In the ever-evolving world of digital assets, the need for secure and intuitive management tools is more important than ever. If you’ve chosen a Ledger® hardware wallet, you’re already on the right path to protecting your cryptocurrency. But to unlock its full potential, you’ll need to get familiar with Ledger® Live: Desktop—Ledger’s all-in-one companion app for managing, buying, selling, and securing your crypto portfolio.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about getting started with Ledger Live on desktop, with insights pulled from official Ledger® Support.
Ledger Live is the official desktop and mobile application developed by Ledger. It serves as the command center for your hardware wallet, allowing you to:
By using Ledger Live in conjunction with your Ledger Nano S Plus or Ledger Nano X, you keep your private keys offline and secure, while enjoying seamless access to blockchain features directly from your computer.
Your journey begins at the official website:
👉 https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live
Make sure you download Ledger Live only from Ledger’s official site to avoid phishing scams or compromised software.
Choose the version compatible with your operating system:
Once the download is complete, install and launch the application. You’ll be greeted with a simple onboarding interface.
Before using Ledger Live, your Ledger hardware wallet should be initialized. If this is your first time:
⚠️ Important: Your recovery phrase is the only way to recover your funds if your device is lost or damaged. Never store it digitally or share it with anyone. Keep it offline in a secure place.
Once your device is set up, open Ledger Live and follow these steps:
You’re now securely connected and ready to use Ledger Live!
To manage and view your crypto balances, you’ll need to add accounts in Ledger Live.
Repeat the process for each crypto asset you want to manage. Your portfolio is now starting to take shape.
Ledger Live makes it easy to send and receive funds, with every transaction approved directly on your device.
To receive crypto:
To send crypto:
Your private keys never leave the device, ensuring top-tier security for every transaction.
The Portfolio tab in Ledger Live offers a clean, real-time overview of your asset balances and performance. You can view:
This dashboard is perfect for both active traders and long-term holders.
Ledger Live also offers:
If you run into any issues, visit the Ledger Support Center. It’s packed with tutorials, troubleshooting guides, and regional assistance including en-US support.
Support topics include:
Ledger Live: Desktop, when paired with a Ledger hardware wallet, offers one of the most secure and user-friendly environments for managing digital assets. From first-time crypto holders to DeFi pros, Ledger’s ecosystem combines convenience with ironclad security.
Unlike online wallets or exchange-based storage, Ledger empowers you to hold your own keys—giving you full ownership of your assets. And with the help of Ledger Live and official support, getting started has never been easier.