new firmware is ready. Click Manager on the left. Connect the device and type your PIN. Click Check for updates. Follow every step exactly and keep the cable connected. The update takes two to three minutes. After restart you get better protection and support for new coins.
Only buy from ledger.com or official stores. Check the box seal before opening. Test your recovery words once by resetting a spare device. Use a long PIN and change it if you suspect someone saw it. Never enter your 24 words into any website or app. Enable Bluetooth lock on Nano X. Turn on app password on your phone.
Desktop gives you big charts and faster typing. Mobile lets you receive money anywhere and scan QR codes easily. Nano X connects by Bluetooth so you do not need cables with your phone. Both versions show the same accounts because everything syncs through your Ledger device.
If the device is not found try another USB port or cable. If balance shows zero wait for full sync or click the refresh circle. For ERC-20 tokens click Add token and paste the contract address. Restart the app if it freezes. Official support pages have pictures for every problem.
Ledger keeps adding new coins every month. Soon you will see lending, credit cards, and better NFT display inside the app. The company listens to users and fixes small problems quickly.
This guide is for educational purposes only and is not financial advice or investment recommendation. Cryptocurrency prices can drop to zero and you may lose everything you invest. Always double-check addresses and transactions yourself. The author and publisher are not responsible for any loss or damage from using this information. Ledger Live features and partners can change at any time. Visit ledger.com for official instructions and latest security advice. Never share your recovery phrase or PIN with anyone. Download Ledger Live only from the official website or trusted app stores. Use only genuine Ledger hardware devices.