Protect your cryptocurrency with industry-leading security. Learn how to safely download, verify, and install Ledger Live to manage your digital assets with confidence.
Military-Grade Security
Encrypted Storage
Official Source Only
Understanding security fundamentals before downloading Ledger Live is essential for protecting your digital assets.
Downloading Ledger Live from unofficial sources is one of the most dangerous mistakes crypto users make. Malicious actors create fake versions of Ledger Live embedded with malware designed to steal your private keys and drain your funds. These counterfeit applications can look identical to the legitimate app, making detection nearly impossible without proper verification.
The official Ledger website (ledger.com) uses advanced security protocols including SSL certificates and domain verification to ensure you're receiving authentic software. Always bookmark the official site and verify the URL before any download.
Cybercriminals use sophisticated phishing techniques to trick users into downloading compromised software. They may create websites with URLs similar to the official site (like ledger-live.com or ledgerlive.com), send emails claiming to be from Ledger support, or advertise fake download links on search engines and social media platforms.
Third-party app stores, download mirrors, and unofficial repositories are breeding grounds for malware. Even well-intentioned sources may host outdated or compromised versions without knowing.
Follow these critical steps to verify the authenticity and integrity of your Ledger Live download.
Before downloading Ledger Live, ensure you're on the official Ledger website. Navigate directly to ledger.com by typing the URL into your browser—never click links from emails, social media, or search ads. Check that the connection is secure by verifying the padlock icon in your browser's address bar and confirming the SSL certificate is issued to Ledger SAS. Bookmark the official page for future downloads.
After downloading, verify the file's authenticity using cryptographic checksums. Ledger provides SHA-256 hash values for all downloads on their official website. Use your operating system's built-in tools (CertUtil on Windows, shasum on macOS/Linux) to generate the hash of your downloaded file. Compare this hash exactly with the one published by Ledger. Even a single character difference indicates the file has been tampered with and should not be installed.
Digital signatures provide an additional layer of security verification. On Windows, right-click the installer file, select Properties, navigate to the Digital Signatures tab, and verify the signature is from 'Ledger SAS' with a valid certificate. On macOS, the Gatekeeper system automatically verifies signatures, but you can manually check using the codesign utility. Linux users should verify GPG signatures using Ledger's public key available on their website.
Cross-reference multiple verification points before installation. Check the file size matches what's listed on the official website, verify the version number is current, and ensure no unexpected permissions are requested during installation. If anything seems suspicious—unusual file size, missing digital signatures, or unexpected installation prompts—stop immediately and re-download from the official source. Remember, there's no such thing as being too cautious when protecting your cryptocurrency.
Platform-specific guidance for safely installing Ledger Live on your device.
After verifying the digital signature, run the installer with administrator privileges. Windows Defender SmartScreen may display a warning for first-time installations—this is normal for new versions. Click 'More info' and 'Run anyway' only after confirming the publisher is 'Ledger SAS'. During installation, carefully review each permission request and ensure the installation directory is your primary system drive for optimal security.
Open the downloaded DMG file and drag Ledger Live to your Applications folder. On first launch, macOS Gatekeeper will verify the app's signature. If prompted that the app can't be opened, go to System Preferences → Security & Privacy and click 'Open Anyway' for Ledger Live. Grant necessary permissions for USB access when prompted—these are required for your Ledger hardware wallet to communicate with the application.
Linux users should download the AppImage or .deb package depending on their distribution. For AppImage, make the file executable using chmod +x and run it directly. For Debian-based systems, install the .deb package using dpkg. You'll need to add udev rules for hardware wallet access—Ledger provides a script on their GitHub repository. After installation, verify the application has appropriate permissions and ensure your user is in the 'plugdev' group.
After installation, immediately check for updates within the application to ensure you're running the latest secure version. Configure automatic updates if available. Never install Ledger Live on a public or shared computer, and ensure your operating system has the latest security patches. Consider using dedicated hardware for cryptocurrency management if you're managing significant assets. Always keep your recovery phrase in a secure, offline location—never store it digitally or share it with anyone, including Ledger support staff.
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Common questions about downloading and installing Ledger Live safely.