Ledger® Live Desktop – Getting Started Guide
In today’s rapidly evolving digital finance landscape, securing your cryptocurrency investments is more important than ever. The Ledger® Live Desktop application is the official software for managing your crypto using a Ledger hardware wallet. It provides a secure, streamlined interface to buy, sell, send, receive, stake, and monitor digital assets — all in one place.
Whether you're new to crypto or transitioning from a mobile wallet, this guide walks you through getting started with Ledger Live Desktop, from installation to first transaction.
What Is Ledger Live?
Ledger Live is the companion app for Ledger Nano S, Nano S Plus, and Nano X hardware wallets. It connects directly to your device and gives you full control over your cryptocurrency — while keeping your private keys stored securely offline on the hardware wallet.
With Ledger Live, you can:
- Set up your Ledger device
- Manage multiple cryptocurrencies and tokens
- Check real-time balances
- Send and receive digital assets securely
- Stake supported coins and earn rewards
- Install crypto apps and firmware updates
Ledger Live is available on both desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux) and mobile, but this guide focuses on the desktop version.
Step 1: Download and Install Ledger Live
To begin, download the official Ledger Live Desktop app from the verified source.
Installation Steps:
- Choose the version compatible with your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
- Download the installer and run the setup file.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete installation.
- Launch the Ledger Live app upon successful setup.
After launching, Ledger Live will prompt you to either set up a new device or connect an existing one.
Step 2: Set Up or Connect Your Ledger Device
If you have a brand-new Ledger Nano device:
- Select “Set up a new device.”
- Follow on-screen instructions to initialize your device, create a PIN, and write down your 24-word recovery phrase.
- Confirm the recovery phrase to complete initialization.
If you already have a Ledger device:
- Select “Connect your Ledger device.”
- Use the USB cable (or Bluetooth for Nano X) to connect.
- Enter your PIN on the device.
- Ledger Live will verify your device’s authenticity.
Your recovery phrase is your only backup. Write it down on paper and keep it in a safe, offline location. Never store it digitally or share it.
Step 3: Add Crypto Accounts
Once your device is set up, it's time to add cryptocurrency accounts.
How to Add Accounts:
- In the Ledger Live app, go to the “Accounts” tab.
- Click “Add account.”
- Choose the cryptocurrency you want to manage (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.).
- Follow instructions to install the appropriate app on your device via Ledger Live.
- The app will scan the blockchain and show your balance.
- Confirm to add the account to your dashboard.
You can repeat this process to add multiple crypto accounts, each stored under its corresponding network.
Step 4: Receive and Send Crypto Securely
Receiving Crypto:
- Select the crypto account you want to receive into.
- Click “Receive.”
- Ledger Live will generate a wallet address.
- Confirm the address on your Ledger device screen.
- Share the verified address with the sender.
Sending Crypto:
- Go to the account you wish to send from.
- Click “Send.”
- Enter the recipient’s address, amount, and transaction fee.
- Verify all details on your Ledger device screen.
- Confirm the transaction physically on the device.
Ledger Live ensures that all actions require on-device confirmation, protecting you from phishing, malware, and unauthorized access.
Step 5: Explore Additional Features
Ledger Live isn’t just for basic wallet functions. It offers a range of advanced tools and integrations:
- Buy/Sell Crypto: Partnered with third-party providers so you can purchase crypto directly within the app.
- Staking Services: Stake supported assets like Ethereum, Tezos, and Solana to earn rewards.
- Swap Crypto: Exchange tokens securely without leaving the app.
- Portfolio Tracking: See a detailed overview of your asset allocation, historical performance, and market value.
- Firmware and App Updates: Keep your Ledger device secure and up to date with the latest features and security patches.
Best Security Practices
- Always download Ledger Live from the official source.
- Never share your 24-word recovery phrase. No support agent will ever ask for it.
- Keep your device PIN secure and never write it down near your recovery phrase.
- Regularly check for firmware updates via Ledger Live.
- Double-check receiving addresses on the Ledger device screen to avoid address tampering.
By following these steps, you’ll greatly reduce the risk of scams, hacks, and other threats.
Conclusion
The Ledger Live Desktop app offers a powerful, all-in-one solution for managing your crypto assets with confidence. Combined with your Ledger hardware wallet, it ensures your private keys are safe and your transactions are secure — all while giving you a seamless user experience.