Setting Up Ledger Live Wallet: Complete Beginner’s Tutorial

Welcome! This guide walks you step‑by‑step through installing and configuring Ledger Live, the desktop/mobile companion app for Ledger hardware wallets. Follow the steps carefully — setting up your hardware wallet properly protects your crypto funds.

What you’ll need

A Ledger hardware device (Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, etc.)
A computer or phone with a USB port (or Bluetooth for Nano X)
An internet connection to download Ledger Live
Your 24‑word recovery phrase (generated during setup) — keep it offline and private

Quick start — step by step (recommended)

Download Ledger Live: Open your browser and visit the official Ledger website. Choose the desktop or mobile version for your operating system and install it.
Connect your Ledger device: Use the supplied cable (or Bluetooth) to connect the device. Unlock it by entering your PIN.
Initialize or restore: If the device is brand new, choose "Set up as new device" and write down the recovery phrase exactly as shown. If you’re restoring, choose "Restore device" and enter your 24 words in the same order.
Open Ledger Live and follow the onboarding: Ledger Live will prompt to add your device. Follow the on‑screen instructions and allow any firmware updates if requested.
Add accounts: Inside Ledger Live go to "Accounts" → "Add account" and choose the cryptocurrency account type (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.).
Receive crypto: To receive funds, generate a receiving address in Ledger Live while your device is connected and verify the address on the device screen.

Security reminder: Never enter your 24‑word recovery phrase into a computer or phone app. Write it on the card provided and store it in a secure offline place.

Troubleshooting common issues

Ledger Live may ask for firmware updates or fail to detect your device. Try a different USB port, use an official cable, or restart both your computer and the Ledger device. If a firmware update is interrupted, contact Ledger support — do not share your recovery phrase with anyone.

10 Colourful examples (fonts + backgrounds)

Below are ten visually distinct blocks demonstrating colourful fonts and backgrounds — use them as styled callouts for your guide or website.

1. Secure setup tip — Verify firmware and only download Ledger Live from the official site.

2. Backup reminder — Store your recovery phrase offline in a safe, fire‑resistant place.

3. Address verification — Always confirm receive addresses on the device screen.

4. Phishing alert — Do not follow links from unknown emails claiming to be Ledger.

5. App management — Install only the apps you need on your Ledger to save space.

6. PIN safety — Choose a PIN you can remember but is hard to guess.

7. Firmware updates — Keep firmware current to protect against vulnerabilities.

8. Test small amounts — When receiving from a new source, accept a small test transfer first.

9. Multiple accounts — Use separate accounts for different purposes (savings, trading).

10. Recovery drill — Periodically review how you would recover funds using your seed phrase.

Best practices and final tips

Always download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website and keep your operating system up to date. Treat your recovery phrase like cash: if someone obtains it, they control your funds. Consider using a hardware passphrase if you need extra compartmentalization for high value holdings.

Where to learn more

Explore Ledger’s official knowledge base for platform‑specific guides, advanced features, and step‑by‑step articles. When in doubt, consult Ledger's documentation or community resources — avoid unofficial guides that ask for your recovery words.