Welcome to Your Secure Crypto Control Center

Welcome to **Ledger Live**, the all-in-one desktop and mobile application that acts as your secure gateway to the world of crypto. While your Ledger hardware wallet is the physical vault for your private keys, Ledger Live is the dashboard that allows you to manage your portfolio, send and receive assets, install applications, and interact with the decentralized web. This guide will walk you through the process of logging in and getting started with Ledger Live for the first time. We will cover everything from the crucial initial security checks to your first transaction, ensuring you do so with complete peace of mind.

The most important rule is to **always use the official Ledger Live application**. You can only download it from the official site: Ledger.com/Live. Never download the software from a third-party source, an email link, or a search ad, as these are often malicious copies designed to steal your crypto. By following this simple rule, you eliminate one of the biggest risks to your security. Once you have the official app, you are ready to begin.

Step 1: Your First Login to Ledger Live

Assuming you have already set up your Ledger device with a PIN and a 24-word recovery phrase, your first login to Ledger Live is a straightforward process that confirms your identity and device authenticity.

  1. Launch the Application: Open the Ledger Live application on your computer or mobile device.
  2. Connect Your Device: Using the provided USB cable, connect your Ledger hardware wallet to your computer. For Bluetooth-enabled devices like the Ledger Nano X, ensure Bluetooth is turned on and your device is paired.
  3. Enter Your PIN: On your Ledger device's screen, enter your PIN using the physical buttons. The PIN protects your device from unauthorized access, but it does not protect your recovery phrase.

Ledger Live will now detect your connected and unlocked device. The application will then begin a crucial security process known as the **Genuine Check**. This step is designed to protect you from counterfeit or tampered devices. It is a cryptographic verification that confirms your hardware wallet is a genuine Ledger product and has not been compromised.

Step 2: The Crucial Genuine Check

The **Genuine Check** is the most important part of your initial login. Unlike other crypto wallets, the Ledger device communicates with Ledger Live using a secure cryptographic challenge-response mechanism. This process, which happens automatically, verifies that:

You can find more detailed information on how this process works on the Ledger Support page about Genuine Check. This feature is a powerful safeguard against malicious actors who may try to sell you a fake device. If the Genuine Check fails, Ledger Live will immediately alert you, and you should stop using the device and contact Ledger Support.

Step 3: Installing Apps and Adding Your First Account

With your device verified, you can now begin managing your crypto. To interact with a specific cryptocurrency, you must first install its dedicated application on your Ledger device. This is done through the "Manager" section in Ledger Live.

  1. Navigate to the Manager: In the Ledger Live sidebar, click on the "Manager" tab. This will show you all available applications.
  2. Install an App: Search for the cryptocurrency you want to manage, for example, Bitcoin or Ethereum. Click the "Install" button next to the app. Your Ledger device will display "Processing..." as it installs the app securely.
  3. Add an Account: Once the app is installed, go back to the "Accounts" section in Ledger Live. Click the "+ Add account" button. The application will prompt you to select the cryptocurrency and your Ledger device will connect. Ledger Live will then sync with the blockchain to generate your new public address. For a step-by-step guide, check out our guide on how to add your first account.

This process must be repeated for every different cryptocurrency you want to manage. For example, to add a Bitcoin account, you must install the Bitcoin app. Similarly, for Ethereum, you will need the Ethereum app. The process is simple, secure, and gives you granular control over your device's storage.

Step 4: Making Your First Transaction

Now that you have an account set up, you can start sending and receiving crypto. The process is intuitive but requires a crucial physical verification step on your device for security.

  1. Receiving Funds: To receive crypto, go to the "Receive" tab in Ledger Live, select the account you want to receive funds in, and follow the on-screen prompts. Ledger Live will generate a receiving address and display it. **Crucially**, your Ledger device will also display the exact same address. You must **verify that the address shown on your computer screen matches the one on your Ledger device's screen**. This prevents malware from swapping out the address. Once verified, you can copy the address and share it with the sender. Find more information on how to receive crypto on the Ledger Support website.
  2. Sending Funds: To send crypto, go to the "Send" tab. Enter the recipient's address, the amount, and select the fee. When you click "Continue," your Ledger device will prompt you to physically review and confirm the transaction details. This is your final security check. The device screen will show the exact recipient address and the amount. You **must** confirm these details match your Ledger Live screen. If they don't, unplug your device and cancel the transaction immediately. This is the ultimate protection against malicious software. Learn more on how to send crypto on the Ledger support page.

Step 5: Navigating the Ledger Live Dashboard

Ledger Live is more than just a simple wallet. Its dashboard provides a comprehensive view of your crypto portfolio and access to a wide range of services. The main sections include:

Final Thoughts and Key Resources

Your journey with Ledger Live begins with a single, secure login, but it opens the door to a world of decentralized finance. Remember these key principles: always use the official software, never share your recovery phrase, and always verify transactions on your Ledger device's screen. If you have any doubts, you can always check your recovery phrase using the Recovery Check tool in Ledger Live. The Ledger Academy also offers a wealth of information on security, blockchain technology, and crypto fundamentals, which you can access at academy.ledger.com. To explore other products in the Ledger family, visit our products page. If you ever need assistance, the official Ledger Support Center is your best resource.

Your assets are now secure. Welcome to the world of self-custody.

Launch Ledger Live