Ledger® Live — Desktop: Getting Started

A friendly, colorful walkthrough to install Ledger Live on desktop, set up your Ledger device, manage accounts, and keep your crypto safe.

Welcome — what this guide covers

Ledger Live is the official desktop app that lets you manage your cryptocurrency holdings when paired with a Ledger hardware wallet. This guide walks you through downloading and installing Ledger Live, initializing or restoring a Ledger device, adding accounts, sending and receiving crypto, and practical tips to keep your keys safe. Everything is written plainly and includes highlighted callouts so you can skim or deep-dive as needed.

Quick note: Always download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website and verify installer checksums when available. Never enter your recovery phrase into an app or website — Ledger devices never ask for it. Keep that phrase private and offline.

1 — Install Ledger Live Desktop

Get Ledger Live for Windows, macOS or Linux from the official source. Close other apps while installing to avoid file-lock issues. When prompted by your operating system, allow necessary permissions so Ledger Live can access USB devices (this is required to communicate with your Ledger).

Steps
  1. Visit the official Ledger site and choose Ledger Live → Desktop download.
  2. Select the correct platform installer and run it.
  3. Open Ledger Live and follow on-screen onboarding.

2 — Set up your Ledger device

When you receive a Ledger hardware wallet, you can either create a brand new wallet (recommended for most new users) or restore from an existing recovery phrase. During setup, your device generates a recovery phrase (the secret seed). This is the single most important piece of information for recovering access — store it securely.

Security tip: Write your recovery phrase on the provided recovery sheet (or a steel backup) and store it in a safe place. Do not photograph, scan, or upload the phrase anywhere.

Initialize vs Restore

  • Initialize: Create a new PIN and new recovery phrase on the device — use this if you are a first-time user.
  • Restore: If you already have a recovery phrase, choose restore and enter your phrase directly on the device (never in Ledger Live).

3 — Pair with Ledger Live & install apps

After device setup, pair it with Ledger Live to manage accounts. Ledger uses small on-device applications (“apps”) for each cryptocurrency. Install the specific app (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) on your device using the Ledger Live Manager.

Pairing checklist
  • Open Ledger Live → Manager.
  • Connect your device via USB cable and unlock it (enter PIN).
  • Install necessary coin apps from Manager — this does not expose your keys.

4 — Add accounts

Once the device has the required apps, add accounts in Ledger Live. Accounts allow Ledger Live to display balances, transaction history and help you craft transactions that the device will sign securely.

  • Open Ledger Live → Accounts → Add account.
  • Select the cryptocurrency and follow prompts — Ledger Live will communicate with the device to discover existing addresses.
  • Repeat for each currency or token you want to manage.

5 — Send & receive crypto

Sending requires two steps: prepare the transaction in Ledger Live and confirm it on your device. Receiving is simpler: generate a receiving address in Ledger Live and verify it on your device before sharing.

Always verify addresses on the device screen. Malicious software can alter copy/paste or clipboard values — the on-device confirmation is the final security check.

Receiving

  1. Open an account in Ledger Live and click Receive.
  2. Connect and unlock your device — Ledger Live will show a receiving address and ask you to confirm it on the device.
  3. Only share addresses that appear on the device screen.

Sending

  1. Click Send in Ledger Live and enter destination address and amount.
  2. Review fees and details, then continue.
  3. Your Ledger device will display transaction details; confirm to sign.

6 — Extras: staking, swaps, and buy/sell

Ledger Live supports partner services for buying, swapping, and staking certain assets. These features may require additional verification and are provided by third-party providers inside the Ledger Live interface. Your private keys remain on the device — partners only handle quote and settlement flows.

7 — Maintenance & updates

Keep both Ledger Live and your device firmware up to date. Ledger periodically releases firmware and app updates that improve security and add features. Apply updates promptly, but only while following official guidance: firmware updates are signed and must be accepted on the device.

Update tip: Backup your recovery phrase before performing major device firmware updates. The device firmware update process is safe when following official instructions.

8 — Troubleshooting common issues

If Ledger Live cannot detect your device:

  • Check USB cable and port — try a direct port (no hubs) and a different cable.
  • Make sure the device is unlocked (enter PIN) and the correct app is open (e.g., open Ethereum app for ETH operations).
  • Restart Ledger Live and re-plug the device; on macOS you may need to allow USB permissions.

9 — Safety checklist

  • Never share your recovery phrase. Ledger or any support service will never ask for it.
  • Only install Ledger Live from the official Ledger website.
  • Use a hardware wallet for large balances. Consider splitting funds across multiple secure backups if needed.
  • Use a strong PIN and change it periodically if you suspect compromise.

10 — Frequently asked questions

Can I use Ledger Live without a device?

Ledger Live needs a hardware device to sign transactions. You may install the app and browse features, but sending/receiving requires a Ledger device.

What if I lose my device?

Use your recovery phrase on a new Ledger device or compatible wallet to restore access. This is why secure recovery phrase storage is essential.

Is Ledger Live open-source?

Parts of Ledger Live and related tooling are open-source. Advanced users and developers can review code and integrations; always consult official Ledger resources for links and repositories.

Next steps & resources

After you’re comfortable with the basics, explore advanced features such as account sub-management, custom fees, developer tools, and integrations with other apps through Ledger Live’s Discover section. Bookmark official support and developer pages so you have fast access to up-to-date instructions.

Reminder: this guide is an instructional overview. Always consult Ledger’s official documentation and support for the latest procedures and security recommendations.