Welcome to the official Ledger Live Desktop® user guide. This comprehensive resource is designed to help you get started with Ledger Live Desktop, the official companion application for Ledger hardware wallets, enabling you to manage your cryptocurrency assets securely and efficiently.
Ledger Live Desktop® is a powerful, intuitive application designed to work alongside Ledger hardware wallets such as the Ledger Nano S, Ledger Nano S Plus, and Ledger Nano X. The software acts as a secure interface allowing you to manage your crypto portfolio, install apps on your device, check balances, send and receive cryptocurrencies, and stay updated with the latest security patches and features.
Unlike online wallets or exchanges, Ledger Live Desktop® ensures that your private keys never leave your hardware device, providing robust security for your digital assets.
Before installing Ledger Live Desktop®, ensure your computer meets the following requirements:
Always download Ledger Live Desktop® from the official Ledger website at https://ledger.com/start to avoid phishing scams and malicious software.
For Windows users, you may need to authorize the application in your firewall or antivirus software to enable full functionality.
Once Ledger Live Desktop® is installed and running, you will be prompted to configure your environment.
Your Ledger hardware wallet will prompt you to set a PIN code directly on the device. This PIN secures access to your wallet and is essential to protect against unauthorized use. Choose a PIN that you can remember but that isn’t easily guessable.
Never share your PIN or recovery phrase with anyone. Ledger Support will never ask for these details.
Ledger Live Desktop® will prompt you to securely write down your 24-word recovery phrase on the provided recovery sheet during setup. This phrase is the master key to your wallet and allows you to recover your funds if your hardware wallet is lost or damaged.
Store your recovery phrase offline and in a secure location. Never store it digitally or share it online.
Ledger Live Desktop® has an easy-to-navigate interface divided into key sections:
The Dashboard provides a summary of your crypto portfolio including total balance, recent transactions, and current market prices.
This tab lists your cryptocurrency accounts. You can add new accounts for supported cryptocurrencies, check balances, and manage transactions.
The Manager section allows you to install or uninstall cryptocurrency apps on your Ledger device. Each cryptocurrency requires its dedicated app to be installed for management.
Use these tabs to securely send and receive cryptocurrencies. The software will verify all transaction details and require confirmation on your hardware device.
This section offers detailed analytics, showing asset allocation, price charts, and portfolio performance over time.
Ledger Live Desktop® supports over 1800 cryptocurrencies. To add an account:
You can manage multiple accounts and wallets, enabling you to diversify your portfolio and track your assets with ease.
To receive cryptocurrency:
To send cryptocurrency:
Always verify addresses on your Ledger device screen before confirming transactions. This protects you from malware or phishing attacks that may alter addresses.
Each supported cryptocurrency requires an app installed on your Ledger device:
Installing apps does not delete your funds, but uninstalling an app will temporarily remove access to that asset until reinstalled.
Keeping your Ledger device firmware updated is crucial to maintain security and access to new features.
If a firmware update fails or your device behaves unexpectedly after an update, contact Ledger Support for assistance.
If you forget your PIN, you will need to reset your device and restore your wallet using your recovery phrase.
Unfortunately, losing your recovery phrase means your crypto assets cannot be recovered if your device is lost or damaged. Always store this phrase securely.
Ledger Live Desktop® supports adding an optional passphrase to your recovery phrase, creating a hidden wallet for added security and privacy. This feature should be used carefully and the passphrase securely stored.
Ledger Live Mobile complements the desktop app by allowing you to check your portfolio and approve transactions on the go. It syncs securely with your Ledger device via Bluetooth (Ledger Nano X only) or QR codes.
Ledger devices can integrate with third-party wallets and DeFi platforms such as MetaMask, MyEtherWallet, and others, allowing you to interact with decentralized applications (dApps) while keeping your private keys secure on your hardware wallet.
Ledger Live Desktop® is a powerful tool that, when combined with your Ledger hardware wallet, provides industry-leading security and comprehensive management of your cryptocurrency assets. Following the setup and security guidelines in this guide will help you protect your digital wealth effectively.
For the latest news, tutorials, and support, visit the official Ledger website at https://ledger.com.
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or security advice. Cryptocurrency investments carry risks; please conduct your own research and exercise caution.