Official Site® | Ledger Live Desktop® — Getting Started

Welcome to Ledger Live Desktop®. This guide walks you through installation, device setup, adding accounts, sending & receiving crypto, and best practices to keep your assets safe.

Download Ledger Live Desktop®

What is Ledger Live Desktop®?

Ledger Live Desktop® is the official desktop application that lets you manage your hardware wallet, view portfolio balances, install apps on your device, send and receive cryptocurrencies, and connect to decentralized applications. It pairs with Ledger hardware devices to keep your private keys offline while granting you a modern interface for everyday crypto operations.

Download & Install

  1. Visit the official download page — Always download Ledger Live Desktop® from the official site to avoid fake installers.
  2. Choose your OS — Windows, macOS (Intel & Apple Silicon), or Linux builds are available.
  3. Install the app — Run the installer and follow on-screen instructions. On macOS you may need to allow the app in Security & Privacy settings.
  4. Tip: Keep your operating system up to date for best security and hardware compatibility.

Initial setup with your Ledger device

If you have a new Ledger device (Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, etc.), follow these steps:

  1. Power on the device and choose a PIN code directly on the hardware.
  2. Write down your recovery phrase — the 24‑word recovery phrase is the only backup of your funds. Write it on the provided recovery sheet and store it in a safe place offline. Never share it or enter it into a website.
  3. Install Ledger Live Desktop® on your computer and open the application.
  4. Connect your device via USB (or Bluetooth with Ledger Nano X) and follow the on-screen steps to pair the device and Ledger Live.
Security reminder: Ledger will never ask for your 24‑word recovery phrase in Ledger Live. If any website or person asks for it, stop immediately — it’s a scam.

Adding accounts & managing assets

Ledger Live supports dozens of blockchains. To add an account:

  1. Open Ledger Live and go to Accounts > Add account.
  2. Select the cryptocurrency (for example, Bitcoin or Ethereum) and follow the prompts to install the corresponding app on your Ledger device.
  3. Open the app on your device and confirm the connection in Ledger Live. Your new account will sync with the blockchain and display balances and transaction history.

Ledger Live also supports staking, NFTs viewing for some chains, and integration with third-party providers for swapping or earning features.

Send & Receive Crypto

  1. Receive: Select an account, click Receive, verify the address on your Ledger device and share the address or QR code with the sender.
  2. Send: Select Send, enter the recipient address, amount and fees. Confirm the transaction details on your Ledger device before approving.

Always verify the full address on your hardware device screen — copying/pasting can be intercepted by malware.

Installing apps on your Ledger device

Ledger devices use small on-device apps for each blockchain. Ledger Live controls app installation:

  1. Go to the Manager in Ledger Live and connect your device.
  2. Find the app (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) and click Install. The device has limited storage; remove unused apps first if you run out of space — removing an app does not delete your accounts or funds.

Security best practices

  • Always download Ledger Live from the official site and verify signatures when available.
  • Never share your 24‑word recovery phrase, PIN, or passphrase with anyone.
  • Use a strong, unique device PIN and enable a passphrase for an extra layer of security if you understand how it works.
  • Keep firmware & Ledger Live updated — updates often include security fixes and new features.
  • Consider using a dedicated computer for crypto if you manage substantial funds.

Troubleshooting & common questions

Ledger Live can't detect my device: Try a different USB cable or port, ensure the device is unlocked and the correct app is open on the device. Restart Ledger Live and the device.

Transactions pending or stuck: Check the blockchain explorer for status. If necessary, cancel or replace the transaction using fee bumping where supported, or contact the service you’re interacting with.

Lost or damaged device: You can restore your accounts on a new Ledger device (or compatible recovery process) using your 24‑word recovery phrase. If your recovery phrase was compromised, move funds to a new wallet immediately.

FAQ

Q: Can I use Ledger Live without a Ledger device?
A: Ledger Live requires a hardware wallet for signing transactions. You can still explore the app interface, but signing requires a device.

Q: Is Ledger Live free?
A: Yes — Ledger Live Desktop® is free to download and use. Network fees apply when sending transactions.