Ledger Live Desktop®
Manage Your Crypto® Assets Safely

Ledger Live Desktop is your gateway to securely managing, monitoring, and transacting your cryptocurrency holdings — while preserving full control over your private keys. This guide walks you through setup, usage, and best practices to ensure you get the most out of Ledger Live, safely.

Table of Contents

1. Why Use Ledger Live Desktop?
2. Getting Started: What You Need
3. Installation & Launch
4. Initial Setup: Create or Restore
5. Connect & Authenticate Hardware
6. Adding and Organizing Accounts
7. Receiving Funds
8. Sending Funds
9. Updating Firmware & Apps
10. Advanced Features
11. Security Recommendations
12. Common Issues & Solutions
13. Conclusion & Next Steps

1. Why Use Ledger Live Desktop?

Ledger Live Desktop offers a powerful yet user-friendly way to interact with your Ledger hardware wallet. Here’s what it offers:

• Non‑custodial control: Only you hold the private keys; the software provides interface and tools.
• Unified asset management: Manage multiple blockchains, tokens, and NFTs in one place.
• Secure transaction signing: All sensitive signing happens on your device, not on your computer.
• Cross‑platform compatibility: Works on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
• Extra services: Swap, staking, bridging, transaction history, portfolio analytics, and more — directly from your interface.

2. Getting Started: What You Need

Before diving in, ensure you have the essentials ready:

• A genuine Ledger hardware wallet (e.g. Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Stax).
• A standard USB data cable (avoid power‑only or charging cables).
• A computer (Windows, macOS, or Linux) with internet access.
• Pen and paper (or a durable backup medium) for the recovery phrase.
• A calm workspace where you can focus and not be disturbed.

3. Installation & Launch

1. Visit the official Ledger website to download Ledger Live.
2. Select the version suited for your operating system.
3. On Linux, you may need to grant executable permissions (e.g. chmod +x LedgerLive.AppImage).
4. Run the installer and follow the guided steps.
5. Once installed, launch Ledger Live from your applications or desktop icon.

4. Initial Setup: Create or Restore

When Ledger Live opens for the first time, it prompts you to either set up a new device or restore an existing one.

1. Click Get Started.
2. Select your Ledger device model.
3. Choose between Create a new device or Restore from recovery phrase.
4. Follow on‑device instructions:
• Set a PIN (4–8 digits).
• Write down your 24‑word recovery phrase in order.
• Confirm selected words to validate correctness.
5. Once done, confirm in Ledger Live to proceed.

5. Connect & Authenticate Hardware

1. Connect your Ledger device to your computer via USB.
2. Unlock the device with your PIN.
3. If requested, open the built‑in “Ledger Manager” app on the device.
4. Ledger Live may perform a “genuine check” — verify the prompt on device and accept it.
5. After verification, Ledger Live and the device are paired and ready to use.

6. Adding and Organizing Accounts

To interact with any cryptocurrency, you need to install its app on the Ledger device and add the corresponding account in Ledger Live.

1. In Ledger Live, go to the Manager tab.
2. Install the relevant blockchain app (e.g. Bitcoin, Ethereum).
3. Switch to the Accounts tab and click Add account.
4. Pick the currency, connect the device, open that currency’s app on it, and allow Ledger Live to scan for your addresses.
5. Optionally name the account (e.g. “ETH – Daily Use”).
6. Repeat to add more currencies or multiple accounts per currency.

Note: Removing an app from the device does not delete your funds or accounts — they remain recoverable via your seed phrase.

7. Receiving Funds

1. Select the account you want to receive into.
2. Click Receive.
3. Connect and unlock your device, and open the relevant app (e.g. Bitcoin) on it.
4. Ledger Live will generate a receive address.
5. Confirm that the address on your computer matches the address on the device screen — only share the on-device–verified address.

8. Sending Funds

1. Open the account from which you want to send.
2. Click Send.
3. Enter the recipient address, amount, and (if configurable) transaction fee settings.
4. Click Continue, which allows Ledger Live to build an unsigned transaction.
5. On your device, inspect and verify each line: amount, destination, fees.
6. If all is correct, approve the transaction on device. Ledger Live then broadcasts it to the network.
7. Track the transaction until confirmed.

9. Updating Firmware & Apps

To benefit from the latest security patches and features, stay up to date.

1. In Ledger Live, go to Manager.
2. If a firmware update is available, Ledger Live will prompt you.
3. Follow on-screen instructions to install the update. Do not disconnect your device mid‑update.
4. You can also add or remove blockchain apps here.
5. Again, removing an app does not impact your funds — your accounts remain linked to your seed phrase.

10. Advanced Features

Ledger Live offers several extras to enhance the experience:

• Portfolio Analytics: See a breakdown of your holdings, performance graphs, and total net worth.
• Staking / Delegation: For supported blockchains, stake assets directly via Ledger Live.
• Swap / Bridge: Exchange assets or bridge between chains using partnered services.
• NFT Support: View, send, and receive select NFTs within Ledger Live.
• Third‑Party Integrations: Use WalletConnect or dApps while keeping transaction signing on device.
• Export & Reporting: Export your transaction history for accounting or tax purposes.

11. Security Recommendations

Keeping your assets safe is of utmost importance. Here are essential practices:

• Always verify transaction details on the physical device screen, not just the app UI.
• Use the optional application password in Ledger Live to lock functionality when the app is open.
• Store your 24‑word recovery phrase offline and, if possible, on durable backup media (e.g. metal plate).
• Never capture your recovery phrase as an image or digital file.
• Be cautious of phishing: bookmark official Ledger sites and never click suspicious links.
• Enable automatic updates for Ledger Live once you're comfortable.
• If you use a passphrase (extra “25th word”), understand its implications: a lost passphrase means lost funds.
• Avoid using public or shared computers whenever possible.

12. Common Issues & Solutions

Device Not Detected

Check the USB cable and port (avoid hubs), unlock the device first, and on Linux, check udev rules or permissions. Restart if needed.

Firmware Update Failed / Device Unresponsive

Do not panic. Reconnect your device, close and reopen Ledger Live, and retry the update. If stuck, consult official recovery instructions.

Account Balances Missing or Zero

Try removing and re‑adding the account (via the same recovery seed). Ensure the blockchain app is installed on the device. Double-check network settings.

Forgot PIN

Three incorrect entries wipe the device. You’ll need to restore from your 24‑word recovery phrase.

Manager Tab Won’t Load / Stuck

Clear the app cache or reinstall Ledger Live. Some users report that toggling network or firewall settings also helps.

Transactions Taking Too Long

It may be due to network congestion. Increase fee (if allowed) or wait for confirmations. Always check blockchain explorer for real-time status.

Swap / Bridge Service Fails

Check that you're using supported coins, that the backup nodes are healthy, and that you haven’t exceeded limits on partner services.

Error: “App Not Open on Device”

Make sure you have opened the corresponding cryptocurrency app on your Ledger before trying to add or use that account in Ledger Live.

13. Conclusion & Next Steps

You now have a solid understanding of how to set up, use, and protect your Ledger Live Desktop experience. With this, you can confidently manage your crypto portfolio while ensuring your private keys remain offline and secure.

To further your journey:

• Explore the Portfolio section to track trends and net worth.
• Try staking small amounts on supported assets.
• Use swap or bridge features carefully (with small amounts initially).
• Export transaction logs to get familiar with reporting tools.
• Check official Ledger support or community forums when in doubt.