Download and Install Ledger Live App

Ledger Live is the official desktop and mobile application for managing your Ledger hardware wallet (Nano S, Nano S Plus, Nano X, Stax, etc.). It enables you to install blockchain apps on your device, view balances, send and receive transactions, stake, swap, and more — all while keeping your private keys securely on the hardware wallet. Below is a comprehensive guide to safely downloading and installing Ledger Live across platforms, along with security precautions and troubleshooting advice.

Why It’s Crucial to Use the Official Version

Fraudulent or fake Ledger Live applications exist — especially targeting macOS users — and have been used to trick people into entering their seed phrase, leading to asset theft. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} Always download Ledger Live directly from the official Ledger website (e.g. ledger.com/start or ledger.com/ledger-live) or from trusted app stores. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Ledger will never prompt you to enter your 24‑word recovery phrase into the app or any website. If any interface asks for it, it is a scam. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

System Requirements & Prerequisites

• You must own a Ledger hardware wallet (Nano series, Stax, etc.). :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
• Your computer or mobile device must meet the OS requirements: • Desktop: Windows 10 (64-bit) or later, macOS 10.15+ or later, or Linux (64-bit, e.g. Ubuntu 20.04+) :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4} • Mobile: iOS 14+ or Android 10+. Note: only certain Ledger models (like Nano X) support Bluetooth connections. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
• A USB cable or adapter for connecting your Ledger to your computer or mobile (unless using Bluetooth). :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Step 1: Download Ledger Live

1. Open your web browser and go to the official Ledger download page, usually at ledger.com/ledger-live, or via ledger.com/start. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
2. Choose the download option matching your platform (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android). :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
3. (Optional but safer) Verify the integrity of the downloaded file by comparing its hash (e.g. SHA‑512) or digital signature, if such data is provided by Ledger. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

Step 2: Install Ledger Live on Desktop

Windows

1. Open the `.exe` installer you downloaded.
2. If Windows prompts a security warning ("not Microsoft-verified app"), allow or accept to proceed. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
3. Follow on-screen instructions (license, folder, etc.).
4. Once the installation is complete, click “Finish” and launch Ledger Live. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

macOS

1. Open the downloaded `.dmg` file.
2. Drag the Ledger Live app into the Applications folder.
3. Open Ledger Live from Applications (you may have to click “Open” in a prompt depending on macOS security settings). :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

Linux

1. Make the `.AppImage` file executable (e.g. `chmod +x ledger-live-desktop-*.AppImage`). :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
2. Run the AppImage by double-clicking it or via terminal. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
3. If you get sandboxing or USB permission errors, you may need to run with `--no-sandbox` or set udev rules for USB permissions. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}

Step 3: Install Ledger Live on Mobile

1. Open the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
2. Search for “Ledger Live” and verify the publisher is Ledger.
3. Tap “Install” / “Get” and wait for the app to download and install. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
4. Open the app from your home screen. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}

Step 4: Initial Setup & Connecting Your Ledger Device

1. Launch Ledger Live and choose **Get Started**. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
2. Select your Ledger device model (e.g. Nano S Plus, Nano X, etc.). :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
3. Connect your Ledger device via USB (or Bluetooth for Nano X). Unlock it using your PIN. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
4. Decide whether to set up as a **new device** or **restore from recovery phrase**. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
5. If new, your Ledger will generate a 24‑word recovery phrase. Write it down carefully in the correct order, offline. Confirm the phrase when prompted. :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}
6. Ledger Live will perform a “genuine check” on the device to detect tampering. :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}
7. If needed, update device firmware via Ledger Live. :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}
8. Open the **Manager** in Ledger Live and install blockchain apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) on the device. :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}
9. Add accounts for the blockchains you want to use so Ledger Live can show balances and transactions. :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}

Security Precautions & Best Practices

• Always verify you downloaded Ledger Live from ledger.com or an authorized store. Avoid third‑party mirrors. :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}
• Never type or upload your recovery phrase anywhere — only enter it on the device itself. :contentReference[oaicite:28]{index=28}
• Confirm addresses and amounts on the Ledger device screen before approving any transaction. The device display is your ultimate point of trust. :contentReference[oaicite:29]{index=29}
• Keep Ledger Live app and device firmware up to date for security patches and improvements. :contentReference[oaicite:30]{index=30}
• Enable app lock or biometric protection (if available) within Ledger Live for extra security. :contentReference[oaicite:31]{index=31}
• Use high-quality data cables (not power-only) and avoid unreliable USB hubs. :contentReference[oaicite:32]{index=32}
• Double-check SSL and website domain when downloading — phishing sites mimic Ledger to trick users. :contentReference[oaicite:33]{index=33}

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Installer won’t open or run: Re-download from official site; confirm correct OS version. :contentReference[oaicite:34]{index=34}
• “Install Now” button not working: Some users report this; workaround is re-download and reinstall manually. :contentReference[oaicite:35]{index=35}
• Missing installed apps: After updates, apps may disappear; reinstall via Manager. :contentReference[oaicite:36]{index=36}
• Device not recognized: Try different cable, port, or reapply USB permissions / udev rules. :contentReference[oaicite:37]{index=37}
• Fake app download: On Linux, a fake “Ledger Live” version was published on the Ubuntu store, asking for seed phrase — a scam. :contentReference[oaicite:38]{index=38}
• macOS fake apps: Mac users have been targeted by counterfeit Ledger Live versions asking for seed phrase. :contentReference[oaicite:39]{index=39}

Video Walkthrough

For a visual guide on downloading and installing Ledger Live, check this walkthrough: ::contentReference[oaicite:40]{index=40}

Conclusion & Next Steps

Successfully downloading and installing Ledger Live is your gateway to a secure, feature-rich crypto management experience. With proper care — especially ensuring authenticity and safeguarding your recovery phrase — you can confidently manage your assets with your Ledger hardware wallet.

Once Ledger Live is installed and set up, take these first actions:

• Install blockchain apps on your Ledger device through the Manager.
• Add accounts for the cryptos you hold.
• Receive a small amount of crypto to test your setup.
• Explore features like staking, swaps, NFT viewing, and DeFi integration.