Ledger® Live: Desktop | Getting started with Ledger

Why Ledger? — the short version

Ledger hardware devices store private keys offline — in a secure element — so your crypto stays under your control. Ledger Live is the official desktop app used to manage hardware devices, install cryptocurrency apps on the device, add accounts, check balances, and sign transactions.

Unlike custodial wallets, Ledger gives you ownership over your keys while providing a polished, user-friendly desktop interface. It is ideal if you value security, plan to hold significant assets, or want to interact with decentralized applications (dApps) safely.

What you’ll need

• A Ledger hardware device (Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, or similar).
• A computer (Windows, macOS, or Linux) with an available USB port.
• A stable internet connection to download Ledger Live.
• A quiet place to write down your recovery phrase when prompted — paper and pen recommended.

1) Download and install Ledger Live (Desktop)

Always download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website to avoid phishing sites. Below are direct links to the main Ledger Live download pages and additional resources.

Installation steps

1. Visit the official Ledger Live download page and choose the correct installer for your OS (Windows .exe, macOS .dmg, or Linux AppImage).
2. Open the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to install Ledger Live on your desktop.
3. Launch Ledger Live and accept any permission prompts required by your OS.

2) Initial setup: connect your Ledger device

Once Ledger Live is installed, you’ll connect your hardware device and either initialize a new device or restore an existing one from a recovery phrase.

Initialize a new device

1. Open Ledger Live, choose Get started, then select your device model.
2. Follow the device prompts to choose a PIN code — this locks your device locally.
3. The device will show a 24-word recovery phrase (or 12 on some models) — write each word carefully and in order. Store this phrase offline in a safe place (not on a screenshot or cloud storage).

Restore from recovery phrase

If you already have a recovery phrase from a previous Ledger (or another compatible wallet), choose Restore device and enter the words in order when prompted by the device. Ledger Live will then pair with the device and allow you to manage accounts.

Important security note

Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase through Ledger Live or email. Never share your recovery phrase with anyone — if someone asks for it, assume it’s a scam.

3) Apps, accounts, and adding cryptocurrencies

Ledger devices use "apps" to support different blockchains (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.). Ledger Live’s Manager lets you install and remove these apps safely.

Install apps through Ledger Live

1. Open Ledger Live and go to Manager.
2. Connect and unlock your Ledger device; allow the Manager access when prompted.
3. Search for the blockchain you want (e.g., "Bitcoin"), then click Install. The app will be installed directly onto the device’s secure element.

Adding accounts

After installing the necessary app on the device, return to Ledger Live’s Accounts tab and click Add account. Choose the cryptocurrency and follow the prompts to create an account. Ledger Live will scan the blockchain to display balances and transaction history.

Managing multiple accounts

You can add multiple accounts for the same blockchain (e.g., multiple Bitcoin accounts). Ledger Live keeps each account separate and clearly labeled — use meaningful names like "Savings - BTC" or "Trading - ETH".

4) How to receive and send crypto

Receiving crypto

1. In Ledger Live, choose the account you want to receive crypto into.
2. Click Receive. Ledger Live will show an address and ask you to confirm it on your device.
3. Verify that the address shown in Ledger Live matches the one on your Ledger device screen — confirm on the device to accept the address.
4. Use that address to send funds from an exchange or another wallet.

Sending crypto

1. Choose the account to send from and click Send.
2. Enter the recipient address and amount. Ledger Live will prepare a transaction and send it to your device to sign.
3. On your Ledger device, carefully check the transaction details — amount, destination address, and fees — and approve the transaction physically on the device.

5) Backup, recovery, and restoring access

The recovery phrase is your ultimate backup. If your Ledger device is lost, damaged, or stolen, you can restore your wallet on a new Ledger or any compatible hardware/software wallet that supports BIP39/BIP44.

Best practices for backups

• Write the recovery phrase on the recovery sheet provided, or better — engrave it on a metal backup for resilience.
• Never store the phrase in a cloud note, photo, or any online service.
• Do not share the phrase with anyone. Ledger employees will never ask for it.

Lost device? Here’s what to do

1. Obtain a new compatible Ledger device.
2. Choose "Restore device" during initialization and carefully enter your recovery phrase.
3. Install Ledger Live, reinstall the apps, and add your accounts — your balances are restored from the blockchain once the correct private keys are derived from the recovery phrase.

6) Security tips and advanced recommendations

Security is a mindset — these recommendations reduce risk but cannot eliminate it entirely. Combine multiple safeguards for the best protection.

Layered security checklist

• Use a long PIN and enable passphrase (advanced) if you understand the trade-offs.
• Keep firmware and Ledger Live up to date, but verify release notes before major updates.
• Use a dedicated computer for large holdings if practical (reduces malware exposure).
• Prefer hardware wallets for long-term holdings; use hot wallets for small, frequent trades.

Passphrase (advanced)

Ledger devices support an optional passphrase that acts as a 25th word. This feature adds plausible deniability and creates additional hidden wallets. Only use it if you understand the complexity: losing the passphrase means losing access to funds in that hidden wallet.

Phishing & scams

Common attacks: fake Ledger websites, malicious browser extensions, and social engineering. Always verify URLs, never paste your recovery phrase into a web page, and be suspicious of unexpected contact claiming to be Ledger support.

Troubleshooting & common questions

Ledger Live can't detect the device

1. Try a different USB cable or port.
2. Ensure your device screen is unlocked and at the home screen.
3. Restart Ledger Live and your computer.
4. Check OS permissions (macOS: allow the app; Windows: driver prompt).

App installation errors

Remove and reinstall the app via Manager. If storage is full, uninstall less-used apps (data is not lost — accounts are derived from your recovery phrase).

Transactions failing or stuck

Check network fees and whether the blockchain is congested. For Ethereum and EVM networks, you may need to increase gas price. Ledger Live exposes fee controls for advanced users.

FAQ — quick answers

Can Ledger Live hold my crypto?

Ledger Live is the interface — the private keys remain on your device. Ledger Live does not custody your assets.

Is Ledger compatible with mobile?

Yes — Ledger Live has a mobile app and Ledger Nano X supports Bluetooth for mobile use. Many users prefer the desktop for daily management and mobile for on-the-go checks.

What if I forget my PIN?

If you forget your PIN, you can restore from your recovery phrase to a new device and set a new PIN. The old device will be reset after several failed PIN attempts.

Further resources & learning

Explore Ledger Academy and Ledger’s support center for tutorials, videos and security notices. If you hold significant assets, consider reading widely about crypto security patterns (cold storage, multisig, hardware security modules).