Ledger® Live: Desktop | Getting Started - Ledger® Support

Welcome to your comprehensive guide on getting started with Ledger® Live Desktop. Whether you’re new to cryptocurrency or upgrading your security setup, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to download, install, and configure Ledger Live for your Ledger hardware wallet.

What is Ledger® Live Desktop?

Ledger Live is a free, secure application designed by Ledger to help you manage your cryptocurrency assets with ease. It acts as a control center for your Ledger hardware wallet, enabling you to check your balances, send and receive crypto, install apps, stake supported coins, and much more—all from your desktop.

Ledger Live is compatible with the Ledger Nano S, Nano S Plus, and Nano X devices. It provides a user-friendly interface while keeping your private keys safely stored on your hardware device.

Key Features of Ledger Live Desktop

• Multi-asset management: Supports over 5,500 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and many altcoins.
• Real-time portfolio tracking: View your assets’ value changes, transaction history, and overall portfolio performance.
• Secure transactions: All transactions must be confirmed on your Ledger device, ensuring your private keys never leave the hardware wallet.
• Integrated crypto services: Buy, sell, swap, and stake cryptocurrencies directly from Ledger Live.
• App management: Easily install and uninstall apps on your Ledger device to support different cryptocurrencies.
• Open-source and transparent: Ledger Live’s codebase is publicly available for review, fostering trust and security.

System Requirements

Before downloading Ledger Live, make sure your computer meets the following minimum requirements:

• Operating System: Windows 8 or later, macOS 10.14 or later, or Linux (most distributions)
• Processor: 64-bit Intel or AMD processor
• RAM: At least 2 GB
• Internet connection: Required for app updates, portfolio synchronization, and crypto transactions
• USB port: Required to connect your Ledger hardware wallet

Downloading Ledger Live Desktop

Follow these steps to safely download Ledger Live:

1. Open your web browser and visit the official Ledger website: https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live
2. Choose the appropriate download option for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
3. Click the download button to start the process.
4. Once downloaded, verify the checksum (optional but recommended) to ensure the file has not been tampered with.

Important: Always download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website. Avoid third-party sites to protect yourself from phishing or malware.

Installing Ledger Live on Your Desktop

Windows Installation

1. Locate the downloaded .exe file (usually in your Downloads folder).
2. Double-click the file to launch the installation wizard.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Ledger Live.
4. Once installed, open Ledger Live from your Start menu or desktop shortcut.

macOS Installation

1. Open the downloaded .dmg file.
2. Drag the Ledger Live icon into your Applications folder.
3. Launch Ledger Live from Applications. If macOS blocks the app, go to System Preferences → Security & Privacy → General, then click “Open Anyway.”

Linux Installation

1. Download the Ledger Live .AppImage file.
2. Open a terminal and run: chmod +x Ledger\ Live*.AppImage to make it executable.
3. Run the app using: ./Ledger\ Live*.AppImage

Setting Up Ledger Live with Your Hardware Wallet

After installation, it’s time to link Ledger Live with your Ledger device.

1. Open Ledger Live and click Get Started.
2. Select your device model: Ledger Nano S, Nano S Plus, or Nano X.
3. Choose whether to Initialize as new device or Restore device from recovery phrase.
4. Follow on-screen prompts to set a PIN code and safely record your 24-word recovery phrase. Never share your recovery phrase with anyone.
5. Once your device is set up, Ledger Live will sync with your hardware wallet.

Security Tip: Always keep your recovery phrase offline and never store it digitally. This phrase is the only way to recover your wallet if your device is lost or damaged.

Adding Cryptocurrency Accounts

Ledger Live requires you to add accounts to manage different cryptocurrencies.

1. In Ledger Live, click on the Accounts tab.
2. Click Add Account.
3. Select the cryptocurrency you want to add (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum).
4. Ledger Live will prompt you to open the corresponding app on your Ledger device.
5. After scanning, Ledger Live will display your account balance and transaction history.

Sending and Receiving Cryptocurrency

Receiving Crypto

1. Go to the Receive tab in Ledger Live.
2. Select the account and cryptocurrency.
3. Ledger Live will generate a receiving address.
4. Verify the address displayed on your Ledger device to ensure it matches.
5. Copy the address and share it with the sender.

Sending Crypto

1. Navigate to the Send tab.
2. Enter the recipient’s address and the amount to send.
3. Verify all details carefully.
4. Confirm the transaction on your Ledger device by reviewing and approving it.
5. Wait for the transaction confirmation on the blockchain.

Portfolio Management and Additional Features

Ledger Live Desktop offers more than basic wallet functionality:

• Portfolio dashboard: View the real-time value of your crypto holdings and track performance over time.
• Staking: Stake supported assets such as Tezos (XTZ), Ethereum 2.0 (ETH), and more directly from the app to earn rewards.
• Buy & Swap: Purchase cryptocurrency with fiat through integrated partners and swap between supported tokens.
• Firmware updates: Easily update your Ledger device’s firmware to ensure optimal security and features.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Ledger Live Does Not Detect Your Device

• Make sure your device is unlocked and on the home screen.
• Use the original USB cable and connect directly to your computer (avoid hubs).
• Try a different USB port.
• Restart Ledger Live and reconnect your device.
• Ensure your device firmware is up to date.

Unable to Add Account

• Verify that the correct app for the cryptocurrency is installed on your Ledger device.
• Close and reopen Ledger Live.
• Try removing and re-adding the account.

App Installation Fails on Device

• Check if your device has enough storage available; uninstall unused apps if necessary.
• Update your Ledger device firmware.
• Restart the device and Ledger Live application.

Keeping Your Crypto Safe

Remember, security is paramount in crypto. Here are some final safety tips:

• Never share your 24-word recovery phrase.
• Keep your Ledger device PIN secure and private.
• Regularly update Ledger Live and your device firmware.
• Be wary of phishing attempts — always verify URLs and emails claiming to be from Ledger.

Getting Help and Support

If you encounter issues beyond this guide, Ledger offers comprehensive support resources:

• Ledger Support Center
• Ledger Community Forums
• Contact Ledger Support directly for assistance via their official channels.

Conclusion

Ledger® Live Desktop is a powerful and secure tool to manage your cryptocurrency assets. By pairing it with your Ledger hardware wallet, you benefit from the highest level of security while maintaining ease of use.

Follow this guide carefully to install and set up Ledger Live, add accounts, and start transacting securely. Always stay vigilant about security best practices, and enjoy managing your crypto portfolio with confidence.

Thank you for choosing Ledger® — securing the future of crypto, one wallet at a time.