Ledger® Live App | Getting Started™

A concise 1500-word guide to installing and using the Ledger Live mobile app, pairing with Ledger hardware, managing accounts, sending & receiving crypto, and keeping your funds secure on the go.

Why use the Ledger Live App?

The Ledger Live mobile app brings Ledger’s secure hardware workflow to your smartphone. It lets you view balances, send and receive cryptocurrencies, pair with a Ledger Nano X over Bluetooth, and manage apps and firmware (with limited device management compared to desktop). The mobile app is ideal for quick checks and smaller transactions while keeping private keys on your Ledger device.

Security reminder: Ledger Live App is a companion — your private keys remain on your Ledger hardware. Download the app only from official stores or ledger.com/start.

Supported devices & system requirements

  • Devices: Ledger Nano X (Bluetooth pairing) and other Ledger devices for limited workflows. Nano S Plus and older models usually require the desktop for full functionality.
  • OS: Recent Android and iOS versions. Check the App Store / Google Play listing for exact requirements.
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth (Nano X) or USB-OTG (with supported adapters) for certain devices. Ensure Bluetooth permissions are enabled for pairing.

Download & installation

  1. Open the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and search for Ledger Live, or follow the official link from ledger.com/start.
  2. Verify the publisher as Ledger SAS before installing to avoid fake apps.
  3. Install and open the app. Grant Bluetooth permissions when prompted if you plan to pair a Nano X.

Mobile stores provide some protection against tampered apps, but always confirm the app publisher and avoid sideloading APKs from unknown sources.

First-time setup & pairing (Nano X)

  1. Open Ledger Live App and choose Get started or Pair a device.
  2. Turn on your Ledger Nano X and enable Bluetooth in the device settings (if not already enabled).
  3. Follow the app prompts to select your device in the Bluetooth list and establish a secure pairing.
  4. Confirm the pairing code on both the phone and the Ledger device when prompted to ensure a secure connection.

For devices without Bluetooth (e.g., Nano S Plus), use Ledger Live Desktop for full setup and management; the mobile app still allows viewing of certain Portfolio data if previously synced.

Creating an app password & local security

The mobile app may offer a local passcode, biometric unlock (Face ID / Touch ID), or an application password to protect access to the app on your phone. These measures protect the app UI and cached metadata (labels, last-known balances) but do not replace the Ledger device PIN or the recovery phrase.

  • Enable biometric unlock for convenience and quick access if your device supports it.
  • Use a strong device passcode and keep the phone OS updated to reduce risk from stolen or compromised devices.

Adding accounts & viewing balances

Once paired, you can add accounts for supported cryptocurrencies. The mobile app will prompt you to open the corresponding app (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) on your Ledger device to synchronize addresses and display balances and transaction history.

  1. Tap Add account in the Ledger Live App.
  2. Select the currency and follow prompts to open the related app on the device while the phone is paired.
  3. Ledger Live App will scan addresses and show balances. Repeat for additional currencies.

Receiving crypto

  1. In the app, choose the account and tap Receive.
  2. The app will display a receiving address; verify this address on your Ledger device screen and approve it before sharing.
  3. Copy the verified address and use it in the sending wallet or exchange. Start with a small test deposit.

Always verify addresses on-device to guard against malicious apps or clipboard manipulation on your phone.

Sending crypto

  1. Tap Send, enter the destination address and amount.
  2. Choose a fee level if the app presents options (economy, standard, fast).
  3. Confirm transaction details and then verify the transaction on your Ledger device. Approve on-device to sign and broadcast the transaction.

The Ledger device always signs transactions — the mobile app only constructs the unsigned transaction and forwards it securely to the device for approval.

Notifications & portfolio view

Ledger Live App provides a portfolio view showing aggregated balances across accounts and may show notifications for firmware updates, app updates, or important security announcements. Use the app to monitor balances on the go, but avoid approving sensitive operations unless necessary and always verify on-device.

Security best practices for mobile

  • Only install Ledger Live from official stores or from ledger.com/start.
  • Keep your phone's OS and the Ledger Live App updated.
  • Enable biometric lock or a strong app passcode to protect the app UI.
  • Never enter your 24-word recovery phrase into your phone or any app; record it offline.
  • Beware of phishing SMS, emails, or links. Always navigate to official sources.

Troubleshooting common mobile issues

Bluetooth pairing problems

  • Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on both phone and Ledger device and that the device is discoverable.
  • Restart Bluetooth, close the app, and retry pairing. Remove previous pairings from the phone Bluetooth settings if necessary.
  • Keep the device firmware and app up to date — some pairing bugs are fixed in updates.

App won't show balances

Reconnect and re-open the account app on the Ledger device, and resynchronize in Ledger Live App. If issues persist, try the Ledger Live Desktop for deeper diagnostics.

When to use desktop vs mobile

Use Ledger Live Desktop for initial device setup, firmware updates, and installing/uninstalling apps. Use the mobile app for on-the-go checks, smaller transactions, and pairing with Nano X. Critical firmware updates and major account recovery are best performed on desktop with a secure environment.