Ledger® Live: Desktop — Getting Started

What Is Ledger Live Desktop?

Ledger Live Desktop is the official companion software for Ledger hardware wallets (e.g. Nano S Plus, Nano X, Stax). It lets you manage, monitor, and transact your crypto assets securely from your desktop. Your private keys always stay on the device, and all important actions (sending, installing apps, firmware upgrades) must be confirmed on the hardware itself.

✅ Tip: Always download Ledger Live only from the official Ledger site(s). Avoid third‑party or search‑ad links to prevent phishing.

Before You Begin

Here’s what you’ll need before starting:

A Ledger hardware wallet (Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Stax)
A computer (Windows, macOS, or Linux) with internet access
A USB cable (for desktop connection; data + power capable)
Pen and paper (or the recovery seed card) to write down your recovery phrase
A quiet, secure space to write and verify your seed words

⚠ Never type or store your 24‑word recovery phrase digitally or share it with anyone. Ledger and support will never ask for it. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Step 1: Download & Install Ledger Live Desktop

🖥 Choose & Download

Visit the official Ledger site (e.g. ledger.com/start or Ledger’s “Download” page) and pick the correct version for your OS (Windows, macOS, Linux). :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

💾 Install & Launch

Run the installer, allow any permissions, and open Ledger Live Desktop. On first launch, you’ll see a “Get Started” screen. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Step 2: Set Up or Restore Your Ledger Device

🔌 Connect & Choose Mode

Plug your Ledger device into your computer via USB. In Ledger Live, select your device model and pick one of these options: • Set up as new device – for brand new wallets • Restore device – if you already have a 24‑word seed to recover an existing wallet :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

🔐 Choose PIN & Recovery Phrase

Follow prompts on the device to set a 4–8 digit PIN. Then the device will display your 24‑word recovery phrase. Write them down in order. Later, Ledger Live will ask you to confirm random words. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

✔ Perform Genuine Check

Ledger Live will verify your device’s authenticity with Ledger servers to ensure it’s genuine. Approve this check on your device. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Step 3: Install Apps & Add Accounts

📦 Install Blockchain Apps

In Ledger Live, open the Manager tab. Install apps for the blockchains you want to use (e.g. Bitcoin, Ethereum). These apps live on your Ledger device. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

➕ Add Accounts

Go to Accounts → Add account, select the asset (e.g. BTC, ETH), and let Ledger Live scan the blockchain. Confirm actions on the device when prompted. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Step 4: Sending, Receiving & More

📥 Receive Crypto

Click “Receive”, choose your account, and the app will generate an address. Always verify that the address shown on your Ledger device matches what’s in the app. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

📤 Send Crypto

Click “Send”, enter recipient address and amount, review fees, then confirm the transaction. You’ll validate and approve on your device. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

🔄 Swap, Buy, Sell

Ledger Live integrates with partners (like MoonPay or Changelly) to let you swap tokens, buy crypto, or cash out. These actions still require on-device confirmation. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

📊 Portfolio & Dashboard

The Dashboard shows your holdings, historical charts, and aggregate value. Use it to monitor performance and asset breakdowns. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

🌿 Staking & Earning

For supported assets (e.g. ETH, DOT, XTZ), you can stake directly from Ledger Live. Approve staking operations on your device. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

🖼 NFT Management

Ledger Live supports viewing and managing Ethereum/Polygon NFTs within the app, verifying ownership on device. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}

🌐 Web3 & dApp Access

Use WalletConnect or a Ledger browser extension to connect Ledger Live to decentralized applications (e.g. Uniswap, OpenSea). Confirm actions via device. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}

Security Tips & Best Practices 🔐

Only download Ledger Live from the official Ledger domain and verify SSL. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
Never share your 24‑word seed or enter it into any website or software. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
Always confirm transaction details (amount, address) on your Ledger device, not just on your screen.
Keep your Ledger device’s firmware and blockchain apps up to date.
Use a sturdy offline backup (metal, fireproof) for your recovery phrase.
Avoid public or unsecured Wi-Fi when transacting or initializing your device.
If your computer is compromised, your private keys are still protected in the hardware device.

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Ledger not detected?

Try a different USB cable (must support data), different port, or reinstall Ledger Live. Some cables only power (charge) and won’t transmit data. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}

Firmware update failed?

Ensure stable internet, disable interfering antivirus/firewall software, then retry. Restarting your computer sometimes helps. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}

Forgot PIN?

You cannot recover the PIN. But if you have your recovery seed, you can reset the device and restore your wallet. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}

What if I lose my Ledger device?

Your funds are accessible via the recovery phrase. Use it to restore on a new Ledger or compatible wallet. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}

Add account error or sync issue?

Ensure Ledger Live is up to date. Many users have resolved these by updating to the latest version and reconnecting. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}

Desktop vs Mobile values differ?

Balances and price tracking may show slight differences due to sync delays or local caching. To sync accounts, re-add on each platform. :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}

Next Steps & Resources

Once set up, explore more advanced features:

Use passphrase for hidden wallets or plausible deniability layers
Advanced fee customization and coin control for UTXO chains
Export transaction histories or CSVs for accounting and audit
Connect to dApps with caution and understand smart contract risks
Test your recovery seed by recovering on a spare device (offline) to ensure it works

Visit Ledger Support or the official Ledger onboarding portal for more detailed walkthroughs, videos, and updates. :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}