Ledger® Live: Desktop

Steps to download safely

1. Open your browser and type the official Ledger URL directly or use a trusted bookmark.
2. Choose the Ledger Live Desktop installer matching your OS.
3. Download and (if provided) compare the checksum/signature with the value displayed on Ledger's site.
4. Run the installer and follow on-screen instructions.
5. Open Ledger Live Desktop once installation completes — the app will provide a guided onboarding flow.

Verify installer integrity

When available, verifying signatures or checksums reduces the risk of tampered installers. Use operating system tools (shasum, certutil, GPG) or the provided verification instructions on Ledger's website.

Initial setup flow

1. Launch Ledger Live Desktop and click "Get started".
2. Choose whether you're setting up a new device or restoring an existing one.
3. Connect your Ledger device via USB (or Bluetooth for supported models) and follow on-device prompts to set a PIN.
4. Write down your recovery phrase exactly in order on the supplied recovery card or a metal backup plate.
5. Confirm a few words on the device as prompted to validate your recording.
6. Allow Ledger Live to check for recommended firmware updates and apply them if necessary.
7. Open the Manager in Ledger Live and install blockchain apps you plan to use (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum).
8. Add accounts: Accounts → Add Account → select currency → Ledger Live syncs addresses and balances.

Restoring an existing wallet

If you already have a recovery phrase, choose the restore option, connect a Ledger device, and enter the recovery words on the device (never type your seed into a computer). Once restored, Ledger Live will reconstruct accounts and balances.

Portfolio Dashboard

A consolidated view of balances across all added accounts, with historical charts and asset allocation to monitor portfolio health at a glance.

Send & Receive

Receive funds using addresses displayed and verified on-device. Create send transactions in Ledger Live; every transaction requires your physical confirmation on the Ledger device, ensuring signatures originate from the secure element.

App Manager

Install and manage blockchain-specific apps on your Ledger device. Apps enable the device to derive addresses and process transaction data for specific chains.

Buy & Swap Integrations

Ledger Live integrates third-party partners for fiat on-ramps and asset swaps. Partners handle execution and custody during the transaction; Ledger Live provides a secure UI and triggers device signing when required.

Staking & Earn

Stake supported assets directly through Ledger Live while maintaining custody of private keys on-device. The UI shows expected rewards, lockup durations, and simple delegation flows where applicable.

Export & Reporting

Export transaction history for tax reporting or bookkeeping. Ledger Live supports CSV exports and aggregated transaction histories for accounting workflows.

Never share your recovery phrase

Legitimate Ledger support will never ask for your recovery phrase. Keep your recovery phrase offline and store it on paper or a durable metal backup. Consider geographically distributed backups stored in secure locations (safe deposit box, trusted custodian).

Use a strong PIN

Set a unique PIN on your Ledger device. The PIN protects the device's local interface — after multiple incorrect attempts the device may wipe to prevent brute-force attacks (if configured).

Enable passphrase for hidden wallets (optional)

Advanced users can enable a passphrase (often called a 25th word) to create hidden wallets derived from the same seed. This adds plausible deniability and additional security but increases complexity — document your approach carefully.

Verify everything on-device

Always confirm receiving addresses and transaction details on your Ledger device’s display. The device is the single source of truth; the host computer cannot spoof its screen.

Beware of phishing and counterfeit software

Only download Ledger Live and firmware from Ledger's official website. Use bookmarks to access official pages and treat unsolicited emails with caution. Never enter your recovery phrase into a website or app.

Keep software & firmware updated

Apply Ledger Live updates and firmware updates through Ledger Live. Updates often include security improvements. Confirm firmware update prompts on the device display before approving.

Receive crypto (safe method)

1. Open Ledger Live → Accounts → Receive.
2. Select the account and click "Show address".
3. Verify the address printed in Ledger Live matches the address on your Ledger device screen.
4. Share the verified address with the sender.

Send crypto (safe method)

1. Create a new transaction in Ledger Live → Send.
2. Enter recipient address and amount; choose appropriate network fee.
3. Review the transaction preview in Ledger Live.
4. Confirm transaction details on your Ledger device — check recipient, amount, and fees before approving.
5. Only after device confirmation will the transaction be broadcast to the network.

Staking & delegation

Select the asset you wish to stake, follow Ledger Live’s staking UI to delegate to a validator (or use the integrated partner). Remember lock-up windows and unbonding periods vary by blockchain — review them before staking.

Swaps & partner transactions

When using buy/swap partners, check partner fees and required KYC steps. Ledger Live will route the transaction for signing; ensure you approve the transaction on-device and verify partner details carefully.

Device not detected

Try a different USB cable or port; ensure the device is unlocked and the correct app is open for the blockchain you're using. For Bluetooth pairing on supported models, ensure Bluetooth permissions are enabled and the device is not already connected to another phone.

Firmware update fails

Restart Ledger Live and your device, ensure stable power/USB connection, and retry. If failures persist, consult Ledger's official support with non-sensitive diagnostic details.

Transactions stuck or unconfirmed

Check the network mempool and fees; you may increase fees using supported protocols (e.g., replace-by-fee for Bitcoin) or wait for network conditions to improve. For contract interactions, verify you’re on the correct network and contract address.

Lost device

If the device is lost or damaged, obtain a new Ledger device and restore from your recovery phrase. Never enter the recovery phrase into any website or share it — only use the device restore process on a trusted hardware wallet.

Passphrase (hidden wallet)

A passphrase adds an extra secret to your seed to create hidden wallets. While powerful for privacy and plausible deniability, a passphrase must be remembered or stored securely — losing it means losing access to those hidden funds.

Multisig setups

Multisig increases security by requiring multiple signatures to authorize transactions. Ledger devices can be used as signers in multisig configurations — useful for institutional custody or shared accountability.

UTXO & coin control (Bitcoin)

Advanced Bitcoin users can manage Unspent Transaction Outputs (UTXOs) to optimize fees and privacy. Use coin control to choose which UTXOs are spent in a transaction and reduce linkability where appropriate.

Can Ledger Live access my private keys?

No. Private keys are generated and stored in the secure element of your Ledger device. Ledger Live constructs transaction data; signatures are produced on-device after your explicit confirmation.

What if I lose my recovery phrase?

If you lose both device and recovery phrase, funds are irretrievable. Always store a secure offline backup of your recovery phrase and consider multiple geographic backups for resilience.

Are Ledger Live and firmware updates safe?

Install updates only from Ledger's official site via Ledger Live. Firmware updates include security patches and checks. During updates, confirm the operation on the device display before approving.

Do buy/swap partners custody my funds?

Partner services have their own custody and execution models; Ledger Live provides integrations but partners may temporarily custody funds during a transaction. Review partner terms and KYC requirements before use.