Ledger® Live: Desktop® — Getting Started

Welcome to Ledger Live Desktop—your official companion app for managing your cryptocurrency securely with a Ledger hardware wallet (such as Nano S Plus®, Nano X®, or other supported models). In this guide, you'll learn how to safely install Ledger Live, set up your device, add accounts, send and receive crypto, and follow security best practices to protect your digital assets. Much of this aligns with Ledger's official support documentation. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

1. Before You Begin

2. Download & Install Ledger Live

To avoid phishing and fake apps, always download the Ledger Live desktop application from Ledger’s official site, e.g. ledger.com/start or the Ledger Live page. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

  1. Open your web browser and navigate to the Ledger official website. (Avoid third‑party download sites.) :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
  2. Find the Ledger Live section and select “Desktop” version. Choose the appropriate operating system: Windows, macOS, or Linux. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
  3. Download the installer. Once downloaded, run the installer and follow on‑screen instructions to install Ledger Live. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
  4. Open Ledger Live after installation completes. The app will guide you to “Get Started.” :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

3. Set Up or Restore Your Ledger Device

When you first open Ledger Live Desktop, you’ll be asked to either set up a new device or restore from a recovery phrase. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

3.1 Set Up as New Device

  1. Select “Set up as a new device” in Ledger Live. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
  2. Connect your Ledger device via USB. Unlock it using the device’s PIN. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
  3. Choose a secure PIN code (4–8 digits) using the buttons on the device. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
  4. Your device will generate a 24‑word recovery phrase. Write down each word in exact order on the supplied recovery sheet. This is the only way to recover your wallet if your device is lost or damaged. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
  5. You will be asked to confirm selected words from your recovery phrase to ensure you have recorded it correctly. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}

3.2 Restore from Recovery Phrase (If Applicable)

If you already have a recovery phrase from a previous Ledger or compatible wallet:

  1. Select the “Restore device” option in Ledger Live. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
  2. Connect your Ledger and unlock it with the PIN if already set or follow prompts to set a new PIN. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
  3. Enter your 24‐word recovery phrase carefully on the device (not via the computer). :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
  4. Once accepted, your wallet accounts and assets (blockchain addresses) will show up in Ledger Live. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}

4. Security Checklist & Genuine Device Verification

Ledger Live includes built‑in checks to verify your device is genuine and that you are using official firmware. These steps ensure your hardware is not counterfeit and has not been tampered with. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}

  1. After device setup/restoration, Ledger Live will prompt you to verify the device’s genuineness (a “genuine check”). Press both buttons on the device as instructed to allow the check. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
  2. If firmware updates are available, Ledger Live will prompt you; apply them following on‑device instructions. Do **not** disconnect during firmware update. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
  3. Optionally, set a password for the Ledger Live app for extra privacy if others use your computer. :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}

5. Add Accounts & Install Apps

To manage different cryptocurrencies, you need to install “apps” on your Ledger device via Ledger Live, then add accounts for those assets. :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}

  1. Go to the “Manager” tab in Ledger Live. This lets you install apps for coins you want (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum). Confirm installations on device. :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}
  2. Once apps are installed, navigate to the “Accounts” section. Click “Add account,” select the coin, and follow prompts. Ledger Live will sync account history. :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}

6. Send & Receive Crypto

6.1 Receive

  1. In Ledger Live, go to the “Accounts” tab and choose the account you want to receive into. :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}
  2. Click “Receive,” connect and unlock your device. The device will display a receive address. :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}
  3. Verify that the address shown on your computer matches exactly what appears on the Ledger device screen. Only share that address. :contentReference[oaicite:28]{index=28}

6.2 Send

  1. Select the account you want to send from. :contentReference[oaicite:29]{index=29}
  2. Click “Send,” enter the recipient address and amount. You may see options for fees or advanced settings if supported. :contentReference[oaicite:30]{index=30}
  3. Review the transaction details carefully in Ledger Live. :contentReference[oaicite:31]{index=31}
  4. Confirm the transaction on your Ledger hardware device (you must physically authorize it). :contentReference[oaicite:32]{index=32}

7. Portfolio Overview & Additional Features

Ledger Live Desktop offers more than just sending and receiving. Once you have accounts set up, you can explore features that help you manage your crypto over time. :contentReference[oaicite:33]{index=33}

Tip: If you want extra privacy, avoid revealing your recovery phrase or seed phrase anywhere online. Ledger Live will never ask you to enter it. Any prompt to enter your seed outside the device is a scam. :contentReference[oaicite:39]{index=39}

8. Security Best Practices

Your security is only as strong as the weakest link. Here are essential practices to reduce risk. Many are recommended by Ledger in their support guides. :contentReference[oaicite:40]{index=40}

9. Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you run into issues during setup or use, here are solutions to frequent problems:

10. Summary & Next Steps

Ledger Live desktop combined with your Ledger hardware wallet offers one of the safest ways to manage crypto. Here’s a concise checklist to ensure you set things up correctly and keep them secure:

  1. Download from the official Ledger site
  2. Install Ledger Live desktop version for your OS
  3. Initialize or restore your hardware wallet
  4. Perform the genuine device check
  5. Install apps and add accounts
  6. Receive test transaction; send small first amount
  7. Regularly update firmware & software
  8. Never share recovery phrase or PIN
  9. Always verify addresses on the hardware device screen

Once all is set up, you’ll have access to your crypto portfolio dashboard, be able to send/receive crypto, stake assets (where supported), swap, and much more. You retain full ownership of your private keys—they remain inside the hardware, never exposed to the desktop. Ledger Live desktop thus acts as a secure interface, not a custodian. :contentReference[oaicite:53]{index=53}

Disclaimer

This guide is for informational and educational purposes only. Ledger products and software may change; always refer to official Ledger support documentation for the most up‑to‑date instructions (for example, Ledger’s Support Center ). Using cryptocurrency and interacting with digital assets involves risks. You are fully responsible for securing your recovery phrase, your device, and your crypto holdings. Ledger will never ask you to reveal your recovery phrase or send private keys. Stay safe.