Why Ledger® Live Desktop?
Ledger® Live Desktop combines robust security with a polished, easy-to-use interface. It connects to your Ledger hardware wallet so private keys never leave the device. You can track portfolio performance, send and receive assets, stake supported tokens, and access partner services — all while keeping control of your keys.
The following guide expands essential concepts and practical steps across installation, device pairing, account management, transactions, security hygiene, and optional advanced flows such as staking and swaps. Read carefully and follow confirmations on your physical device at every critical step.
Installation & Initial Setup
Download Safely
Always obtain Ledger® Live Desktop from an official source. Avoid third‑party websites, torrents, or mirrors that might offer altered installers. If you are familiar with checksums and signatures, confirm them to ensure the binary hasn't been tampered with. Running compromised software can expose your computer to theft vectors.
Install & Launch
Run the installer for your operating system and follow on-screen instructions. The application is lightweight — installation typically completes within minutes. When you first launch, Ledger® Live will display the version number and show onboarding prompts. Keep an eye on any messages indicating required updates.
After launching Ledger® Live, you’ll be guided through basic preferences: language selection and privacy options. Configuring these early reduces friction later and clarifies how the app communicates portfolio metrics.
Pairing Your Ledger Hardware
Connect Device
Use the supplied USB cable to connect your Ledger Nano device to your computer. If the device is brand new, initialize it by choosing a PIN and generating the recovery phrase as prompted. For an existing device, unlock it with your PIN to proceed.
Verify Authenticity
Ledger® Live performs a genuineness check to verify your device is authentic. Approve prompts directly on the hardware screen. If the check fails or looks suspicious, stop and seek official support. Never bypass device confirmations — those are core to your security model.
Device-prompt confirmations ensure that critical actions — like revealing public keys or approving transactions — require your physical presence. This physical confirmation is what separates hardware wallets from software-only solutions.
Onboarding: New vs Restore
Set Up New Device
When setting up a new Ledger device, choose a secure PIN and write down the generated 24-word recovery phrase exactly as shown. Use the included recovery card or a high-quality metal backup solution for long-term storage. Store this phrase offline and in multiple secure locations if desired.
Restore From Recovery
If migrating from another wallet or replacing a lost device, select the restore option and enter your recovery phrase on the device. Ledger® Live will then reconstruct your accounts and synchronize them with the blockchain. Never enter your recovery phrase into a computer or send it to anyone.
Account Management & Verification
Ledger® Live models every blockchain account as a separate account inside the app. You can add multiple addresses for the same coin type and manage them independently.
Adding Accounts
To add an account, navigate to the accounts section and select the cryptocurrency you'd like to manage. Ledger® Live will derive public addresses from your device and display balances and history. This process requires you to confirm actions on the hardware device.
Address Verification
When receiving funds, always verify the address displayed in the app with the address on your Ledger device screen. A mismatch can indicate malware. Confirming on the device prevents redirected addresses and other common attack vectors.
Transactions, Fees & Portfolio Tracking
Ledger® Live offers a clear transaction flow with built-in fee suggestions. It also aggregates holdings into a single portfolio view, showing fiat equivalents and historical performance.
Sending Crypto
Initiate a send from the account view, enter the destination address and amount, and review suggested fees. Every transaction must be confirmed on your Ledger device. Take time to verify the destination address and fee level before approving.
Portfolio Insights
The portfolio tab helps you monitor asset allocation, recent performance, and value changes over chosen timeframes. Use filtering tools to focus on individual accounts, assets, or date ranges. This transparency supports better investment decisions.
Security Best Practices
Keep Private Keys Offline
Always remember: your private keys never leave the Ledger device. Signing occurs on the hardware, protecting keys from exposure. Avoid entering sensitive data into browsers or third-party apps that request recovery information.
Firmware & Software Updates
Apply firmware and Ledger® Live updates promptly, following on-screen and device prompts. Updates often include security enhancements. Never interrupt a firmware update once started — doing so may damage the device and make recovery more difficult.
- Never disclose your 24-word recovery phrase.
- Use genuine cables and avoid unknown USB hubs.
- Test transfers with small amounts before sending large sums.
- Consider a physical safe for storing recovery backups.
Advanced: Staking, Swaps & Integrations
Ledger® Live supports staking for eligible assets, enabling you to earn rewards while keeping custody of your keys. Additionally, the app integrates swap and buy features through vetted partners — every operation still requires device confirmation.
Staking
Delegating tokens is straightforward: choose a validator, delegate via Ledger® Live, confirm on device, and monitor rewards in the portfolio. Research validator performance and fees before delegating to maximize safety and returns.
Swaps & Purchases
Buying or swapping assets inside Ledger® Live is powered by third-party providers. Fees and rates vary — compare before confirming. Device confirmations ensure you approve every trade manually.
Final Notes & Resources
This guide is intended to equip you with practical steps and safety-conscious habits to use Ledger® Live Desktop confidently. Always validate critical information directly on your hardware device, maintain multiple secure backups of recovery material, and update software regularly. With these principles in place, you can manage crypto assets with both convenience and peace of mind.