🔐 Ledger Live: Desktop® — Secure Crypto Management
Your complete guide to installing, setting up, and managing your crypto assets securely with Ledger Live Desktop.
📋 What You’ll Need
- A Ledger hardware wallet (Nano S, Nano S Plus, or Nano X)
- A compatible USB cable (or Bluetooth for Nano X)
- A computer running Windows, macOS, or Linux
- Internet connection
- Latest version of Chrome, Firefox, or Brave browser (for downloading Ledger Live)
🌐 Step 1: Download Ledger Live
Navigate to the official Ledger website by typing https://ledger.com/start
in your browser’s address bar.
Tip: Use Ctrl + L (Windows/Linux) or Cmd + L (macOS) to quickly focus the address bar, then enter the URL and press Enter.
- Select “Ledger Live” from the downloads page.
- Choose your operating system.
- Download and save the installer file.
Important: Always verify the website URL and SSL certificate to avoid phishing attacks.
💾 Step 2: Install Ledger Live
- Locate the downloaded file in your
Downloads
folder.
- Run the installer.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to complete installation.
After installation, launch Ledger Live. You may be prompted to grant permissions — accept to proceed.
🔌 Step 3: Connect Your Ledger Device
- Plug in your Ledger device via USB cable.
- For Ledger Nano X, optionally pair via Bluetooth (follow device instructions).
- Power on your device if required.
Security Tip: Never enter your recovery phrase on your computer — it belongs only on your hardware wallet.
🆕 Step 4: Initialize Ledger Live
- Choose “Get Started” in Ledger Live.
- Select if you are setting up a new device or restoring from a recovery phrase.
- If new, create a secure PIN on your device using its buttons (Left, Right, Both).
- If restoring, carefully input your 24-word recovery phrase on your device.
Ledger Live will sync with your device and check for the latest firmware.
⚙️ Step 5: Update Firmware and Ledger Live
Firmware updates keep your Ledger secure and compatible:
- If prompted, allow Ledger Live to update your device firmware.
- Follow device prompts to confirm.
- Also update Ledger Live whenever a new version is available.
Note: Do not disconnect your device during updates.
💡 Step 6: Install Cryptocurrency Apps
- In Ledger Live, navigate to the “Manager” tab.
- Browse or search for cryptocurrency apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.).
- Click “Install” next to the coins you want to manage.
Each app enables your Ledger device to interact with that blockchain securely.
💰 Step 7: Add Accounts to Ledger Live
- Go to the “Accounts” tab.
- Click “Add account”.
- Select the cryptocurrency app installed on your device.
- Follow prompts to synchronize your account balance and transaction history.
You can add multiple accounts for different coins and tokens.
📥 Step 8: Receive Cryptocurrency
- Choose the account you want to receive funds to.
- Click the “Receive” button.
- Ledger Live will display a deposit address.
- Verify this address on your Ledger device’s screen.
- Share the verified address with the sender.
Never trust addresses shown only on your computer — always confirm on your device.
📤 Step 9: Send Cryptocurrency
- Click “Send” in Ledger Live.
- Paste or enter the recipient’s address carefully.
- Input the amount and choose network fees.
- Review transaction details.
- Confirm and approve the transaction on your Ledger device.
Private keys remain on the device and never leave it during transaction signing.
🔐 Security Best Practices
- Keep your 24-word recovery phrase secret and offline.
- Set a strong PIN code and never share it.
- Download Ledger Live only from ledger.com/start.
- Verify firmware authenticity and device integrity.
- Use a hardware wallet in a secure, private space.
- Update firmware and Ledger Live software regularly.
- Beware of phishing sites and unsolicited communications.
⚙️ Troubleshooting and Support
- Device not detected? Try reconnecting the USB cable, restarting Ledger Live, or using a different port.
- Firmware update stuck? Disconnect and reconnect your device, then retry.
- Lost or forgot PIN? Use your recovery phrase to reset your device (all data will be erased).
- Need help? Visit support.ledger.com for official assistance.