What Ledger Live Is

Ledger Live is desktop and mobile software used to manage hardware wallets made by Ledger. It helps you view account balances, send and receive supported assets, and install device firmware. This page provides informational guidance for obtaining Ledger Live safely and protecting your assets.

How to Download Safely

  • Always obtain installation files from the official Ledger website or official app stores. Typo-squatted or mirror sites can host malicious installers.
  • Prefer downloading directly from known official sources rather than third-party file sharing platforms.
  • Verify integrity where possible: some official distributions provide cryptographic signatures or checksums. Compare these with values published by the vendor to ensure the file was not tampered with.
Tip: If a download or installer asks for your recovery phrase or private keys at any point, treat it as a red flag and disconnect immediately. Legitimate setup and applications never ask you to type your recovery phrase into software.

Verifying the Installer

When an official checksum or signature is published, follow the vendor's instructions for verification. Common verification methods include SHA256 checksum comparison and PGP/GPG signatures. Below is a generic example of a checksum comparison using SHA256 on a Unix-like system:

sha256sum ledger-live-installer-.AppImage
# compare the printed hash with the official value provided by the vendor

For signature verification with GPG, you'd typically import the vendor's public key (from a trusted source) and verify the signature file.

Security Best Practices

  • Keep your recovery phrase offline and secure. Do not store it digitally or share it with anyone.
  • Use official firmware updates only. Verify firmware updates via the official Ledger Live process when prompted by your hardware device.
  • Use a strong, local device passcode and keep your operating system up to date to reduce the risk of malware intercepting sensitive data.
  • Consider using a dedicated, minimal machine for key management if you handle large amounts or institutional holdings.
  • Always double-check addresses before sending funds—use device-confirmed addresses where the hardware wallet displays the destination on its screen.

Before You Download

Prepare by backing up any existing recovery information and ensuring you have access to official support channels. If you already use a hardware wallet, know your device's current firmware and supported software versions before attempting updates or reinstallation.

Troubleshooting & Contact

If anything looks suspicious during download or installation—unexpected prompts, requests for sensitive data, or mismatched checksums—stop and seek assistance from official support resources. Preserve logs and screenshots (without revealing sensitive seeds or private keys) when contacting support; they can help diagnose issues.