Download & verify the installer
The first and most important action is to download Ledger Live Desktop from the official source: ledger.com/ledger-live. Ledger provides installers for Windows, macOS, and Linux. When available, perform checksum or signature verification as instructed on Ledger’s site — this extra step defends against man-in-the-middle attacks and tampered binaries.
Tip: Bookmark the official product page and the setup portal at ledger.com/start so you avoid phishing links.
Purchase & authenticate your hardware
Always buy Ledger devices from the official store or authorized resellers: shop.ledger.com. On arrival, inspect packaging and device integrity. Ledger devices generate your recovery phrase locally; Ledger never has access to it. Avoid devices from secondary marketplaces unless you can verify they are sealed and genuine.
If there is any doubt about a device's provenance, contact Ledger Support at support.ledger.com before using it.
Initial setup: create or restore a wallet
Open Ledger Live and follow the guided onboarding. Connect the Ledger device, choose to create new or restore existing, and follow the on-screen prompts. Your device will show the generated recovery words — transcribe them carefully and store them offline. Consider a metal backup for long-term resilience.
Ledger’s official getting started instructions are available at ledger.com/start.
Manager & apps: install chain apps on-device
Use the Manager tab in Ledger Live to install the blockchain apps you need (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.) directly on your device. Each app consumes device memory; install only what you actively use. Ledger Live’s Manager simplifies this process and keeps firmware and apps updated when new releases are available.
Firmware and app updates are announced in Ledger’s status and support channels: status.ledger.com and support.ledger.com.
Daily workflow: accounts, labeling, and small-test transactions
Create account labels in Ledger Live to separate hot (daily use) and cold (savings) addresses. For new dApps or marketplaces, perform a low-value test transaction first: this validates your workflow and reduces the chance of large mistakes.
Ledger Live’s Portfolio view helps you monitor balances, staking rewards, and transaction history for bookkeeping and tax purposes.
DeFi & NFTs: connect safely
When using DeFi protocols or NFT marketplaces, connect through Ledger Live’s vetted integrations or standard provider flows. Critical safety is enforced because every on-chain transaction requires a physical confirmation on the Ledger device — an attacker cannot sign without physical access.
Always confirm contract addresses and approval scopes before clicking confirm on your device.
Recovery, device replacement & incident response
If your device is lost or damaged, restore the portfolio using the recovery phrase on a new Ledger device and re-add accounts in Ledger Live. If you suspect the seed was compromised, move funds to a new seed immediately and follow Ledger’s recommended support procedures at support.ledger.com.
For corporate users, maintain a written incident response and key-rotation plan documented in your governance materials.
Advanced: hardware pairing, multi-device access & scripting
Advanced users may pair Ledger devices across multiple machines, or use Ledger Live in combination with other secure tooling. Keep your environment minimal: avoid extraneous browser extensions and untrusted developer tools on machines used for signing.
Support & documentation
Official documentation and support are available at support.ledger.com. For system status, check status.ledger.com. When in doubt about a link or an installer, contact Ledger Support rather than following instructions found on unofficial channels.
Final checklist — a practical summary
Before actively transacting, confirm the following:
- Installer was downloaded from ledger.com/ledger-live.
- Device purchased from shop.ledger.com or an authorized seller.
- Recovery phrase written and stored offline in two secure places.
- Performed a small test transaction and confirmed it physically on your device.
- Know where to find help: support.ledger.com and status.ledger.com.
If you follow this timeline and maintain cautious habits, Ledger Live Desktop + Ledger device is a practical and durable custody model for most users.