Ledger Live — Download & Install (Clear, Safe Steps)

What is Ledger Live (short)

Ledger Live is the official desktop and mobile application published by Ledger that lets you manage cryptocurrencies securely with Ledger hardware wallets. It provides portfolio views, receives/sends, swaps, staking where supported, and app management for your hardware device.

System requirements & compatibility

Before you begin, ensure your computer or phone meets the minimum system requirements. Desktop Ledger Live supports current 64-bit Windows and macOS releases and common Linux distributions. Mobile Ledger Live runs on recent iOS and Android versions. Ledger documents and support pages list up-to-date system requirements — verify them if your computer uses ARM or an older OS.

Step 1 — Download from the official source

Go directly to Ledger's official download page. Do not follow links in unsolicited emails or social posts. From the official download page choose the correct package for your operating system: Windows (installer or portable), macOS (.dmg or .zip), or Linux (AppImage or distribution packages). Mobile versions are available through Apple App Store and Google Play.

Example safe source: ledger.com/ledger-live-download

Step 2 — One-by-one install instructions

Windows

1. Download the Windows installer (`.exe`) from the official page and save it to your Downloads folder.
2. Right-click the file and choose Run as administrator (recommended to avoid permission issues).
3. Follow the installer wizard: accept terms, choose install location, and finish. If Windows SmartScreen warns you, verify you downloaded from ledger.com and proceed only if correct.
4. Open Ledger Live and allow any required driver prompts if you will attach a Ledger device via USB.

macOS

1. Download the macOS `.dmg` (or `.zip`) from the official page.
2. Open the downloaded file and drag the Ledger Live app into your Applications folder.
3. On first launch, macOS may warn because the app isn't from the App Store. Confirm you got the file from ledger.com and allow opening in System Preferences → Security & Privacy if needed.

Linux (AppImage)

1. Download the AppImage file for your distribution.
2. Make it executable: chmod +x ledger-live-desktop.AppImage
3. Run it: ./ledger-live-desktop.AppImage
4. If you prefer distro packages, follow Ledger's official guidance for your distro.

Mobile (iOS / Android)

1. Open the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android).
2. Search for "Ledger Live — Crypto Wallet" by Ledger SAS and install the official app.
3. Open it and follow on-screen steps if you will pair it with a hardware device via Bluetooth (if supported).

Step 3 — First run & connecting your Ledger device

On first run, Ledger Live will prompt you to either set up a new Ledger device or to connect an existing Ledger hardware wallet. If you already have a hardware device, choose the option to connect it and follow the on-screen pairing procedure. Ledger Live never asks for your recovery seed — if anything prompts you for the seed, treat it as a scam.

Security checklist (do these every time)

• Only download Ledger Live from ledger.com. Do not trust third-party mirrors or attachments.
• Verify OS compatibility and the package type (AppImage/.dmg/.exe) you downloaded is appropriate for your system.
• Ledger will never ask for your 24-word recovery phrase — never type it into apps or websites. If asked, stop immediately.
• Keep your OS and antivirus updated and be cautious of fake Ledger installers impersonating the official app (especially on macOS in recent malware campaigns).
• Use a hardware wallet’s PIN and enable passphrase options as additional protection if you understand them.

Troubleshooting common issues

Installer won’t run

Make sure the file is intact, your OS version is supported, and you have the needed permissions. On Linux ensure the AppImage is executable. On macOS use System Preferences → Security & Privacy to allow the app.

Ledger Live won’t detect my device

• Try a different USB cable or port (use a data cable, not a charge-only cable).
• Make sure the device screen is unlocked and the appropriate app is open on the device (e.g., Bitcoin app for bitcoin operations).
• On Windows, accept driver prompts; on macOS allow any kernel extensions if prompted.

App shows outdated version

Ledger periodically releases updates. If the app warns you about a new version, download updates from the official page or use the app's update mechanism.

What to do if you think you downloaded a fake app

1. Immediately disconnect the device and remove network connections if you suspect compromise.
2. Do not enter your recovery phrase anywhere to recover. Instead, obtain a clean computer and reinstall Ledger Live from the official site.
3. If your seed has been exposed, move funds from the affected wallet to a new wallet whose seed you created on a new, secure device (this is advanced — consider contacting Ledger support and proceed carefully).

Extra tips & best practices

• Keep a physically secure backup of your recovery phrase (do not store it digitally).
• Use the Ledger Live checksum/signature verification pages when available if you are comfortable verifying signatures — Ledger provides signatures and guidance for advanced verification.
• Enable two-factor authentication where available for exchanges and services — though 2FA does not replace hardware wallet security, it complements your broader security posture.

Quick FAQ

Q: Can I use Ledger Live without a Ledger device?
A: You can view public addresses or portfolio features, but to sign transactions you need a Ledger hardware wallet.

Q: Will Ledger Live ask for my recovery phrase?
A: No. If any interface asks for your recovery phrase, it's a scam.

Closing notes

Ledger Live is the central software bridge to Ledger hardware devices — it enables straightforward management of digital assets while keeping private keys isolated on your physical device. The installation process is simple if you follow the official steps above and maintain strict download and seed safety habits.