Download, verify, and install — step-by-step guidance (≈800 words)
Ledger Live is the official companion application for Ledger hardware wallets. It is available for desktop operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux) and as a mobile app (iOS, Android). To begin, navigate to the official Ledger Live page at ledger.com/ledger-live. Choose the installer appropriate to your operating system, or use the provided links to the official app stores for mobile installations. Avoid downloading from third-party websites or unknown links — search results and social media posts can be spoofed to point to malicious binaries.
After downloading the installer binary, perform a verification step before running the file. The most common verification method is comparing the SHA256 checksum. Platforms provide easy ways to compute this: on macOS and Linux use shasum -a 256 <filename>, on Windows use PowerShell with Get-FileHash -Algorithm SHA256 <path-to-file>. Ledger may publish an expected checksum on the official release notes or documentation page. If the computed checksum does not match the published value, delete the file and re-download from the official source. When Ledger publishes PGP signatures, a signature verification using the Ledger release key adds stronger assurance; import the key from a verified source and run the signature verification commands as documented.
Once verification succeeds, run the installer. Ledger Live will guide you through the installation and onboarding. Connect your Ledger hardware device with a trusted cable and follow the prompts: initialize a new device or restore from your recovery phrase. During initialization the device will generate a recovery phrase (commonly 24 words). Record this phrase exactly as shown; keep it offline on the supplied recovery card or a durable metal backup designed for seed storage. Do not photograph or digitize your recovery phrase; avoid storing it in cloud services, emails, or screenshots. Set a device PIN to protect against physical access threats. Optionally, advanced users may opt to enable passphrase support but should understand that passphrases act as a secondary secret and losing one means losing access to the corresponding wallet.
Ledger Live handles firmware updates when they are necessary. Firmware updates often contain security fixes and new features; install updates only when they come from official Ledger prompts inside Ledger Live and verify any update metadata Ledger publishes. Always confirm firmware update prompts on the device display before approving. For everyday transactions, Ledger Live prepares the unsigned transaction and sends it to the device for signing. The device displays the destination address and amount — verify these details visually on the hardware’s screen. Because the private keys never leave the hardware, even a compromised host cannot sign transactions without your physical confirmation on the device.
If you encounter problems (failed installs, device not detected), try using a different USB cable or port, restart Ledger Live, and reboot your device. For browser-based integrations, ensure you are on the correct domain and try an incognito window to rule out browser extension interference. If verification or installation reveals unexpected prompts or mismatched checksums, stop and seek support through official Ledger channels. For organisations and advanced users, consider multisignature setups, documented operational procedures, and periodic recovery drills to ensure prepared, secure handling of keys and backups.