Ledger® Live: Desktop — Getting started

A friendly, secure walkthrough to set up Ledger Live on your desktop and manage your crypto safely.

What is Ledger Live?

Ledger Live is the official desktop application to manage your crypto assets with Ledger hardware devices. It lets you install apps on your device, create and manage accounts, send and receive funds, and monitor portfolio performance — all while keeping your private keys offline on your Ledger device.

Before you begin

Your Ledger hardware device (Nano S Plus, Nano X, or another supported model).
A desktop computer (Windows, macOS, or Linux) with an internet connection.
USB cable or Bluetooth (for Ledger Nano X) to connect the device.
Write down your recovery phrase and never share it — Ledger will never ask for it online.

Step‑by‑step: Install and open Ledger Live

Download Ledger Live

Visit the official Ledger website and download the Ledger Live desktop installer for your operating system. Run the installer and follow on‑screen instructions to complete installation.

Open the app

Launch Ledger Live. Choose Get Started and follow the setup wizard. If you already have a device and recovery phrase, choose Restore device; otherwise, choose Set up a new device.

Connect your Ledger device

Connect via USB (or Bluetooth for Nano X). Unlock the device with its PIN. Ledger Live will detect the device and guide you to install the Ledger Manager if required.

Install crypto apps

Inside Ledger Live, open the Manager tab. Install apps for the coins you want to manage (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.). Each app is small and only gives the device the ability to sign transactions for that chain.

Create accounts

Go to the Accounts tab and add accounts for each supported currency. Ledger Live will synchronize transaction history and balances for you to view locally.

Daily use: send, receive, and manage

To receive funds, use the Receive button and verify the address on your Ledger device screen before sharing it. To send, choose Send, enter the destination, amount, and confirm the transaction on your device. Always verify details on the physical device screen — that step ensures the transaction is signed securely.

Open Ledger Live

Security tips

Never enter your recovery phrase into any app or website. Store it offline in a safe place.
Keep your Ledger firmware and Ledger Live updated to the latest versions.
Verify every transaction on the device screen before approving.
Use a strong, unique PIN and consider passphrase protection if you understand the risk model.

Troubleshooting — quick fixes

Ledger Live not detecting device: try a different USB cable/port, enable Bluetooth (Nano X), or restart the app.
Apps won’t install: ensure firmware is up to date, and you have enough space on the device.
Missing account history: reindex the account or resynchronize from the Settings menu.

FAQ

Can Ledger Live manage multiple devices?: Yes. You can connect and manage multiple Ledger devices from the same Ledger Live installation.
What happens if I lose my device?: Your funds are safe as long as you have your recovery phrase. You can restore your accounts on another Ledger device or compatible wallet.