Ledger Live Desktop* 🌟 | Ledger Live Desktop® Guide

Introduction to Ledger Live Desktop®

Ledger Live Desktop® is a powerful interface for managing multiple cryptocurrencies securely. It connects to Ledger hardware wallets (Nano S Plus, Nano X) to ensure private keys remain on-device while allowing you to monitor balances, manage apps, and sign transactions safely.

Important: Your 24-word recovery phrase is critical. Never enter it on a computer or share it with anyone.

Prerequisites & Device Checklist

• A Ledger hardware wallet (Nano S Plus, Nano X).
• A computer with USB port (Windows, macOS, Linux).
• Ledger Live Desktop installer from official Ledger website.
• Secure location for your recovery phrase.

Security tip: Always type ledger.com manually in your browser to avoid phishing sites.

Install & Setup

1. Go to the Ledger Live Desktop download page from the official site.
2. Select your operating system and download the installer (.exe, .dmg, AppImage).
3. Run the installer and follow the prompts to complete installation.
4. Launch Ledger Live Desktop and proceed with initial onboarding.

Tip: Verify your OS security warnings carefully before running the installer.

Device Configuration

New Wallet Setup

1. Power on the Ledger device and select Create a new wallet.
2. Set a PIN on the device (4–8 digits).
3. Write down your recovery phrase on the official sheet and store securely.

Restore Wallet

1. Select Restore from recovery phrase and enter each word via the device.
2. Ledger Live Desktop will detect your restored accounts once connected.

Never share your recovery phrase. If anyone asks for it, it is a scam.

Linking Device to Ledger Live Desktop®

1. Open Ledger Live Desktop and click "Add device".
2. Connect your Ledger via USB and unlock with your PIN.
3. Approve any connection prompts on-device.
4. Open the relevant blockchain app on-device before adding an account.

Use a genuine cable and avoid USB hubs. Make sure device is unlocked before connecting.

Managing Accounts

1. Click Accounts → Add account in Ledger Live Desktop.
2. Select a currency and open the corresponding app on your Ledger device.
3. Name accounts for clarity and management purposes.

You can create multiple accounts per currency to separate funds (e.g., savings, trading).

Receiving Crypto

1. Select an account and click Receive.
2. Verify the displayed address on your Ledger device — only the device's screen is trusted.

Never copy addresses from the computer alone — malware can alter them.

Sending Crypto

1. Click Send, enter recipient address and amount.
2. Review transaction details in Ledger Live.
3. Confirm transaction on your device — check recipient address, amount, and fee carefully.
4. Ledger Live broadcasts the transaction once signed on-device.

For new addresses, test with a small transfer first.

Firmware & App Updates

Use the Manager in Ledger Live Desktop to update firmware or install/remove blockchain apps. Firmware enhances security; apps manage specific blockchains.

1. Open Manager and check for updates.
2. Follow prompts and confirm updates on-device.
3. Removing an app does not delete your accounts.

Never provide your recovery phrase during updates — Ledger Live will never ask for it.

Desktop Security Practices

• Download Ledger Live only from official website.
• Use personal trusted computer.
• Keep OS, browser, antivirus up-to-date.
• Store recovery phrase offline, consider a metal backup.
• Always verify addresses and transactions on-device.

Optional: Use a passphrase for advanced users. Only enable if fully understood.

FAQs

Ledger Live Desktop not detecting device?

Check cable/port, avoid hubs, unlock device, and ensure correct OS drivers/udev rules.

Firmware update failed?

Reconnect device, restart Ledger Live, and retry. Follow official recovery instructions if unresponsive.

Lost device, can I recover funds?

Recovery phrase allows restoring on new Ledger or compatible wallet. Without it, funds are lost.

For further help, use Ledger official support.