Ledger Live — Desktop — Getting Started

Overview

Ledger Live is the official desktop application that allows you to manage your hardware wallet (Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, etc.), view your portfolio, send and receive cryptocurrencies, and install apps on your device. This guide walks you through the entire first-time experience: system requirements, installation, device setup, account management, common tasks, security tips and troubleshooting.

System Requirements

Operating systems: Windows 10 or later (64-bit), macOS 10.15 or later, most modern Linux distributions (64-bit).
Hardware: USB port or Bluetooth (for Ledger Nano X). For Bluetooth, ensure your computer supports Bluetooth 4.0+.
Browser: Not required for Ledger Live Desktop—this is a standalone app. For firmware updates you may be prompted to allow additional OS permissions.
Minimum disk & memory: ~200 MB free disk space, 4 GB RAM recommended.

Download & Install

Always download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website. Do not trust third‑party downloads. The download page provides installers for Windows (.exe), macOS (.dmg), and Linux (.AppImage or .deb).

Windows

Download the .exe from the official Ledger site.
Run the installer and follow the prompts.
Allow the required permissions when prompted by Windows Defender.

macOS

Download the .dmg file.
Open it and drag the Ledger Live app to your Applications folder.
On first run, macOS may prompt you to confirm the app is from an identified developer—choose Open.

Linux

Download the .AppImage or .deb package.
Make the AppImage executable with chmod +x ./LedgerLive.AppImage and run it, or install the .deb.

If you already have an older version of Ledger Live installed, the installer will typically update it. Consider backing up your OS or closing other apps before major updates.

First Run & App Tour

When you launch Ledger Live for the first time you'll see a welcome screen with two main options:

Set up a new device: Follow this if you just bought a Ledger hardware wallet and haven’t created a PIN or recovery phrase.
I already have a device: Choose this if your device is already configured and you only want to connect it to Ledger Live.

Ledger Live will guide you through connecting your device via USB (or Bluetooth for Nano X), installing supported crypto apps onto the device, and adding accounts.

Setting Up a New Ledger Device

If your device is brand new, follow these steps to create a secure PIN and write down your recovery phrase.

Power on & set PIN: Connect the device, choose your language on the device and set a 4‑ to 8‑digit PIN. Never share your PIN.
Write down the recovery phrase: The device will display a 24‑word recovery phrase (some devices use 12 or 18 words). Write these words down in the exact order on the recovery card provided—do not photograph or store digitally.
Confirm the phrase: The device will ask you to confirm a few words to ensure you've recorded them correctly.
Install Ledger Live apps: Ledger Live uses an internal manager to install coin-specific apps (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) on your device. Install only the apps for the currencies you plan to use.

Never enter your recovery phrase into Ledger Live or any website. Ledger will never ask for it via email, chat, or pop‑up windows.

Adding Accounts

After installing coin apps on your device, add accounts in Ledger Live so your portfolio and transaction history will display.

Open Ledger Live & go to the Accounts tab.
Click Add account, choose the cryptocurrency (e.g., Bitcoin), then follow the on-screen prompts while your device is connected and unlocked.
Ledger Live will scan the blockchain to find addresses associated with your device and add them as accounts.

Repeat for each cryptocurrency you want to track. You can add multiple accounts per currency (for example, multiple Bitcoin accounts).

Portfolio & Manager

The Portfolio tab shows an aggregated view of your holdings across all added accounts and their current market values. Use the Manager to install or remove coin apps on your device. Note: installing apps frees storage on the device when removed but does not affect the funds — funds are stored on the blockchain and are recoverable using your recovery phrase.

Send & Receive Crypto

Receive

Open the account for the coin you want to receive.
Click Receive and connect/unlock your device.
Ledger Live will display an address. Always verify that the address shown in Ledger Live matches the address displayed on your device screen before sharing it.

Send

Open the account and click Send.
Enter the recipient address and amount (or scan a QR code).
Review fees and transaction details.
Confirm the transaction on your Ledger device by verifying the details and approving on the device screen.

Always double check addresses — malware on a computer can replace clipboard data. Prefer scanning QR codes or verifying on the hardware device whenever possible.

Staking & Additional Features

Ledger Live offers staking for selected assets, allowing you to earn rewards while retaining custody. It also supports swaps through integrated partners and has a marketplace for third‑party integrations. Each feature requires following on-screen steps and confirming transaction details on your device.

Security Best Practices

Never share your 24‑word recovery phrase. Ledger support will never ask for it.
Store your recovery phrase offline and in a secure physical location (safe, safety deposit box).
Use a strong PIN and enable device passphrase if you understand how it works (advanced users).
Verify all addresses on your device screen before approving.
Keep Ledger Live up to date and install firmware updates only from official prompts in the app.
Beware of phishing: always ensure you are on ledger.com for downloads and contact support through official channels.

Troubleshooting & Tips

Device not recognized

Try a different USB cable or port. Use a data cable, not a charging-only cable.
Ensure your OS has the latest updates and drivers.
For Bluetooth issues with Nano X, check your system’s Bluetooth settings and pairing status.

Syncing or balance issues

Make sure Ledger Live is up to date.
Re-open the app, reconnect the device, and perform an account resync via account settings if necessary.
Verify you are on the correct network (e.g., Ethereum vs. a testnet).

Lost device

If your Ledger device is lost or stolen, do not panic — your funds are protected by your recovery phrase and PIN. Purchase a new Ledger device (or compatible hardware wallet), select "Restore device from recovery phrase" during setup, and enter your 24‑word phrase to recover your accounts. Consider moving funds to new addresses after recovery if you suspect the seed may have been exposed.

FAQ

Can I use Ledger Live on multiple computers?

Yes—Ledger Live can be installed on multiple devices. Your accounts in Ledger Live are a view of the funds derived from your recovery phrase. The private keys stay on the hardware device.

What happens if I forget my PIN?

If you forget your PIN, you'll need to reset the device to factory settings and restore from your recovery phrase. This is why securely storing the recovery phrase is critical.

Does uninstalling Ledger Live delete my funds?

No—funds are recorded on the blockchain and controlled by your recovery phrase. Ledger Live is only a management interface.

Need Help?

Contact Ledger Support through the official website for guided assistance. Beware of impostor accounts on social media and never give away your recovery phrase to anyone claiming to offer help.

For advanced users: explore the Developer page on ledger.com for documentation about integrating with Ledger SDKs and APIs.