Ledger® Live: Desktop® — Getting Started

This detailed guide walks you through everything you need to confidently use Ledger Live Desktop® with your Ledger hardware wallet — from downloading and installation, to adding accounts, sending/receiving crypto, staking, connecting to decentralized applications, and security best practices.

Download Ledger Live Desktop®

Overview — What is Ledger Live Desktop®?

Ledger Live Desktop® is the official desktop application developed by Ledger for managing your hardware wallet and cryptocurrencies. Paired with Ledger hardware (such as the Ledger Nano S Plus and Ledger Nano X), Ledger Live provides a secure interface to view your portfolio, add blockchain accounts, install device apps, send and receive funds, stake supported assets, buy/swap crypto through integrated providers, and interact with decentralized applications while keeping private keys offline on your device.

Important: Always download Ledger Live Desktop® from the official Ledger domain. Avoid third‑party sites or links from untrusted sources.

Download & Install

Follow these steps to safely download and install Ledger Live Desktop®.

  1. Go to the official download page. Use the URL from Ledger's official domain. Look for TLS (HTTPS) and the correct domain name to avoid phishing.
  2. Choose your operating system. Ledger Live is available for Windows, macOS (Intel & Apple Silicon), and Linux distributions. Select the correct installer for your machine.
  3. Verify the installer when possible. Ledger publishes checksums/signatures for installers. Verifying ensures the file wasn’t tampered with.
  4. Run the installer and follow on‑screen steps. On macOS, you may need to allow an app from an identified developer in System Preferences > Security & Privacy. On Windows, you might see a SmartScreen prompt — confirm the publisher and proceed.
  5. After installation, keep Ledger Live updated. The app receives feature and security updates regularly.

Supported Ledger Devices

Ledger Live works with Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, and other official Ledger devices. Each device may offer different connectivity options (USB, Bluetooth) and storage limits for blockchain apps.

Choosing a device

  • Ledger Nano S Plus: Compact, USB connection, great for most users.
  • Ledger Nano X: Bluetooth support for mobile use and larger app storage.

Tip: If you plan to manage many blockchains simultaneously, consider a device with larger storage (e.g., Nano X) to avoid repeatedly installing/uninstalling apps.

Initial Setup — Create or Restore a Wallet

When you first get a Ledger device, you'll either create a new wallet (generate a new recovery phrase) or restore an existing wallet from a recovery phrase.

  1. Power on the device and follow the on‑device prompts to set a PIN code. Choose a PIN that is memorable but not trivial; do not write the PIN on the recovery sheet.
  2. Write down the recovery phrase exactly as shown — typically 24 words. Use the recovery sheet provided. Store it offline in a safe place (consider multiple physical copies stored separately). Never photograph or store the phrase on a connected device or cloud storage.
  3. Open Ledger Live. Choose Set up a new device or Restore device depending on your situation, and follow the guided steps to pair the hardware with the app.
  4. Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase in Ledger Live or via support channels. If prompted anywhere, treat it as a scam.

Accounts & Asset Management

Ledger Live allows you to add accounts for many blockchains and view balances, transaction history, and portfolio value.

How to add an account

  1. Open Ledger Live and navigate to Accounts > Add account.
  2. Select the cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.).
  3. Install the matching on‑device app via the Manager if required.
  4. Open the app on your device and confirm the connection. Ledger Live will synchronize your account with the blockchain and display balances.

Ledger Live supports features like NFT viewing (for supported chains), staking, and integrated third‑party services for swapping or buying crypto.

Send & Receive — Step by Step

Receiving funds

  1. Select the account you want to receive to and click Receive.
  2. Open the corresponding app on your Ledger device; Ledger Live will show an address.
  3. Always verify the full address on the device screen and confirm it matches the address shown in Ledger Live before sharing or using it.

Sending funds

  1. Click Send, choose the account, enter the recipient address and amount.
  2. Adjust network fees if needed (higher fees = faster confirmation on many chains).
  3. Confirm the transaction details on your Ledger device — the device signs the transaction using your private keys stored offline.
Security tip: Malware can intercept clipboard contents. Always verify addresses on your hardware device display, not only on your computer screen.

Manager — Installing & Removing On‑Device Apps

The Manager tab in Ledger Live lets you install blockchain apps on your Ledger device. Each app enables accounts for a specific blockchain.

  1. Go to Manager and connect your device.
  2. Find the app you want (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) and click Install.
  3. If storage is full, uninstall unused apps — uninstalling an app does not remove the accounts or funds; you can reinstall the app later and your accounts will reappear.

Advanced Features — Staking, NFTs & Swaps

Staking

Ledger Live supports staking for several assets, allowing you to earn rewards while keeping your private keys secure. The staking process varies by chain — follow prompts in Ledger Live to delegate or stake from a supported account.

NFTs

Ledger Live can display NFTs for supported blockchains. Use the Accounts view to inspect NFT collections and metadata. Note: interactive NFT marketplaces require connecting through a compatible dapp bridge or third‑party interface.

Swaps & Buy Options

Ledger Live integrates third‑party providers to let you swap tokens or buy crypto using fiat. Providers vary by region and may require KYC. Always review fees and provider terms before proceeding.

Connecting to Decentralized Apps (dApps)

Ledger Live supports connecting to dApps via WalletConnect and browser extensions. When interacting with dApps, Ledger Live ensures transactions are signed on your hardware device so private keys never leave the device.

  1. Open the dApp and choose to connect via Ledger (or WalletConnect).
  2. Confirm the connection in Ledger Live and on your device.
  3. Review and confirm every transaction on the device screen.
Never sign transactions you don't understand. Malicious dApps can request permissions that allow spending your funds. Read prompts carefully and revoke permissions if suspicious.

Firmware & App Updates

Ledger periodically releases firmware updates for devices and updates for Ledger Live. Updates often include security improvements and compatibility for new chains. Always update firmware only through Ledger Live and verify the update prompts on your device.

  1. Ledger Live will notify you of available firmware updates.
  2. Back up your recovery phrase before major firmware updates (recommended) and follow the in‑app instructions carefully.

Security Best Practices

  • Official downloads only: Download Ledger Live only from Ledger’s official domain and verify installers when possible.
  • Never share your recovery phrase: Ledger staff will never ask for your 24‑word phrase.
  • Verify addresses on your device: Always confirm the full recipient address on the device’s screen before approving transactions.
  • Use a passphrase if you understand it: A passphrase is an optional 25th word that creates hidden wallets. It offers extra security but must be used carefully; losing it can make funds irretrievable.
  • Secure backups: Store recovery phrase copies in separate, secure physical locations. Consider metal backups for fire/water resistance.
  • Be phishing-aware: Double-check URLs, never click links in unsolicited messages, and be cautious with browser extensions and mobile apps that request wallet access.

Troubleshooting & Common Issues

Ledger Live does not detect the device

  1. Ensure the device is unlocked and on the correct app screen.
  2. Try a different USB cable or port. Use a direct port, not a USB hub.
  3. Restart Ledger Live and the device. Update Ledger Live to the latest version.

Transactions stuck or pending

Check a blockchain explorer for transaction status. Use fee bumping or replace‑by‑fee when supported. If funds haven’t arrived, confirm the sender used the correct address and network.

Lost or damaged device

If your device is lost or damaged, you can restore on a new Ledger device or compatible wallet using your 24‑word recovery phrase. If the recovery phrase is compromised, move funds immediately to a new wallet with a new recovery phrase.

FAQ

Q: Can I use Ledger Live without a Ledger device?
A: Ledger Live requires a hardware device to sign transactions. You can explore the interface but signing operations need a device.

Q: Is Ledger Live free?
A: Yes, Ledger Live Desktop® is free to download and use. Network transaction fees and third‑party provider fees still apply.

Q: What happens if I forget my PIN?
A: After multiple incorrect PIN attempts the device will wipe. Restore using your recovery phrase on the device to regain access to your accounts.

Glossary

Private key: A secret number that allows spending from a cryptocurrency account. Ledger stores private keys on your device.

Recovery phrase: A human‑readable seed (typically 24 words) used to restore wallets.

App (on device): Small application installed on the Ledger device to support a specific blockchain.