Ledger Live Desktop provides a secure, local-first interface to manage your cryptocurrency portfolio, firmware updates, staking, and applications for your Ledger hardware device. This guide explains setup, daily use, and security practices — intentionally provided without any login or password links.
What is Ledger Live Desktop?
Ledger Live Desktop is the official desktop companion app for Ledger hardware wallets. It lets you add accounts for supported blockchains, monitor balances, send and receive assets, install device-specific apps, and apply firmware updates — all while keeping your private keys on the Ledger device's secure element.
Security-first essentials
Ledger Live Desktop is a management interface only — your private keys never leave the Ledger device.
Never enter your recovery phrase into Ledger Live or any software; recovery phrases must remain offline.
Only download Ledger Live from official Ledger channels; this document intentionally omits direct download links.
Before you begin
Have your Ledger hardware device and supplied USB cable ready.
Ensure you wrote down your device recovery phrase on the official recovery sheet during device setup.
Use a trusted computer — avoid public or untrusted machines when performing sensitive operations.
Installing and opening Ledger Live Desktop
Install Ledger Live on your desktop using verified sources. After installation, open the app and follow the on-screen onboarding prompts. When prompted, connect your Ledger device and follow device-screen instructions to unlock it. This guide purposely does not include any links or login/password prompts.
Add accounts
Within Ledger Live, navigate to Accounts and choose the blockchain(s) you want to manage. Ledger Live will derive addresses from your device and display them for confirmation. Always verify addresses on the device screen before receiving funds.
Install apps on your device
Ledger Live includes an App Manager. Install only the apps you need (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) directly from the App Manager. Each app lives on the secure element and enables signing for that specific blockchain.
Receiving and sending assets
Receive: Choose the account, click Receive, and confirm the address on your Ledger device screen before sharing it with a sender.
Send: Create a transaction in Ledger Live, then confirm the transaction amount, fees, and destination address. Approve the transaction on your Ledger device to sign it securely.
Tip: For large transfers, first send a small test amount to confirm everything functions as expected.
Firmware updates
Ledger periodically releases firmware updates to improve security and add features. Ledger Live will notify you when an update is available. Before applying updates:
Confirm you have your recovery phrase backed up and accessible offline.
Close other applications and ensure a stable USB connection and power source.
Follow the on-screen steps in Ledger Live and confirm actions on the device screen.
If an update fails or the device becomes unresponsive, follow official recovery steps; because this document avoids external links, consult Ledger's official support channels for model-specific recovery procedures.
Staking, swap, and third‑party integrations
Ledger Live supports staking and token swaps for select assets either natively or via trusted integrations. When using swap or staking features:
Review fees and terms carefully before confirming.
Prefer integrations that keep custody on your Ledger device or use audited, reputable services.
Limit approval allowances — revoke unlimited approvals when possible.
Backup and recovery considerations
Keep the recovery phrase offline and geographically separate from the device for disaster resilience.
Use durable backup solutions (stainless steel plates, safety deposit boxes) for long-term protection.
If you suspect exposure of your recovery phrase, create a new wallet on a secure device and transfer funds immediately.
Troubleshooting
Device not recognized: Try a different USB cable/port and ensure the device is unlocked when connecting.
Accounts not showing: Confirm the correct app is installed on the device for the blockchain and rescan accounts in Ledger Live.
Failed transactions: Check network fees, confirm the transaction on-device, and avoid interrupting the signing process.