Getting Started with Ledger: your guide to setup, security, and daily use
Ledger Live Desktop is the official companion application to your Ledger hardware wallet. It allows you to manage your crypto portfolio, send and receive assets, install and manage coin apps, update firmware, and interact with supported decentralized applications (dApps) securely. All critical cryptographic operations (like signing) are done on the hardware device, keeping your private keys offline.
This guide aims to walk you through installing Ledger Live on your computer, setting up your device, using it day to day, and keeping things secure. Along the way, we reference other key ecosystems — for example, Trezor's flows such as Trezor.io/start, Trezor Login, Trezor Suite, Trezor Io Start, Trezor Bridge, and the concept of a Trezor Hardware Wallet — so you can see how different platforms approach similar goals.
Before installation, ensure your system meets these criteria:
Go to the official Ledger website and pick the “Desktop” version from the Download section. Always use the official link (for example, ledger.com) and avoid phishing sites. Confirm SSL lock and domain correctness.
Run the `.exe` installer, accept license terms, and allow it to install. You may be prompted to allow driver installation. Once installed, open Ledger Live — it may check for updates automatically.
Open the `.dmg` file, drag Ledger Live to your Applications folder, and launch. Grant any system permission requests (e.g. for network access, USB device access). macOS may ask for approval to allow device communication.
Use `.AppImage`, `.deb`, `.rpm` or the supported format for your distro. Make the file executable if needed and launch it. Alternatively, follow Ledger’s official instructions to add their repository for updates.
After installation, open Ledger Live. It may prompt you to start setup, update itself, or connect your Ledger device. Accept updates and allow it to run any first-time configuration.
Use a reliable USB cable (not charge‑only) to connect your Ledger device to your computer. Ledger Live should detect it. If not, switch ports or try a different cable. Avoid using hubs if possible.
Ledger Live will ask: is this a new device or do you want to recover an existing wallet? If new, choose “Set up new device.” If restoring, input your recovery phrase (always via the device, not typed on computer).
The device will generate a recovery phrase (usually 24 words). You’ll write these words down on the provided recovery sheet or backup medium. Confirm a few words when prompted.
Set a PIN (typically 4–8 digits, depending on device). This PIN must be used to unlock the device each time. Choose something memorable but not trivial (avoid “1234”, birthdays, etc.). Some failed attempts may lock or delay access.
In Ledger Live, go to the “Manager” tab. Browse supported coin apps (e.g. Bitcoin, Ethereum) and install them to your device. These apps enable the device to handle those chains. The device has limited storage — install only what you need.
This is somewhat analogous to how Trezor handles coin support in Trezor Suite or via Trezor Bridge, where only those coins you enable appear in your interface.
Perform a small test transaction: send a tiny amount to your Ledger address. Confirm the address shown on the device matches what you see in the app. This ensures your setup works correctly before moving large funds.
Ledger Live displays all your accounts, balances, and transaction history in one view. You can rename accounts, toggle visibility, filter by chain, and more.
To send, click “Send,” choose the account, input recipient address and amount, and review fees. Ledger Live sends a transaction request through the device. On your Ledger, you verify details and approve, and a signature is returned. The transaction is then broadcast.
Click “Receive,” choose your account, and the app will display an address. Confirm that same address on your device screen. Use that address to receive funds.
Ledger Live supports adding multiple accounts per chain (e.g. multiple Ethereum accounts). You can also enable new blockchains or tokens from supported lists.
Ledger Live integrates with dApps, DeFi, and external wallets. When a dApp requests a transaction, Ledger acts as the signer. You review and approve on the hardware device — your private key never leaves.
Ledger Live will notify you when new firmware is available. You may initiate the update, which will be passed to the device. The device displays a fingerprint or hash to confirm — always compare before approving.
If your device is lost, broken, or stolen, you can recover using your recovery phrase. It’s wise to practice restoring on a secondary device (or emulator) using your seed to ensure it's valid. Similarly, store your backup phrase safely in multiple secure locations.
When done, close Ledger Live and then safely disconnect your Ledger device. Ensure no transactions are in progress. On most systems, unplugging after the app is closed is acceptable.
Your recovery phrase is the master key to your funds. Never enter it on a computer, take a photo, or store it digitally. Only write it on the provided recovery sheet or a durable offline medium.
Do not share your device PIN. It is used to unlock the device locally. Even if someone knows your PIN but not your recovery phrase, they cannot exfiltrate keys without physical access and repeated PIN attempts.
Whether sending funds or signing a transaction, always confirm the recipient address, amount, and fees on the Ledger device screen. Do not trust displays on the computer — malware could tamper with them.
Updates often include security patches. Install only updates from the official source. The device will show a cryptographic fingerprint — verify it visually before approving.
Use a clean, trusted computer when transacting. Keep OS and antivirus software up to date. Avoid public or shared systems for critical actions.
Always access Ledger Live via your installed application or the official site. Do not click suspicious links, and verify domain names. Fake sites may trick users into revealing seed or private keys.
If you are familiar with Trezor devices, you may recognize several flows: for example, **Trezor.io/start** is Trezor’s start portal; **Trezor Login** is their web login interface; **Trezor Suite** is their desktop and mobile companion app. **Trezor Io Start** is a variant of their initialization flow, and **Trezor Bridge** is their communication layer between browser and device. All of these form the **Trezor Hardware Wallet** ecosystem.
Ledger Live Desktop plays a comparable role in the Ledger ecosystem: it centralizes device management, coin installation, firmware updates, portfolio view, and transaction signing. The paradigms overlap, though the implementation differs.
Many wallet applications and dApps support use of Ledger devices as signers. When a dApp requests a transaction, it is passed to Ledger Live or to the hardware device directly (depending on architecture), and you approve the action. This design ensures your private keys never leave your hardware.
You can install Ledger Live on multiple computers (desktop or laptop) and link to the same hardware device. Should your device fail or be lost, you recover via your seed. This is analogous to how users can recover Trezor devices via seed in the Trezor ecosystem.
Ledger supports a wide range of blockchains and tokens. You install only the apps for the chains you need. Ledger Live handles detection, compatibility, and updates. Similarly, in Trezor’s world, enabling certain coins through Trezor Suite or via Trezor Bridge only exposes those you want to use.
If you’re switching from Trezor, you can move funds manually (send from Trezor wallet to Ledger addresses) or, in some cases, export and import seed phrases if compatible. Be cautious: mixing ecosystems may cause subtle compatibility issues. Always test with small amounts first.
Yes. You can use both hardware wallets independently. Each has its own app ecosystem (Ledger Live vs Trezor Suite / Trezor Bridge), but they both adhere to the same core principle: your private key never leaves your hardware device. Many users maintain multiple wallets for diversification or convenience.
We include references to those terms to help users familiar with Trezor recognize analogous flows and tools. Trezor.io/start or Trezor Io Start is their onboarding; Trezor Login is their web login interface; Trezor Suite is their companion app; Trezor Bridge is their communication layer; and “Trezor Hardware Wallet” is their device. We use them for comparison, not as prerequisites for Ledger.
No — Ledger Live includes the communication layer itself for the desktop environment. Trezor uses a separate component (Trezor Bridge) to allow web apps to talk to hardware; Ledger’s integrated approach avoids needing an extra middle component for most desktop operations.
Potentially yes if it follows a compatible standard (e.g. BIP39). But doing so cross‑ecosystem may have compatibility or security risks. Always test first, and consider manually migrating funds instead of full import.
Both Ledger and Trezor are considered secure and are widely used. Differences lie in design choices (e.g. open vs closed source, secure element, software architecture). What matters most is how you handle your recovery phrase, verify transactions on device, and follow best practices.
You can consult official Ledger documentation, community forums, or support pages. Also, Trezor’s official site provides extensive documentation around Trezor Suite, Trezor Bridge, and Trezor Hardware Wallet that might help you compare ecosystems. Always ensure you're accessing official URLs and secure domains.