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

In the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency, ensuring your digital assets are safe and accessible is essential. Ledger® Live: Desktop is the official software companion for Ledger® hardware wallets, such as the Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, and Ledger Stax. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned crypto user, this powerful app offers a secure and intuitive platform to manage your cryptocurrencies.

This comprehensive guide walks you through how to get started with Ledger Live Desktop, install it safely, connect your device, and begin managing your crypto portfolio confidently.

🔐 What Is Ledger® Live Desktop?

Ledger Live Desktop is a secure, desktop-based application designed to interact seamlessly with your Ledger hardware wallet. It allows users to send, receive, buy, sell, stake, and monitor cryptocurrencies in a unified interface, with all actions validated through the physical Ledger device.

✅ Key Features:

  • Full portfolio overview
  • Support for 5,500+ digital assets
  • NFT visualization and management
  • Secure transactions with device confirmation
  • Coin staking and swapping
  • Direct fiat-to-crypto purchases
  • Regular firmware and app updates

🖥️ Step 1: Download Ledger Live for Desktop

Before setting up, make sure you are on the official Ledger website to avoid phishing scams. Go to:

👉 https://www.ledger.com/start

Choose your operating system:

  • Windows
  • macOS
  • Linux

Click the download button and install the application.

⚠️ Important: Never download Ledger Live from unofficial sources or app stores. Always verify the URL.

📦 Step 2: Unbox and Connect Your Ledger Device

If you’re using your Ledger hardware wallet for the first time:

  1. Unbox the device and check for any tampering.
  2. Use the USB cable provided to connect the device to your computer.
  3. Open Ledger Live Desktop and click “Get Started.”

You’ll be prompted to:

  • Set up as a new device
  • Restore from recovery phrase

Choose accordingly and follow the instructions.

🔐 Step 3: Initialize Your Ledger Device

When setting up a new device:

  • Choose a secure PIN code (4 to 8 digits). Do not share this PIN with anyone.
  • The device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase. Write it down on the provided sheet and store it offline in a secure location.
  • Confirm the phrase as prompted.

This recovery phrase is your only way to recover your wallet if the device is lost or damaged.

🔄 Step 4: Pair Device with Ledger Live

Once your device is initialized:

  • Ledger Live will pair with the hardware wallet.
  • You may be prompted to allow Ledger Manager on the device (press both buttons).
  • Ledger Live checks for the latest firmware and software updates—install if needed.

💼 Step 5: Install Apps for Supported Crypto

Each cryptocurrency has its own “app” that must be installed on your Ledger device to manage it through Ledger Live.

To install apps:

  1. Open Ledger Live > Manager
  2. Search for the coin (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum)
  3. Click Install while your device is connected and unlocked

You can install multiple apps depending on your device’s storage capacity.

🧾 Step 6: Add Accounts

After installing the apps:

  1. Go to Accounts > Add Account
  2. Select the cryptocurrency
  3. Let Ledger Live sync with the blockchain
  4. Once done, you’ll see your account listed in the Portfolio

Repeat for any additional coins you want to manage.

💸 Step 7: Send and Receive Crypto

✅ To Receive:

  • Select the crypto account
  • Click Receive
  • Connect and unlock your Ledger device
  • Verify the address on both your device and screen before sharing it

✅ To Send:

  • Click Send
  • Enter the recipient’s address and amount
  • Confirm the transaction details on your Ledger device by pressing both buttons

All transactions require device confirmation, which protects against unauthorized actions.

📊 Step 8: Portfolio & Market Tracking

Ledger Live shows:

  • Your total portfolio value
  • Individual asset balances
  • Historical charts and performance metrics

It also features a Discover tab where you can explore apps for staking, swapping, and buying crypto—all from within the Ledger ecosystem.

📈 Step 9: Stake, Swap & Buy Crypto

✅ Staking:

Earn rewards by staking assets like:

  • Ethereum (ETH)
  • Tezos (XTZ)
  • Solana (SOL)
  • Polkadot (DOT)

Staking is available directly in Ledger Live or through partnered services.

🔁 Swap:

Swap one crypto for another without leaving the app. This is facilitated through integrated partners.

💰 Buy:

Purchase crypto with a debit/credit card or bank transfer via trusted partners like:

  • MoonPay
  • Banxa
  • Coinify

Note: KYC may be required by the service provider.

🛠️ Firmware and App Updates

Regular updates enhance security and usability. Ledger Live will notify you when:

  • A new firmware version is available for your device
  • Cryptocurrency apps have updates
  • Ledger Live itself requires an update

Always ensure you’re running the latest versions.

🛡️ Best Security Practices

  • Never share your recovery phrase with anyone
  • Never enter the recovery phrase online
  • Avoid third-party software and browser extensions
  • Always verify URLs and only trust Ledger.com

If your device is lost or stolen, your funds are still safe as long as your 24-word phrase is secure. You can restore your wallet on a new device with that phrase.

🧑‍💻 Support & Help

Ledger offers robust customer support through:

  • Support Center
  • Video guides and FAQs
  • Ledger Academy for tutorials
  • Email and live chat

For urgent issues or scams, you can also report phishing attempts to their team.

✅ Conclusion

Ledger® Live Desktop is the gold standard in secure crypto management. Paired with a Ledger hardware wallet, it ensures that your private keys remain offline and under your control. With user-friendly design, extensive asset support, and integrated services for buying, selling, and staking, it’s the ultimate tool for safeguarding your digital wealth.

Getting started is easy—just visit Ledger.com/Start to download Ledger Live and begin your secure crypto journey.