Ledger® Live: Desktop — Getting Started

Ledger® Live Desktop is the official companion application that pairs with your Ledger hardware wallet (for example, Ledger Nano S, Nano S Plus, or Nano X) to securely manage your cryptocurrency assets from your computer. With Ledger Live, you can send and receive crypto, monitor your portfolio, stake supported assets, install apps, and more — all while ensuring your private keys remain offline on your Ledger device.

Why Use Ledger Live Desktop?

• Strong Security: Private keys never leave your Ledger device. All sensitive operations require confirmation on the hardware device itself. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
• Unified Interface: Manage multiple cryptocurrencies and accounts from one dashboard. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
• Advanced Features: Support for staking, swapping, NFT management, and app installation. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
• Cross-Platform: Available on Windows, macOS, and Linux. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Before You Begin: What You’ll Need

• Ledger hardware wallet (such as Nano S Plus or Nano X) :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• A supported computer: Windows 10 (or newer), macOS (recent version), or a supported Linux distribution :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
• A USB cable to connect the Ledger device (and Bluetooth for Nano X in mobile setups, though desktop connections use USB) :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
• A secure environment and uninterrupted time (10–15 minutes) for the setup process :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
• A pen and the recovery‑phrase sheet (to record the 24-word recovery phrase) — never store it digitally :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

Step‑by‑Step Guide to Getting Started

1. Download & Install Ledger Live

Go to ledger.com/ledger-live or ledger.com/start (official) and choose the version for your operating system (Windows .exe, macOS .dmg, or Linux package). :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10} Download and run the installer; after installation, launch the Ledger Live application.

2. Launch and Begin Setup

1. Open Ledger Live and click on Get started. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
2. Select your device model (e.g. “Ledger Nano S Plus” or “Ledger Nano X”). :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
3. Choose whether you’re setting up a new device or restoring one from an existing recovery phrase. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
4. Connect your Ledger device to the computer via USB and unlock it using the PIN (if already set). :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}

3. Initialize or Restore Your Device

If you're initializing a new device:

1. Set up a **PIN code** (typically 4 to 8 digits) on the Ledger device itself. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
2. The device will generate and display a **24-word recovery phrase** (also called a mnemonic seed). Write down each word in order on the provided recovery sheet. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
3. Ledger Live may ask you to confirm the recovery phrase by selecting words in the right order. This verifies accuracy. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}

If you're restoring from an existing recovery phrase:

1. Select the restore option, then input each of your 24 words via the device interface. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
2. Once confirmed, your private keys and accounts will be recovered. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}

4. Security / Genuine Check

After setup or restore, Ledger Live will perform a “genuine check” to verify that your hardware device is authentic. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20} This involves communication with Ledger servers and cryptographic validation. You’ll need to press both buttons on the device when prompted. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21} Once complete, you should see a message like “All Good! Your device is genuine.” :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}

5. (Optional) Set a Password for Ledger Live

Ledger Live allows you to set an optional application password that is separate from your device PIN. This adds privacy in case others access your computer. :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23} Be careful: if you forget this password, you’ll need to reset Ledger Live and re-add your accounts (but your crypto holdings remain unaffected). :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}

6. Configure Analytics & Bug Reports

Ledger Live will prompt you about sharing anonymous usage analytics or crash reports. You can toggle these settings under Settings → General. :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25} Note: only non‑sensitive data is collected; you can opt out at any time. :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}

7. Install Apps & Add Accounts

To manage different blockchains, your Ledger device must run the relevant app (for example, Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana). In Ledger Live:

1. Go to the **Manager** tab (sometimes labeled “My Ledger”). :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}
2. Connect and unlock your Ledger device. :contentReference[oaicite:28]{index=28}
3. Browse and install the apps for the cryptocurrencies you intend to use. :contentReference[oaicite:29]{index=29}

After installing the apps:

1. Go to the **Accounts** section and click **Add account**. :contentReference[oaicite:30]{index=30}
2. Select the crypto (e.g. Ethereum) and follow prompts to sync with the blockchain. :contentReference[oaicite:31]{index=31}
3. Repeat to add multiple accounts for different assets. :contentReference[oaicite:32]{index=32}

How to Send, Receive & Manage Crypto

Receive Crypto

1. In Ledger Live, go to the desired account and click **Receive**. :contentReference[oaicite:33]{index=33}
2. Connect and unlock your device. :contentReference[oaicite:34]{index=34}
3. Verify the address shown on your computer matches the one on your device screen. Always trust the Ledger screen, not your computer’s display. :contentReference[oaicite:35]{index=35}
4. Copy or share that address for others to send crypto to you. :contentReference[oaicite:36]{index=36}

Send Crypto

1. Click **Send** in Ledger Live. :contentReference[oaicite:37]{index=37}
2. Fill in the recipient address, amount, and (if supported by the blockchain) optional memo or data field. :contentReference[oaicite:38]{index=38}
3. Select a fee level (e.g. Fast, Medium, Slow) or set a custom fee. :contentReference[oaicite:39]{index=39}
4. Click continue, then confirm transaction details on your Ledger device itself. You must physically approve the transaction. :contentReference[oaicite:40]{index=40}

Portfolio & Dashboard

The **Portfolio** tab shows your total net worth, breakdown by asset, 24‑hour changes, historic charts, and performance metrics. :contentReference[oaicite:41]{index=41} You can also export transaction history (e.g. CSV) for tax or record‑keeping purposes. :contentReference[oaicite:42]{index=42}

Staking, Swap & NFTs

Ledger Live supports extra features:

• Staking / Earn: For supported crypto (e.g. ETH, ATOM, DOT), you can delegate or stake directly from Ledger Live. :contentReference[oaicite:43]{index=43}
• Swap / Bridge: Swap between assets or bridge across chains via integrated partner services (e.g. Changelly, Bity) directly within Ledger Live. :contentReference[oaicite:44]{index=44}
• NFT Management: View and manage NFT collections (ERC‑721 / ERC‑1155) inside the app. :contentReference[oaicite:45]{index=45}

Security Tips & Best Practices

• Always verify addresses and transaction details on the Ledger device itself — never rely solely on your computer’s display. :contentReference[oaicite:46]{index=46}
• Keep your firmware and Ledger Live version updated to patch vulnerabilities or bugs. :contentReference[oaicite:47]{index=47}
• Only install trusted apps via Ledger Live’s Manager — avoid unknown or community apps not vetted. :contentReference[oaicite:48]{index=48}
• Store your recovery phrase offline (paper or metal backup). Never photograph, email, or store it digitally. :contentReference[oaicite:49]{index=49}
• Use a passphrase (optional) to add an extra layer of protection (it creates a hidden set of accounts). Be careful and understand how passphrases work. :contentReference[oaicite:50]{index=50}
• Periodically export your transaction history and reconcile with blockchain explorers to ensure integrity. :contentReference[oaicite:51]{index=51}
• Avoid downloading Ledger Live from search engine links — always navigate manually to the official site. Phishing attacks are active (especially on macOS). :contentReference[oaicite:52]{index=52}

Troubleshooting & Tips

Here are a few common hurdles and tips to resolve them:

• If Ledger Live doesn’t detect your device, ensure the USB cable supports data (not just charging). Some cheap cables lack data lines. :contentReference[oaicite:53]{index=53}
• If a firmware update or app installation fails mid‑process, disconnect and retry from the Manager tab. :contentReference[oaicite:54]{index=54}
• When switching computers, you’ll need to re‑add your accounts by going through “Add account” — accounts from mobile don’t automatically carry over into desktop. :contentReference[oaicite:55]{index=55}
• If the desktop UI behaves weirdly (overlaps, glitches), restarting the app or reinstalling often helps. :contentReference[oaicite:56]{index=56}

Next Steps After Setup

Once your Ledger Live and device are set up, here’s what you can do:

• Familiarize yourself with the dashboard and account views
• Try sending and receiving small test amounts first
• Enable staking for supported assets
• Explore swap or bridge features cautiously
• Manage NFT collections if you have them
• Enable and test optional features like passphrase protection

How to Restore Access If You Lose the App or Device

Losing your computer or uninstalling Ledger Live doesn’t mean losing access — as long as you securely have your 24-word recovery phrase, you can restore:

1. Obtain a new Ledger hardware wallet (or reuse your existing one after wiping). :contentReference[oaicite:57]{index=57}
2. Download Ledger Live from the official site on your computer. :contentReference[oaicite:58]{index=58}
3. Select “Restore device” in Ledger Live. :contentReference[oaicite:59]{index=59}
4. Enter your 24-word recovery phrase via the Ledger device. :contentReference[oaicite:60]{index=60}
5. After restoring, reinstall apps and re-add accounts in Ledger Live. :contentReference[oaicite:61]{index=61}

Conclusion

Getting started with Ledger Live Desktop may seem daunting at first, but by following these steps carefully, you’ll have a secure and powerful setup to manage your crypto holdings. The key strengths lie in keeping your private keys offline while still enabling you to interact with blockchains via a desktop interface. Take time to get familiar with sending, receiving, staking, and other features — but always keep security top of mind: never share your recovery phrase, verify every transaction on the device, and keep both firmware and software up to date.

If you ever run into issues, consult the official Ledger Support center for FAQs, articles, or direct assistance. Stay vigilant against phishing and always verify you’re using official software.

Last updated: September 2025