Ledger® Live: Desktop | Getting Started with Ledger

Ledger® Live is the official desktop application for managing your Ledger hardware wallet and cryptocurrency portfolio. Whether you're just beginning your crypto journey or you're a seasoned investor, Ledger Live offers a secure and streamlined way to interact with your Ledger Nano S Plus or Ledger Nano X. This guide walks you through downloading, installing, setting up, and using Ledger Live on your desktop.

1. What is Ledger Live?

Ledger Live is a free companion software for your Ledger hardware wallet. It allows users to manage over 5,500 coins and tokens, check real-time balances, perform crypto transactions, stake assets, install apps, and access integrated services like buying and swapping crypto.

Most importantly, Ledger Live works hand-in-hand with your hardware device to ensure all critical actions — like sending crypto — require physical device verification. This adds a powerful layer of security by keeping your private keys offline and away from hackers or malware.

2. Downloading Ledger Live (Desktop)

To get started, go to the official download page at ledger.com/ledger-live. Choose the version that matches your operating system:

  • Windows (64-bit)
  • macOS
  • Linux
Important: Only download from the official Ledger website to avoid phishing attacks or counterfeit software.

Once downloaded, open the file and follow the installation instructions for your operating system.

3. Installing and Launching Ledger Live

After the installation is complete, open Ledger Live. You’ll be greeted with a welcome screen asking if you want to set up a new device or restore an existing one.

Options include:

  • Set up a new Ledger device
  • Restore device from recovery phrase
  • Use an already initialized device

Choose the option that applies to you.

4. Setting Up Your Ledger Hardware Wallet

If you’re setting up a new Ledger Nano device, connect it to your computer via the included USB cable. Follow these steps:

a. Initialize Device

  • Turn on your Ledger device.
  • Choose "Set up as new device" on the screen.
  • Create a secure 4–8 digit PIN code using the device buttons.

b. Write Down Your Recovery Phrase

  • Your device will generate a unique 24-word recovery phrase.
  • Carefully write it down in order and store it offline.
  • Never share this phrase with anyone. It is the only way to restore access if your device is lost or stolen.

c. Verify Your Recovery Phrase

  • The device will ask you to confirm specific words from your phrase.
  • This step ensures you’ve recorded it correctly.

5. Pairing Ledger Device with Ledger Live

Once your hardware wallet is initialized, you’ll return to the Ledger Live desktop app.

  • Select your Ledger model (Nano S Plus or Nano X).
  • Connect your device to the computer.
  • Follow the on-screen prompts to pair and allow Ledger Live to recognize your wallet.
  • Enable “Allow Ledger Manager” on the device when prompted.

6. Installing Crypto Apps

Each supported crypto asset requires an app to be installed on your Ledger device. You can do this easily through Ledger Live:

  • Go to the Manager tab in the sidebar.
  • Unlock your Ledger device and allow access.
  • Search for the app (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) and click “Install.”
  • Your device will display the installation progress.

You can install multiple apps, though the number is limited by device storage. You can uninstall and reinstall apps without affecting your crypto assets.

7. Adding Accounts

Once apps are installed, you can add accounts for the crypto assets you plan to manage:

  • Click on Accounts in the sidebar.
  • Choose “Add account” and select the crypto (e.g., Bitcoin).
  • Ledger Live will scan the blockchain using your public address.
  • After scanning, your account will be added to the dashboard.

You can now view your balances, transaction history, and receive crypto to these addresses.

8. Sending and Receiving Crypto

To receive:

  • Click on the Receive button.
  • Select the asset and account.
  • Confirm the address shown in Ledger Live matches what appears on your Ledger device.
  • Share the address only after verifying it.

To send:

  • Click on Send.
  • Enter the recipient's wallet address and amount.
  • Confirm the transaction details on your Ledger device.
  • Approve the transaction by pressing the buttons.

9. Portfolio Management

Ledger Live’s Portfolio tab provides an overview of your total holdings and performance over time. You can filter by assets, view individual account activity, and access charts.

Features include:

  • Real-time balance updates
  • 24-hour/weekly/monthly performance charts
  • Historical asset allocation tracking

10. Staking and Earning

Ledger Live supports staking for selected coins like Ethereum (ETH), Tezos (XTZ), Cosmos (ATOM), and Polkadot (DOT):

  • Go to the Earn tab.
  • Select a supported asset.
  • Choose a validator or provider and delegate your tokens.
  • Staked assets remain in your control; you simply lock them to earn rewards.

11. Buy, Swap, and Sell Crypto

Ledger Live integrates with trusted third-party services (like MoonPay, Banxa, and Changelly) for:

  • Buying crypto with fiat
  • Swapping tokens across blockchains
  • Selling crypto to bank accounts

All transactions require confirmation on your Ledger device, maintaining security.

12. Backup and Recovery

If your Ledger device is lost, broken, or reset, you can recover your wallet using the 24-word recovery phrase. Just:

  • Initialize a new Ledger device
  • Select “Restore device from recovery phrase”
  • Enter your 24-word phrase in order

Your crypto assets will reappear once you reconnect to Ledger Live and resync your accounts.

13. Ledger Live Desktop Tips & Best Practices

  • Regularly update the Ledger Live app and your device firmware.
  • Enable the optional app password lock under settings.
  • Use only trusted computers and avoid public networks.
  • Never share your 24-word phrase with anyone — Ledger will never ask for it.
  • Bookmark the official site: https://www.ledger.com

14. Need Help?

Visit https://support.ledger.com for:

  • Video walkthroughs
  • FAQs and troubleshooting
  • Live chat support (official only)

Conclusion

Ledger Live for Desktop is a powerful and secure way to manage your cryptocurrency portfolio. By pairing your Ledger hardware wallet with Ledger Live, you retain full control over your private keys while enjoying a modern, intuitive user experience. From setup to staking, the application simplifies complex blockchain operations while upholding the highest security standards.