How to Buy Crypto with Ledger

So you’ve just received your Ledger device, what’s your first steps to get started? Well, firstly, with self-custody of your crypto assets, you’ll experience holding your assets in the palm of your hands for the first time. This is digital value that is solely yours and yours alone—no banks, no middlemen.

Welcome to crypto, welcome to Ledger, you have the complete ownership of your assets. So let’s get you started on the basics; buying crypto with your Ledger device.

With the latest updates to Ledger Live and all the latest partner integrations in 2025, purchasing crypto is now faster and more convenient than ever. In this guide, we’ll explore setting up your Ledger device and Ledger Live to complete your first purchase securely. 

Setting Up Ledger Live and Your Ledger Device

Before you begin buying crypto, it’s essential to have your Ledger hardware wallet and the Ledger Live app ready and updated. Follow steps a and b below:

a. Download and Install Ledger Live

1. Download Ledger Live for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux) or your mobile device (Apple or Android) by visiting the official Ledger website.
2. Make sure your Ledger Live is updated to the latest version. This notification will automatically pop-up when you start the Ledger Live app for the first time. 

b. Prepare Your Ledger Hardware Wallet

If you’re new to Ledger, follow the startup instructions to initialize your Ledger device. This will involve setting a secure PIN and writing down your 24-word recovery phrase.

Connect Your Ledger Device

Next, connect your Ledger to your computer or mobile device via the USB cable available in the bundle, or Bluetooth if applicable. You can then use Ledger Live to validate and approve transactions on your Secure Screen or Secure Touchscreen. 

Transactions within the Ledger Live ecosystem including partner integrations are secured further with Ledger’s Clear Signing initiative. This means that no matter which device you use to initiate the transaction, you can have the peace of mind knowing that you will always be able to verify your transactions on your Secure Screen/Touchscreen.

Buying Crypto on Your Ledger Device: Step-By-Step

1. Set Up Your Crypto Accounts in Ledger Live

To buy crypto, you need to ensure that the cryptocurrency account in Ledger Live is correctly set up. Select an account for each blockchain you wish to interact with (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and so on).

Open Ledger Live and Navigate to “Accounts”

1. In Ledger Live’s home screen, navigate to the “Accounts” tab where you see your balances and different account options.

2. Add an Account: Click “+ Add account” and choose the coin (for example, Bitcoin or Ethereum). Click on Install to add the relevant crypto account.

3. Once your account is added, Ledger Live synchronizes with your Ledger device to display your balance and activity history.
   

2. Starting the Buy Process

Now that your Ledger Live and accounts are set up, you’re ready to buy crypto safely.

Click on “Buy/Sell”

In the Ledger Live sidebar, click on the “Buy/Sell” option. This is your gateway to purchasing crypto directly within the secure environment of Ledger Live.

Choose Your Cryptocurrency

• From the drop-down menu, select the cryptocurrency you wish to purchase. For instance, choose Bitcoin (BTC) or any other supported asset like Ethereum (ETH) or stablecoins.
• Select the account where you want the crypto delivered. 

Enter Purchase Details

• Input the amount in fiat currency (USD, EUR, etc.) you wish to spend. Ledger Live will immediately display an estimate of how much crypto you will receive based on the current exchange rate and market value of the token(s) you choose.
• Keep in mind that many providers lock in the exchange rate for 15 minutes, so complete the transaction within that window.

3. Selecting a Buy Provider and Completing KYC

Ledger Live collaborates with several buy providers. In early 2025, major providers include Topper, Coinbase Pay, and MoonPay. Each provider has its own flow and payment methods.

Choose Your Buy Provider

Ledger Live now offers a comparison view of available providers. Look at factors such as fees, payment method options (credit/debit cards, bank transfers), and geographic eligibility. For example, select Topper if you prefer a seamless integration or Coinbase Pay if you already have a Coinbase account.

As an example, you will be prompted to complete further instructions to purchase your crypto depending on which of the different Ledger buy providers you may choose.

KYC Requirements and Account Setup

While Ledger Live’s core functionalities do not require KYC, engaging with certain integrated services to buy/sell/transact may necessitate identity verification, depending on the specific provider and your location.

These operations are self-custodial, meaning you retain full control over your private keys and funds.

When you use third-party services integrated within Ledger Live, such as purchasing or cashing out cryptocurrencies, KYC verification is typically required. These services are provided by external partners like MoonPay, Transak, and others, who are obligated to comply with regulatory requirements, including KYC procedures. Alternatively, Ledger Live offers non-custodial options via decentralized exchanges.

Note – Payment options might differ according to region, so certain fiat on-ramps or withdrawal methods may not be available in all jurisdictions.

4. Confirming and Finalizing the Purchase

1. Address Verification: When you initiate your purchase, your Ledger device will display the receiving address for confirmation. Carefully compare it with the address shown in Ledger Live.
   1. Once you initiate your purchase, details of the transactions will be shown on your secure screen of Ledger device as shown in the image below. 
   2. Carefully verify if the details between the secure screen/touchscreen on your  and what you see on your computer screen or mobile screen match. 
   3. Once verified, follow the steps below to authenticate the transaction by signing it on your Ledger device.

2. Physical Confirmation: Follow the instructions on your touchscreen) on your Ledger device to approve and confirm the transaction. This extra step ensures that the funds are sent to your secure address and not intercepted by malicious software.

3. Finalize Payment: Once your Ledger device approves the transaction, click the “Buy Now” or “Confirm” button on Ledger Live to process the payment.
4. Transaction Status: You’ll see a status screen that informs you of the order’s progress. Depending on the provider and network congestion, your crypto should appear in your account within minutes.
5. Confirm Receipt: You can scroll downward on your Ledger Live Portfolio tab to confirm that you have received your crypto as shown below. Alternatively, you may also use a blockchain explorer to see the transaction hash and other details.
   

Quick References:

Crypto has an extensive learning curve but Ledger makes it simpler for you to understand the space and its fundamentals. Take a look at some of the articles below to understand some of the basics to get you up to speed on all things web3:

1. If you’d like to know why using Ledger’s next-gen devices gives you a seamless, user-friendly and uncompromisingly secure experience, click here. 
2. If you’re interested in learning how to stake your crypto on Ledger Live, you can explore the Earn section by clicking here.
3. If you’d like to learn how you can swap between different cryptocurrencies securely on Ledger Live, click here.