Ledger® Live: Desktop® — Getting Started | official Ledger Wallet™ App
Ledger® Live: Desktop® is the official companion application for Ledger hardware wallets. It provides a secure, intuitive interface for managing cryptocurrencies while keeping your private keys safely offline inside your Ledger device. This guide will take you from zero to fully operational — from download and installation to advanced features like staking, portfolio tracking, and Web3 integration. Ledger+1
📌 1. What Is Ledger Live Desktop?
Ledger Live Desktop is a non-custodial crypto wallet application that works with Ledger hardware wallets (such as Ledger Nano S Plus®, Ledger Nano X®, or Stax®) to let you:
- Manage your crypto portfolio from one unified dashboard
- Send and receive coins securely
- Buy, sell, and swap tokens through integrated partners
- Stake supported assets to earn rewards
- Install blockchain apps on your Ledger device
- Connect to Web3 and decentralized apps (dApps)
- Track market trends, prices, and analytics
All private keys remain on your hardware wallet, never exposed to your desktop or the internet. Transactions are prepared in Ledger Live and cryptographically signed on-device. Ledger+1
🛡️ 2. Security First: Why Ledger Live Matters
Before you begin, understand the core value proposition:
🔐 Hardware + Software, Maximum Security
Ledger Live pairs with a Ledger hardware wallet to keep private keys offline. Even if your desktop is compromised, your keys stay secure and require physical confirmation on your Ledger device screen for any transaction.
⚠️ Never Enter Your Recovery Phrase
Ledger Live will never ask for your 24-word recovery phrase (seed phrase). If any app, email, or site requests your seed phrase, it’s a scam. Always download Ledger Live from Ledger’s official website and avoid any third-party downloads or links. Ledger Live Desktop
💻 3. Downloading Ledger Live Desktop
✅ Official Source
Go to the official Ledger download page:
From here, choose Ledger Live and select your Desktop version. Download only from Ledger’s official site to avoid phishing or fake applications. Ledger Live App
🖥️ Supported Platforms
Ledger Live Desktop is available for:
- Windows (10 or higher)
- macOS (Monterey or higher)
- Linux (Ubuntu 20.04+ or compatible 64-bit)
Check system requirements on the Ledger site to ensure compatibility before installing. LiveLeDeGr
🚀 4. Installing & Launching Ledger Live
🧩 Installation Steps
- Run the installer you downloaded.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to install.
- Open Ledger Live Desktop once installation completes.
When launched, you’ll see a welcome screen prompting you to get started. Ledger
📦 5. Setting Up Your Ledger Hardware Wallet
If you’re new to Ledger:
🛠️ Initial Setup
- Connect your Ledger device via USB (or Bluetooth for Nano X on supported systems).
- Follow on-device prompts to:
- Set a secure PIN (never share it).
- Generate and write down your 24-word recovery phrase on the supplied recovery sheet.
- Confirm the phrase on-device.
This recovery phrase is the only way to restore your wallet if your device is lost or damaged — store it offline in a secure place. Ledger Live Desktop
🔄 Restore an Existing Wallet
If you already have a Ledger recovery phrase:
- Choose the Restore device option in Ledger Live.
- Enter your 24-word phrase on the device (never on your desktop).
- Your accounts and asset access will be restored automatically. Ledger Live
🔌 6. Pairing Ledger Live with Your Device
Once your device is initialized:
- Open Ledger Live Desktop.
- Click Get Started.
- Select your Ledger model (Nano S Plus, Nano X, etc.).
- Connect your device and unlock it with your PIN.
- Allow Ledger Live to verify the device and apply firmware updates if needed.
This process ensures your device is up to date with the latest security patches. Ledger Live
🧠 7. Installing Blockchain Apps
Ledger wallets use individual blockchain apps (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) to manage assets for each network.
- Go to the Manager tab in Ledger Live.
- Install the specific app you want such as Bitcoin or Ethereum.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to complete installation.
Once installed, Ledger Live can manage keys and balances for that blockchain. Ledger
📊 8. Adding Accounts to Ledger Live
After installing blockchain apps:
- Click Accounts → Add account.
- Choose the cryptocurrency you want to manage.
- Ledger Live will sync your device and show balances and transaction history.
You can add multiple accounts for different assets — all controlled by your Ledger hardware wallet. Ledger
💸 9. How to Send & Receive Crypto
📥 Receiving Funds
- Go to the Receive tab.
- Select the account for the asset.
- Connect your Ledger device.
- Verify the address on the Ledger device screen before copying it.
- Share this address with the sender.
📤 Sending Funds
- Click Send.
- Enter the recipient address and amount.
- Connect and verify all transaction details on your Ledger device.
- Physically confirm the transaction on-device.
This two-step verification ensures the app and device both agree on the transaction before signing. Ledger Live
🔁 10. Buy, Sell & Swap Crypto
Ledger Live provides integrated services to:
- Buy crypto with fiat currency via partners like MoonPay or Coinbase
- Sell crypto and convert back to fiat
- Swap tokens across supported blockchains without transferring funds back to an exchange
These services are seamlessly integrated directly within Ledger Live’s interface, making trading convenient while still being secure. Teachable
🪙 11. Staking & Earning Rewards
Ledger Live lets you stake supported assets (like Ethereum, Tezos, and more) to earn rewards:
- Head to the Earn or Staking section.
- Choose an asset and staking provider.
- Follow the prompts to stake via Ledger Live.
Staking rewards can vary by network and provider — Ledger Live makes it smooth to choose and monitor your staking performance. Ledger
🌐 12. Web3 & dApps Integration
Ledger Live can connect to decentralized applications (dApps) using WalletConnect or browser extension tools. When connecting to Web3:
- All signing requests must be confirmed physically on your device.
- Your private keys never leave the hardware wallet.
This lets you use DeFi platforms, NFT marketplaces, or decentralized exchanges securely. Teachable
📈 13. Portfolio & Market Insights
Within Ledger Live Desktop, you get:
- Real-time price data and portfolio value
- Historical performance charts
- Asset allocation insights
This makes it easier to manage and optimize your crypto investments across blockchains — all in one place. Ledger
🔧 14. Firmware & App Updates
Ledger Live Desktop helps you keep both device firmware and blockchain apps updated:
- Important for security
- Ensures compatibility with new features
- Protects against known vulnerabilities
Always update when prompted — but do so only through Ledger Live and not from external sources. Ledger Live
🛡️ 15. Security Best Practices
To protect your crypto assets:
🪪 Never Share Recovery Phrase
Treat your 24-word seed phrase like cash — if someone obtains it, they have full control of your funds. Ledger Live will never ask for it. Ledger Live Desktop
🔍 Avoid Fake Apps
Counterfeit Ledger Live installers and phishing apps have been used in scams — especially targeting macOS users. Always download only from ledger.com. TechRadar
🔒 Set Strong PIN & Use Passphrases
Choose a PIN you can remember, and consider using the optional passphrase feature only if you understand the risks — losing it means losing access. Ledger Live Desktop
🧊 Keep Backups Offline
Recording your recovery phrase offline — ideally on steel or paper — protects you against digital loss. Ledger Live Desktop
🧑💻 16. Troubleshooting
If Ledger Live doesn’t detect your device:
- Try a different USB cable or port
- Update Ledger Live to the latest version
- Ensure device firmware is up to date
- Restart your computer and reconnect
Ledger’s official support has step-by-step troubleshooting guides if issues persist. Ledger Live Desktop
🎯 17. Final Thoughts
Ledger Live Desktop combined with a Ledger hardware wallet gives you industry-leading security and an easy-to-use interface to manage your entire crypto portfolio. It’s designed for beginners and advanced users alike — offering everything from basic wallet functionality to integration with DeFi and Web3. Just remember: your seed phrase is sacred, and Ledger Live should always be downloaded from the official site only. Ledger