Introduction
Ledger Live Desktop is the official desktop companion for Ledger hardware wallets, engineered to give you a powerful yet secure interface for managing your cryptocurrency. This guide walks through each step from download to everyday operations — account setup, sending and receiving crypto, staking, buying/selling, and essential security measures.
Before you begin
What you need:
- A Ledger hardware device (e.g., Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X)
- A computer running macOS, Windows or a supported Linux distribution
- A USB cable to connect the Ledger device (or Bluetooth for Ledger Nano X)
- Your 24‑word recovery phrase (created during device setup) — store it offline and secure
Important: Always download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website and verify the TLS certificate in your browser. Never share your recovery phrase with anyone.
Step 1 — Download Ledger Live
Go to the official Ledger website and navigate to the Ledger Live download page. Choose the correct installer for your OS (macOS, Windows, Linux). Before running the installer, verify the download checksum if Ledger provides one — this protects against tampered installer files.
Step 2 — Install & run
Open the downloaded installer and follow on-screen instructions. Accept system prompts for permissions if required. Once installed, launch Ledger Live. On first run you’ll be asked to agree to terms and choose a device connection method.
Step 3 — Connect your Ledger device
Connect your Ledger device to your computer via USB (or Bluetooth for compatible devices). If this is a brand-new device, follow the on‑device setup to create a PIN and generate a recovery phrase. If you already have a device and a recovery phrase, choose the restore option to recover your accounts.
Step 4 — Initialize or restore your device
- Create a new device: Choose to create a new wallet on the device, set a secure PIN, and write down the 24‑word recovery phrase secure offline.
- Restore an existing wallet: Choose restore and enter your 24‑word recovery phrase when prompted on the device. Be sure no cameras or recording devices can see your recovery phrase entry.
Never input your recovery phrase into Ledger Live or onto a computer. The recovery phrase belongs only on the device or written offline.
Step 5 — Add accounts in Ledger Live
After device initialization, open Ledger Live and navigate to the "Accounts" section. Click "Add account" and select the blockchain (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.). Ledger Live will scan and detect accounts associated with your device's public keys. Repeat for each blockchain you want to manage.
Ledger Live supports thousands of assets — some networks may require you to install a specific app on the Ledger device using the Manager tab inside Ledger Live.
Step 6 — Receiving funds
To receive crypto, select the account in Ledger Live and click "Receive." The app and your Ledger device will display the address. Always confirm the address shown in Ledger Live matches the address displayed on your device screen before sharing it. Copying from the device screen by typing it manually reduces risk of clipboard malware interception.
Step 7 — Sending funds
To send funds, click "Send" and enter the recipient address and amount. Check fee options and set a custom fee if the network allows. Confirm the transaction details shown in Ledger Live and then verify the transaction on your Ledger device. The device displays the exact amount, destination address, and fee — only approve if they match your intent.
Step 8 — Staking & Earning
Ledger Live supports staking for selected assets (e.g., ETH, ADA, SOL). Navigate to the Stake or Earn section, choose a supported asset, and follow the guided validator selection and staking steps. Ledger Live will show expected rewards, unstaking periods, and validator information.
Step 9 — Buy, sell & swap
Ledger Live integrates with partner services for buying and swapping crypto. These services are third-party and may require identity verification and additional fees. Ledger Live will present partner options and rates; review them carefully and confirm on the Ledger device when necessary.
Step 10 — Manage apps and firmware
Use the Manager section in Ledger Live to install blockchain apps on your Ledger device. Ledger periodically releases firmware updates. Always follow the guided firmware update steps in Ledger Live; do not interrupt the device during updates.
Security best practices
- Store your 24‑word recovery phrase offline and in multiple secure physical locations. Consider metal backups for fire/water resistance.
- Never share your recovery phrase. Ledger support will never ask for it.
- Verify addresses and transaction details on the Ledger device screen before approving.
- Only download Ledger Live from the official Ledger domain and verify installer checksums when available.
- Use a strong device PIN and keep your computer free from malware by maintaining updated OS and antivirus protections.
Troubleshooting — common issues
Device not recognized: Try a different USB cable or port. Ensure the device is unlocked and the Ledger Live app is allowed to access USB devices. On some systems, installing drivers or granting permissions may be required.
App installation fails: Close Ledger Live, reconnect the device, and retry. Check logs in the Manager tab for error codes and consult Ledger support resources.
Missing accounts: Ensure you installed the correct blockchain app on your device and re-add the account in Ledger Live. For tokens on Ethereum, custom tokens may require manual addition.
Privacy & telemetry
Ledger Live sends minimal telemetry by default and provides privacy controls in settings. Review data sharing preference and disable any telemetry you’re uncomfortable with. Account addresses (public) are needed to display balances; Ledger Live does not transmit private keys.
Advanced tips
- Use the "Export accounts" feature to create CSV reports for tax or accounting purposes.
- For power users, Ledger Live supports custom fee settings, multiple derivation paths, and advanced account management.
- Consider using a separate, dedicated computer for high-value transactions for extra security.
When to contact Ledger support
Contact official Ledger support for issues like firmware failures, device malfunctions, or guidance when unsure about a transaction. Always verify you’re on official support channels and beware of phishing attempts on social media or forums offering recovery assistance — these are often scams.