Ledger® Live: Desktop — Getting Started
Official support guide for Ledger Live Desktop: download, device setup, account management, secure transactions, firmware updates, and troubleshooting.
Introduction
Ledger Live Desktop is the official application for managing Ledger hardware wallets (Nano S Plus, Nano X, Stax, and others). It provides a secure, user-friendly interface to view balances, install blockchain apps, send & receive cryptocurrencies, stake supported tokens, and update firmware — while your private keys remain safely stored on the hardware device.
Before you begin — essentials
- A genuine Ledger hardware wallet purchased from ledger.com or an authorized reseller.
- A computer running Windows, macOS, or Linux and an internet connection.
- Ledger Live Desktop installer downloaded from ledger.com/start.
- A secure place to record your recovery phrase (paper recovery card or metal backup recommended).
- 20–45 minutes of uninterrupted time for initial setup and verification.
Download & install Ledger Live
Get the official app
- Open your browser and go to
ledger.com/start. - Select your operating system and download Ledger Live Desktop.
- Run the installer and open Ledger Live after installation.
Tip: Always verify the URL and use bookmarks to avoid phishing sites.
Initialize your Ledger device
Create or restore
- Turn on the Ledger and follow the device prompts to create a new wallet or restore an existing one.
- If creating new, choose a PIN code and write down the 24-word recovery phrase shown by the device — exactly and in order.
- Confirm the seed words when prompted by the device to finalize initialization.
Connect Ledger Live & add accounts
With your device connected and unlocked, open Ledger Live and choose the Manager to install blockchain apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) on your device. After installing apps, use Accounts → Add account to add the corresponding accounts — Ledger Live will synchronize balances and transaction history.
Send & receive — safe transaction workflow
To receive funds, click Receive on an account and verify the address on your Ledger device screen before sharing it. To send funds, create the transaction in Ledger Live and confirm the details physically on your device. That physical confirmation is the final security gate preventing remote signing by malware.
Manager & firmware updates
Ledger Live manages device firmware updates and app installations. Only approve firmware updates when prompted on-device and initiated through Ledger Live. Firmware updates often include security patches — keep devices updated but only via official Ledger Live prompts.
Security best practices
- Only download Ledger Live from ledger.com/start. Bookmark the official site.
- Record recovery phrases offline; consider metal backups for durability against fire, water, and time.
- Confirm every address and amount on the device screen before approving a transaction.
- Keep Ledger Live and your device firmware up to date.
- Use a passphrase (advanced) only if you fully understand how it affects recovery and access.
Troubleshooting — quick fixes
Ledger Live can't detect my device
Try a different USB cable or port, unlock the device before connecting, restart Ledger Live, and check OS permissions (drivers on Windows). On macOS, ensure the browser/OS allows Ledger Live connections. For Nano X, check Bluetooth pairing and permissions on your phone.
Firmware update failed
Reconnect the device, restart Ledger Live, and retry the update. If repeated failures occur, consult official Ledger Support rather than following unverified online fixes.
Lost recovery phrase
If you lose your recovery phrase and have no backup, funds cannot be recovered. Make multiple offline backups and store them in different secure locations.
FAQ (short)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is Ledger Live free? | Yes — Ledger Live Desktop is free. Third-party services inside the app (swaps, buy/sell, staking providers) may charge fees. |
| Can I use Ledger Live without a hardware device? | Ledger Live requires a Ledger device to sign transactions. You can view some features, but signing always requires the device. |
| What if my device is stolen? | If your device is stolen but your PIN and recovery phrase are safe, your funds remain secure. Restore with the recovery phrase on a new device if needed. |
| Should I enable a passphrase? | Passphrases add extra privacy & security but also increase complexity. Only enable them after understanding implications for backup and recovery. |
Contact & support
For additional help, use the in-app Support menu or visit support.ledger.com. Only use official channels for sensitive troubleshooting — never provide your recovery phrase to anyone.