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Ledger® Live: Desktop — Getting Started

A concise desktop-focused guide to install Ledger Live Desktop®, pair your Ledger hardware device, add accounts, send & receive crypto, update firmware, and practice desktop security.

What is Ledger Live Desktop®?

Ledger Live Desktop® is the official desktop application that connects to Ledger hardware wallets (Nano S Plus, Nano X, etc.) and provides a secure interface to view balances, add accounts, sign transactions on-device, install blockchain apps, and manage firmware. The desktop client keeps private keys on the device — signing always happens on the Ledger hardware.

Remember: Your recovery phrase (usually 24 words) is the master backup for your seed. It must never be entered into a computer or shared with anyone.

Requirements & safety checklist

Security tip: Always type the Ledger website address manually to download Ledger Live. Phishing sites can mimic design and filenames.

Download & install Ledger Live Desktop®

  1. Open your browser and manually go to Ledger's official site to the Ledger Live downloads page.
  2. Select and download the desktop installer that matches your OS (.exe, .dmg, AppImage, etc.).
  3. Run the installer and follow the prompts. On macOS you may need to allow the app in Security & Privacy after the first launch.
  4. Launch Ledger Live Desktop® and walk through the initial onboarding.

If your OS warns about an app downloaded from the internet, verify the source before proceeding. If unsure, cancel and re-check the URL.

Device setup — new device or restore

You can create a new wallet on the Ledger device or restore an existing wallet using your recovery phrase. All seed entry and phrase confirmation occur on the device itself.

Creating a new wallet

  1. Power on the Ledger device and choose Create a new device.
  2. Choose a PIN on-device (4–8 digits). Do not record the PIN with the recovery phrase.
  3. Write down your recovery phrase exactly as displayed on the supplied recovery sheet. Store the sheet securely offline.

Restoring

  1. Select Restore from recovery phrase on the device and enter each word using the device buttons.
  2. After the restore, the device derives the same accounts and keys as before; Ledger Live will detect them when connected.

Do not enter your recovery phrase into your computer, phone, email, or any website. If anyone asks for your recovery phrase, it's a scam.

Connect Ledger Live Desktop® to your device

  1. Open Ledger Live Desktop and follow the prompts to add a device.
  2. Connect the Ledger device via USB and unlock it by entering the PIN on-device.
  3. When Ledger Live requests permission (for example to access the Ledger Manager), confirm on the hardware device screen.
  4. Open the appropriate blockchain app on the device (e.g., Bitcoin app) before Ledger Live attempts to add accounts for that currency.

If the app doesn't see the device: try a different cable/port, avoid USB hubs, and ensure the device is unlocked before connecting.

Add & manage accounts

  1. In Ledger Live Desktop click Accounts → Add account.
  2. Select a currency, then connect and open the corresponding app on your Ledger device when prompted.
  3. Ledger Live will scan and list accounts derived from the device; name them for clarity.

You can add multiple accounts for the same asset to separate funds (savings, trading, etc.). Accounts are re-derived from your device seed — no private keys leave the device.

Receive crypto — verify addresses

  1. Select an account and click Receive.
  2. Ledger Live shows an address; the device will show the same address on its screen.
  3. Always verify the address on the device display before sharing it. Only the hardware device's screen is trusted.

Clipboard or browser malware can alter addresses. Never rely solely on the desktop preview — check the device itself.

Send crypto — sign on-device

  1. Click Send in the chosen account and enter the recipient address and amount.
  2. Review transaction details and click Continue. Ledger Live prepares the transaction but requires your device to sign it.
  3. On the Ledger device, carefully review the recipient address, amount, and fee. Confirm on-device to sign.
  4. Ledger Live broadcasts the signed transaction and shows its pending/confirmed status.

When sending to a new address, consider a small test transfer first.

Firmware & app management

Use Ledger Live Desktop's Manager to update firmware and install or remove blockchain apps on your device. Firmware updates improve security and functionality; app installations let your device manage specific blockchains.

  1. Open Manager in Ledger Live Desktop. If a firmware update appears, follow the on-screen instructions and confirm updates on-device.
  2. Install or remove blockchain apps as needed. Removing an app does not delete the associated accounts — they can be re-added after reinstalling the app.

Never reveal your recovery phrase during updates. Ledger Live and device prompts will never ask for it.

Desktop security best practices

Optional: enable a passphrase only if you fully understand its recovery implications — a passphrase creates a hidden wallet that is unrecoverable without the exact passphrase.

FAQ & quick fixes

Q: Ledger Live Desktop doesn't detect my device.
A: Try another cable/port, avoid hubs, unlock the device first, and on Linux ensure udev rules are installed.
Q: Firmware update failed.
A: Reconnect the device, restart Ledger Live Desktop, and retry. If the device is unresponsive, follow Ledger's official recovery instructions.
Q: I lost my device — can I recover funds?
A: If you have your recovery phrase you can restore on a new Ledger or compatible wallet. Without it, funds cannot be recovered.

If problems persist, gather exact error messages and consult Ledger's official support channels.