Ledger® Live: Desktop — Begin with Lédger in Minutes
Welcome to your colorful quick-start for Ledger® Live Desktop. This guide shows how to install the app,
connect your Ledger device, add accounts, and transact safely—so your private keys stay offline and every approval
happens on the device screen. Smooth setup today means confident crypto management tomorrow.
Approve transactions on your Ledger device—your seed phrase and private keys never touch your computer.
Unified Portfolio
See balances, performance, and activity across coins and networks in a single, tidy dashboard.
Manage, Swap & Stake
Install coin apps, send/receive with clarity, and access integrated services where supported.
Built-In Safety Cues
Human-readable prompts, address checks, and fee controls help you avoid typos and tampering.
Windows & macOSOn-device approvalsMultiple assetsPortfolio viewIntegrated services
Set Up
Install & Connect in Five Easy Steps
Download from an official page. Use your own bookmark—avoid search-ad links or third-party mirrors.
Install Ledger Live Desktop. Follow OS prompts and allow required USB/HID permissions so the app can talk to your device.
Update your Ledger device. Open the Manager, then install the latest firmware and coin apps for the assets you plan to manage.
Add accounts & verify addresses. When receiving, confirm that the address on your computer matches the one on the device screen.
Transact with confidence. Review amounts and network fees. Approve on the device only when everything matches exactly.
Pro tip: If the app can’t find your device, try a different USB port/cable, close other wallet apps, and relaunch Ledger Live.
Important: No website or “support” will ever ask for your 24-word recovery phrase or your PIN. If prompted online, stop—it's a scam.
What You Gain
Ledger Live at a Glance
Task
How Ledger Live Helps
Daily tracking
Unified portfolio with balances, price moves, and recent activity.
Secure transfers
On-device confirmations keep keys offline and approvals deliberate.
Coverage
Install apps for supported coins, manage multiple networks from one place.
Staking & services
Access integrated flows (where available) without leaving the app.
Reliability
Desktop integration avoids browser extension surprises and conflicts.
Help & Diagnostics
Quick Fixes for Common Issues
Device not detected? Use the original cable, try a rear USB port, unlock the device, and ensure no other wallet app is open.
Manager won’t open? Approve the “Allow Ledger Manager” prompt on the device, then retry.
Receive address won’t verify? Open the correct coin app on the device before viewing the address.
Network fees look high? Check fee settings and network conditions; consider waiting or choosing a lower priority.
FAQs
Common Questions
Is Ledger Live Desktop required?
It’s the recommended way to manage accounts, install coin apps, and update firmware. Some third-party wallets also support Ledger devices.
Does Ledger Live ever access my private keys?
No. The seed phrase and private keys stay inside the hardware wallet. You approve actions on the device screen.
How do I stay up to date?
Use the in-app updater or reinstall from the official site you’ve bookmarked. Keep device firmware current, too.
Best practice for my recovery phrase?
Write it on paper or engrave in steel, store offline, never digitize or photograph it, and never share it with anyone.
Manage Crypto with Confidence
Ledger® Live Desktop gives you a secure, hardware-anchored workspace for everyday crypto tasks.
Download from official sources, verify every receive address on the device, and keep your recovery phrase offline.
Good habits today protect your portfolio tomorrow.