Why choose Ledger Live with Ledger Nano X or Ledger Nano S Plus?
Ledger Live is the official desktop and mobile app that makes managing crypto simple and secure. Whether you pair Ledger Live with a Ledger Nano X or a Ledger Nano S Plus, you'll enjoy the highest standards of hardware security powered by a Secure Element and Ledger’s BOLOS operating system. If you use Bluetooth Connectivity to pair a Ledger Nano X to a mobile device, Ledger Live handles transactions, firmware updates and account management with clear prompts and strong protection.
What you get
- Support for both Ledger Nano X and Ledger Nano S Plus devices.
- Secure Element protection and BOLOS isolation for private keys.
- Easy handling of your Recovery Phrase and device backups.
- Multi-Currency Support across hundreds of coins and tokens.
- DeFi Integration and NFT Support inside the app and via partners.
- Over-the-air Firmware Updates and the Ledger Recover option for added peace-of-mind.
How to download and install Ledger Live
Download Ledger Live from the official source to avoid scams: click the Ledger Live link at the top of this page or go directly to Ledger’s official site. Install the desktop or mobile version compatible with your operating system. Always verify the download page URL and the app signature when prompted — Ledger Live will guide you through the verification steps.
Step-by-step
- Visit the official Ledger website and click the Ledger Live download page.
- Choose desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux) or mobile (iOS, Android).
- Run the installer and open Ledger Live.
- Follow on-screen instructions to create a new wallet or restore with your Recovery Phrase.
Initial setup: Ledger Nano X vs Ledger Nano S Plus
Setting up Ledger Live is similar for both Ledger Nano X and Ledger Nano S Plus, though each device has unique features. The Ledger Nano X offers Bluetooth Connectivity for mobile use, while the Ledger Nano S Plus provides a streamlined, wired experience. Both devices leverage a Secure Element chip and BOLOS to isolate your private keys from threats.
Ledger Nano X setup highlights
- Bluetooth Connectivity makes mobile management seamless.
- Pair via Ledger Live mobile app after verifying device fingerprints.
- Use Ledger Live for Firmware Updates and to enroll in Ledger Recover if desired.
Ledger Nano S Plus setup highlights
- Plug-and-play with Ledger Live on desktop and mobile via cable.
- Same Secure Element and BOLOS security as the Nano X.
- Perfect for users who prefer wired connections and simpler workflows.
Security: Secure Element, BOLOS and Recovery Phrase
Security is the core advantage of Ledger Live paired with Ledger hardware. The Secure Element is a tamper-resistant chip that stores private keys offline. BOLOS (Blockchain Open Ledger Operating System) isolates apps and processes on the device, so a compromised app can’t affect the Secure Element. Your Recovery Phrase remains the last-resort key to restore access if your Ledger Nano X or Ledger Nano S Plus is lost or damaged.
Protecting your Recovery Phrase
Record the Recovery Phrase exactly as displayed during setup. Store it offline, in multiple secure locations if you prefer, and never share it online. Ledger Recover is an optional service that helps you reconstruct your Recovery Phrase under strict encryption; evaluate the trade-offs before enabling this feature in Ledger Live.
Managing currencies, DeFi and NFTs in Ledger Live
Ledger Live supports Multi-Currency Support for hundreds of cryptocurrencies. You can manage Bitcoin, Ethereum, and many altcoins from one interface. DeFi Integration in Ledger Live enables you to interact with DeFi protocols through Ledger’s partner integrations — always confirm contract addresses on your Ledger device before approving. For collectors, NFT Support is available, letting you view and manage NFTs in your Ethereum account using Ledger Live and supported partners.
Using DeFi and NFTs safely
- Always confirm transaction details on the Ledger device screen — never rely solely on the computer display.
- Use Ledger Live’s partner integrations for DeFi Integration and NFT Support to reduce risk.
- Keep your Firmware Updates current to ensure the latest protections for DeFi and NFTs.
Keeping your device up-to-date: Firmware Updates
Ledger issues Firmware Updates regularly to add features and patch vulnerabilities. Ledger Live notifies you when Firmware Updates are available and walks you through the secure update process. Whether you use a Ledger Nano X with Bluetooth Connectivity or a Ledger Nano S Plus connected by cable, always follow Ledger Live’s instructions precisely during a firmware update to avoid data loss.
Advanced features: Ledger Recover and ecosystem integrations
Ledger Recover is an optional service integrated into Ledger Live that aims to help users recover their Recovery Phrase if lost. It uses cryptographic safeguards and partner recovery services — read the Ledger Recover documentation carefully in Ledger Live before enabling. Ledger Live also offers ecosystem integrations for DeFi Integration and NFT Support that let you connect to decentralized exchanges, lending protocols, and NFT marketplaces while keeping your keys safely in the Secure Element and enforced by BOLOS.
Troubleshooting and best practices
If Ledger Live fails to detect your device, try reconnecting, switching cables, or updating drivers (for desktop). For Bluetooth Connectivity issues with Ledger Nano X, ensure your phone’s Bluetooth is enabled and that no other device is interfering. Always confirm transactions on your device display to make sure the address, amount, and fee are correct. Keep the Recovery Phrase offline and never type it into Ledger Live or any browser.
Best practice checklist
- Download Ledger Live only from the official Ledger site: Ledger Live.
- Use a Ledger device (Ledger Nano X or Ledger Nano S Plus) for hardware-level Secure Element protection.
- Keep Firmware Updates current and verify BOLOS integrity during updates.
- Use Ledger Recover only after reading its security model in Ledger Live.
- Confirm every transaction on your Ledger device screen — never approve blind signatures.
- Take advantage of Multi-Currency Support, DeFi Integration and NFT Support within Ledger Live, but be cautious with new smart contracts.
Summary — The Ledger Live advantage
Using Ledger Live with a Ledger Nano X or Ledger Nano S Plus gives you a powerful combination of convenience and security. Secure Element hardware and BOLOS protect your private keys; Bluetooth Connectivity makes the Ledger Nano X ideal for mobile users; the Recovery Phrase is your safety net; Multi-Currency Support means you can manage many coins and tokens; DeFi Integration and NFT Support expand your on-chain options; Firmware Updates keep you safe; and Ledger Recover provides optional backup assistance. Together, these features make Ledger Live the go-to app for secure crypto management.
Where to get started
Ready to start? Download Ledger Live from the official site and choose the device that fits your needs: Ledger Nano X for Bluetooth Connectivity and mobility, or Ledger Nano S Plus for a streamlined, wired experience. Remember to always verify downloads and follow the Ledger Live setup flow carefully to protect your Recovery Phrase and secure your assets.