Quick summary (one-line)

Go to the official Ledger website, download the Ledger Live installer for your OS, run the installer, then follow the app's onboarding to connect or set up your Ledger device. For mobile, use the official Ledger Live app from the App Store or Google Play. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Before you begin — safety & checklist

Step-by-step: Desktop (Windows / macOS / Linux)

  1. Open your browser and type ledger.com/ledger-live or use the "Ledger Live" page on the official ledger.com site. Avoid ads and unofficial links. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
  2. Select your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux) and click the Download button. The site typically offers an installer (e.g., ledger-live-x.y.z.exe on Windows or ledger-live-x.y.z.dmg on macOS). :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
  3. Verify the download (recommended) — Ledger provides download signatures and checksums; verify them if you're comfortable with that process. This prevents tampered installers. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
  4. Run the installer:
    • Windows: double-click the .exe file, allow permissions, and proceed through the installer.
    • macOS: open the downloaded .dmg, drag Ledger Live to your Applications folder, then run it (macOS may show a security prompt — choose "Open").
    • Linux: follow the Linux instructions on Ledger's site (AppImage or package). Ensure executable permissions before launching.
    Practical note: If macOS warns about an "unidentified developer", check you downloaded from ledger.com before forcing "Open". :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
  5. Open Ledger Live and follow onboarding. Choose "Get started" → "I already have a device" or "Set up a new device" depending on your situation. Ledger Live will guide you to install the necessary device apps later. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
  6. Connect your Ledger device with a USB cable (or Bluetooth for some Ledger Nano X functions). Enter your device PIN on the hardware wallet when prompted — never enter this into your computer. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
  7. Install coin apps inside Ledger Live's Manager to manage specific cryptocurrencies (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana). Ledger Live uses an app-per-cryptocurrency model on the device. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

Step-by-step: Mobile (iOS & Android)

Ledger Live Mobile works on modern iOS and Android versions — download it from the official stores only.

  1. Open the Apple App Store or Google Play and search for Ledger Live (developer: Ledger SAS). Alternatively, from ledger.com use the mobile download links. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
  2. Install and open the app. For iPhone and some mobile setups, connectivity to the hardware device may be via Bluetooth (Nano X) or via QR/USB, depending on device and OS. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
  3. Follow onboarding steps: choose set up vs. recover vs. connect an existing device, then pair and approve actions using your hardware device's screen and buttons. Never share the recovery phrase in the app. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}

Security Warnings — Read carefully

Fake apps and malware: There are active campaigns distributing counterfeit Ledger Live apps (especially targeting macOS users). Only download from ledger.com or official app stores, and never enter your recovery phrase anywhere. If any app or popup asks for your 24-word recovery phrase — treat it as a scam. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}

Troubleshooting & tips

Advanced: verifying downloads (short)

On the Ledger website you can find signatures and instructions to verify the installer’s integrity. If you know how to use checksums / GPG signatures, verifying ensures you received an authentic, untampered file. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}