Download and Install Ledger Wallet™ (Formerly Ledger Live)

Managing cryptocurrency securely begins with using trusted tools that protect your digital assets from online threats. For millions of users around the world, the primary entry point to safe crypto management is Ledger Wallet™—the new name many people use when referring to the official Ledger companion app (formerly known as Ledger Live). Whether you own a Ledger Nano S, Ledger Nano S Plus, or Ledger Nano X, this application is essential for setting up your device, managing your portfolio, and ensuring transactions remain fully protected.

This guide provides a complete, detailed walkthrough of how to download, install, and begin using Ledger Wallet™, while also explaining its features, security mechanisms, and best practices for safe crypto management.

1. Introduction to Ledger Wallet™

Ledger Wallet™ is the official desktop and mobile platform used to interact with Ledger hardware wallets. The app allows users to store, send, receive, buy, sell, swap, and stake various cryptocurrencies, all while protecting private keys inside the secure element of the physical Ledger device.

While the name “Ledger Live” is still commonly used, many users simply refer to the application as Ledger Wallet™ because it serves as the main control center for all wallet functions. Regardless of name, the app remains Ledger’s official and secure platform.

The purpose of Ledger Wallet™ is not to hold your private keys, but to act as a user interface. Your keys NEVER leave your Ledger hardware wallet, even when using the app to manage funds.

2. Why Download Ledger Wallet™ Only from the Official Source

Before downloading anything, it is crucial to understand that the crypto space is heavily targeted by phishing websites and fake wallet applications. These fraudulent versions can steal your funds instantly.

For safety:

Always download Ledger Wallet™ from the official Ledger website.

Never use third-party mirrors, unofficial stores, or random links.

Verify the URL and ensure the connection is secure (HTTPS).

Because Ledger Wallet™ interacts with hardware devices and signs transactions, downloading it from trusted sources is absolutely essential to avoid compromise.

3. Supported Devices and Operating Systems

Ledger Wallet™ is compatible with:

Desktop

Windows

macOS

Linux

Mobile (with limited features)

Android

iOS (for Ledger Nano X via Bluetooth)

For full functionality, including app installation and firmware updates, the desktop version is recommended. Mobile is ideal for on-the-go portfolio access and transacti

Ensure the URL begins with:

https://www.ledger.com/

Navigate to the Download section.

Choose your operating system:

Windows Installer

macOS .dmg file

Linux AppImage

Wait for the file to download completely.

Confirm that the file name matches the official Ledger format.

(Ledger does not distribute zipped installation files for Ledger Wallet™.)

Downloading from unofficial sources is risky because tampered installers could embed malware or alter how the app interacts with your Ledger device.

5. How to Install Ledger Wallet™ on Windows

After downloading the installer:

Locate the .exe file in your Downloads folder.

Double-click the file to launch the setup wizard.

Approve the installation when Windows asks for permission.

Choose installation location (default is recommended).

Click Install and wait for installation to complete.

Launch Ledger Wallet™ from the Start menu or desktop.

Windows users may receive a SmartScreen prompt for new updates—always verify the publisher is Ledger before proceeding.

6. How to Install Ledger Wallet™ on macOS

To install on a macOS device:

Open the downloaded .dmg file.

Drag Ledger Wallet™ into the Applications folder.

If macOS shows a permission alert (Gatekeeper):

Open System Preferences → Security & Privacy

Approve the Ledger app

Launch the app from the Applications folder.

macOS security often restricts apps from unidentified developers, but Ledger is a verified publisher, so approvals will be straightforward.

7. How to Install Ledger Wallet™ on Linux

Linux users can install Ledger Wallet™ via the AppImage file:

Download the .AppImage file.

Right-click > Properties > Permissions.

Enable “Allow executing file as program.”

Double-click the file to run Ledger Wallet™.

Some Linux distributions may require udev rules installation for USB support. Ledger’s website provides these rules.

8. Installing Ledger Wallet™ on Mobile

Android

Open Google Play Store.

Search for “Ledger Wallet” or “Ledger Live.”

Verify the publisher name is Ledger.

Download and install.

iOS

Open the App Store.

Search for “Ledger Live.”

Verify publisher identity.

Install the app.

iOS does not support USB hardware wallet connections—Ledger Nano X via Bluetooth is required for signing transactions.

9. Initial Setup After Installation

Once installed, open Ledger Wallet™. The app will guide you through initial onboarding:

Choose Your Path:

Set up a new Ledger device

Connect an existing Ledger wallet

Recover a device using a recovery phrase (done on the hardware device, not in the app)

Explore without a device (view-only mode)

Ledger Wallet™ will walk you through securing your device, enabling alerts, and protecting your seed phrase.

10. Importance of Device Verification

Ledger Wallet™ includes a Genuine Check to ensure that the connected hardware wallet is authentic, untampered, and running official firmware.

When you connect the device:

Enter your PIN on the Ledger device.

Open the relevant crypto app (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum).

Ledger Wallet™ will automatically verify authenticity.

This prevents counterfeit or compromised devices from interacting with your funds.

11. Adding Crypto Accounts

After setup, you must add specific cryptocurrency accounts to manage funds.

To add an account:

Click Accounts

Select Add Account

Choose the cryptocurrency

Open the matching app on your Ledger hardware wallet

Ledger Wallet™ synchronizes and adds the account

Each cryptocurrency has its own network rules, and Ledger Wallet™ ensures all interactions remain secure.

12. Using Ledger Wallet™ for Crypto Transactions

Sending Crypto

Open the account.

Click Send.

Enter the recipient address and amount.

Confirm details on your Ledger device physically.

Receiving Crypto

Click Receive.

Select your account.

Verify the displayed address on your Ledger hardware wallet screen.

Address verification prevents attacks where malware alters your receiving address.

13. Built-In Buy, Sell, Swap, and Stake Features

Ledger Wallet™ integrates secure third-party services for:

Buying Bitcoin, Ethereum, and more

Selling supported assets

Swapping coins instantly

Staking cryptocurrencies like ETH, DOT, SOL, ATOM, and others

Your private keys never leave your hardware wallet during these operations.

14. Portfolio Monitoring and Analytics

Ledger Wallet™ includes a complete portfolio dashboard showing:

Total balance

Asset distribution

Performance over time

Profit and loss

Market price movements

This makes it easy to track your investments across multiple networks.

15. Security Best Practices When Using Ledger Wallet™

Always update Ledger Wallet™ to the latest version.

Regularly update your Ledger device’s firmware.

Never share your 24-word recovery phrase.

Never type your seed phrase into Ledger Wallet™—the app will never ask.

Verify all addresses on your device screen.

Avoid using public or insecure computers.

Following these guidelines ensures maximum protection.

16. Keeping Ledger Wallet™ Updated

Ledger frequently releases updates to:

Add new cryptocurrencies

Improve stability

Enhance staking or DeFi features

Fix bugs

Strengthen security

Keeping the app updated ensures you always benefit from Ledger’s latest improvements.

17. Final Thoughts

Downloading and installing Ledger Wallet™ (formerly Ledger Live) is the essential first step toward securely managing your cryptocurrency with a Ledger hardware wallet. By following safe download practices, verifying your device, and using Ledger Wallet™’s intuitive interface, you can transact, stake, and monitor your portfolio with full confidence that your private keys never leave secure offline storage.