Ledger® Live: Desktop | Getting Started - Ledger Support®

Welcome to the official guide for Ledger® Live Desktop. Ledger provides secure hardware wallets that keep your private keys offline while allowing safe interaction with cryptocurrencies, NFTs, decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms, staking, and Web3 applications. This guide from Ledger Support® will walk you through downloading Ledger Live Desktop, initializing your Ledger device, and securely managing your digital assets.

1. Introduction to Ledger and Ledger Live

Ledger is a global leader in cryptocurrency security, offering hardware wallets that store private keys offline, protecting users from hacking, phishing, and malware. Ledger Live Desktop is the official software that connects your Ledger device to manage digital assets, interact with DeFi, and access Web3 applications safely.

• Ledger Nano S Plus: Compact, beginner-friendly hardware wallet.
• Ledger Nano X: Advanced hardware wallet with Bluetooth, multi-asset support, and mobile connectivity.
• Ledger Live Desktop: Official desktop software to manage wallets, NFTs, DeFi, staking, and Web3 interactions.

2. Why Secure Crypto Management Matters

Cryptocurrency ownership relies entirely on private keys. Without proper security, assets can be permanently lost. Ledger hardware wallets combined with Ledger Live Desktop provide:

• Offline storage of private keys.
• Physical confirmation for every transaction.
• Support for multiple cryptocurrencies and blockchain networks.
• Backup and recovery through a 24-word recovery phrase.

3. Downloading Ledger Live Desktop

Follow these steps to install Ledger Live Desktop:

1. Go to the official Ledger Live page: Ledger.com.
2. Choose the version for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
3. Download the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
4. Launch Ledger Live Desktop to begin setup.

4. Initializing Your Ledger Hardware Wallet

After installing Ledger Live Desktop, set up your Ledger hardware wallet:

1. Connect your Ledger device to your computer via USB or Bluetooth (Ledger Nano X).
2. Power on the device and follow on-screen instructions.
3. Set a secure PIN code to prevent unauthorized access.
4. Write down your 24-word recovery phrase on the provided sheet and store it securely offline.

Important: Never store your recovery phrase digitally or share it. It is the only way to restore your wallet if the device is lost or damaged.

5. Adding Cryptocurrency Accounts

Ledger Live Desktop allows you to add accounts for various cryptocurrencies:

• Open Ledger Live and select “Add Account.”
• Choose the cryptocurrency you wish to manage.
• Install the corresponding blockchain app on your Ledger device if prompted.
• Verify the account address on the device before confirming in Ledger Live.

6. Sending and Receiving Cryptocurrency

Ledger Live Desktop ensures secure crypto transactions:

1. To receive, copy your account address from Ledger Live and share it with the sender.
2. To send, enter the recipient’s address and amount, then confirm the transaction on your Ledger device.
3. Always verify addresses directly on the Ledger device to prevent phishing and errors.

7. Buying, Selling, and Swapping Crypto

Ledger Live integrates with trusted partners for buying, selling, and swapping cryptocurrencies:

• Purchase crypto using fiat directly in Ledger Live.
• Swap supported cryptocurrencies safely without exposing private keys online.
• Track transactions, swaps, and portfolio balances in one interface.

8. Managing Multiple Blockchains

Ledger supports multiple blockchain networks, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Binance Smart Chain, Cardano, and Polygon:

• Manage multiple wallets across different networks.
• Send and receive assets securely.
• Participate safely in staking, liquidity pools, and DeFi programs.

9. NFTs and Digital Collectibles

Ledger Live Desktop allows secure management of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs):

• View your NFT collections on supported platforms.
• Sign NFT transactions securely on your Ledger device.
• Keep private keys offline while interacting with NFTs.

10. Decentralized Finance (DeFi)

Ledger Live Desktop provides safe access to DeFi applications:

1. Connect your Ledger device to DeFi platforms via Ledger Live or WalletConnect.
2. Authorize all transactions on your Ledger device.
3. Monitor balances, staking positions, and rewards within Ledger Live.

11. Staking and Earning Rewards

Ledger Live Desktop supports staking for multiple cryptocurrencies:

• Select a blockchain and validator to stake.
• Confirm staking transactions on your Ledger device.
• Earn rewards while maintaining full control of your assets.

Supported staking networks include Ethereum, Tezos, Cardano, Solana, and others.

12. Security Best Practices

Ledger emphasizes security through hardware and recommended user practices:

• Purchase devices only from official Ledger sources.
• Never share your 24-word recovery phrase or PIN.
• Verify all transactions on the device screen.
• Keep Ledger Live and firmware updated.
• Use a passphrase for enhanced protection.
• Disconnect from dApps or exchanges when not in use.

13. Backup and Recovery

If your Ledger device is lost or damaged, the 24-word recovery phrase allows wallet restoration:

1. Obtain a new Ledger device.
2. Select “Restore device from recovery phrase.”
3. Enter the 24 words in the correct order.
4. Set a new PIN for the restored wallet.

Always store recovery phrases offline in secure locations.

14. Web3 Integration

Ledger Live Desktop integrates securely with Web3 applications via WalletConnect and browser extensions:

• Interact with decentralized applications safely.
• Sign blockchain transactions on your Ledger device.
• Access DeFi, NFTs, and staking while keeping private keys offline.

15. Troubleshooting and Support

Common issues and solutions:

• Device not recognized: Ensure USB or Bluetooth connections are secure and Ledger Live is updated.
• Transaction errors: Verify the correct blockchain network and confirm on the Ledger device.
• Firmware update issues: Restart Ledger Live Desktop and the device, then retry the update.

Visit the Ledger Support Center for further guidance, tutorials, and troubleshooting tips.

16. Future-Proofing Your Ledger Experience

Ledger continually updates Ledger Live to support new cryptocurrencies, DeFi protocols, NFTs, and Web3 applications. Using Ledger Live Desktop ensures:

• Full control over your private keys and digital assets.
• Secure access to emerging blockchain opportunities.
• Protection against phishing, malware, and online attacks.

Conclusion

Ledger® Live Desktop provides a complete, secure solution for managing cryptocurrencies, NFTs, DeFi, staking, and Web3 activities. By combining Ledger hardware wallets with Ledger Live Desktop, you maintain full control over your digital assets while minimizing risks. Protect your recovery phrase, follow security best practices, and begin your secure crypto journey today.

Get started with Ledger Live Desktop safely at Ledger.com/ledger-live — your official support hub for secure cryptocurrency management.