Ledger Live Desktop | Getting Started

What is Ledger Live Desktop?

Ledger Live Desktop is the official desktop companion app for Ledger hardware wallets. It allows you to manage accounts, send and receive cryptocurrencies, install and remove apps on your device, and monitor your portfolio locally on your computer while keeping your private keys stored safely on your Ledger device.

Before you begin: Requirements and safety checklist

Before installing Ledger Live Desktop, ensure you have the following:

• A compatible desktop computer running Windows, macOS, or Linux.
• An official Ledger hardware device (such as Ledger Nano S Plus or Ledger Nano X) with its original cable.
• Your 24-word recovery phrase stored offline and never entered on a computer or phone (write it on the recovery card when you initialized your device).
• Access to a reliable internet connection to download Ledger Live and firmware updates.
• A secure place to install software and avoid public or untrusted computers when performing sensitive tasks.

Important safety tips:

• Only download Ledger Live Desktop from the official Ledger website.
• Never share your recovery phrase — Ledger support will never ask for it.
• Verify the device prompts on your Ledger hardware before approving actions.

Step-by-step: Install Ledger Live Desktop

Initialize your Ledger device

If you have a brand new Ledger device, the initialization process will take place on the device itself. Ledger Live Desktop will provide on-screen steps, but you must confirm choices on the hardware buttons. Typical initialization steps on your Ledger device include choosing a PIN and writing down your recovery phrase. These details never leave the device.

Never enter your 24-word recovery phrase into Ledger Live Desktop or any computer. Keep it offline in a secure location.

Adding accounts in Ledger Live Desktop

After setting up your device and opening Ledger Live Desktop:

• Go to the "Accounts" tab and choose "Add account".
• Select the cryptocurrency you want to add (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum).
• Connect and unlock your Ledger device, open the corresponding app on the device (e.g., Bitcoin app), and confirm the account on the device when prompted.
• Ledger Live Desktop will scan the blockchain and display your account balance and transaction history.

Repeat for each coin or token family you want to manage.

Send and receive transactions

To receive funds, open the desired account in Ledger Live Desktop, click "Receive", connect your device, and verify the receive address shown on both your computer and hardware device. Always confirm the address on the device screen.

To send funds, click "Send", enter the recipient address and amount, then connect your Ledger device and confirm the transaction details on the hardware before signing. Never sign transactions without checking the destination address and amount on the device display.

Managing apps and firmware

Ledger Live Desktop includes a Manager tab to install or remove blockchain apps on the Ledger device (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana apps). Only install apps you trust and need. Keep your device firmware up to date — firmware updates may include important security or compatibility fixes. Follow on-screen instructions and approve firmware updates only when your device is connected and you can verify prompts on the device.

Portfolio and settings

Ledger Live Desktop provides a portfolio overview, live price tracking, and settings to customize currency, language, and network preferences. You can also connect to third-party services (staking, exchanges) from within Ledger Live Desktop; review permissions and know that Ledger Live acts as an interface while private keys remain on the Ledger device.

Troubleshooting common issues

Ledger Live Desktop won't detect my device

Try a different USB cable or port, ensure the device is unlocked, and that you opened the appropriate app on the Ledger device (e.g., Ethereum app for ETH accounts). Restart Ledger Live Desktop and your computer if needed.

App update or firmware errors

Ensure your Ledger Live Desktop app is up to date. If an update fails, close Ledger Live, reconnect your device, and retry. Avoid interrupting firmware updates once started; if something goes wrong, follow official Ledger recovery instructions.

Unexpected balance or missing transactions

Confirm the network selection (mainnet vs testnet) and let Ledger Live Desktop resynchronize the account. Sometimes toggling the account off and back on can trigger a fresh scan.

Best practices for security

• Keep your recovery phrase offline and use a durable storage method (metal backup if available).
• Never share recovery words. No legitimate support will ask for them.
• Use a strong PIN on your Ledger device and enable passphrase features only if you understand them.
• Download Ledger Live Desktop only from official sources; verify signatures if you need extra assurance.
• Consider using Ledger Live Desktop on a personal, updated machine rather than public or shared computers.

FAQ — Quick answers

Can I use Ledger Live Desktop without a Ledger device?

No. Ledger Live Desktop requires a Ledger hardware device to manage the private keys and to sign transactions. The app is a management interface.

Is Ledger Live Desktop free?

Yes, the Ledger Live Desktop application is free to download and use.

Can I restore my wallet on another Ledger device?

Yes — if you have your recovery phrase, you can restore your accounts on another compatible Ledger device.

Need more help?

If you run into issues beyond basic troubleshooting, consult official resources and community guides. Always prioritize official documentation and never share your recovery phrase with anyone claiming to be support.