Install & Set Up Ledger Live (Desktop)
Getting started is intentionally simple and secure. First, download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website and verify the download checksum if possible. Ledger Live supports macOS, Windows, and Linux. After installation, open the app and follow the friendly onboarding: select & confirm your device model, initialize a new device or restore an existing one, and choose a PIN directly on your hardware wallet — never share this PIN or your recovery phrase.
When Ledger Live asks, create a new wallet only on your Ledger device or restore from your recovery phrase if you’ve used Ledger before. Ledger Live communicates with your hardware wallet via USB or through a secure bridge layer; always keep the device firmware up to date via official Ledger Live prompts.
Manage Accounts & Assets
Ledger Live lets you add multiple cryptocurrency accounts, view portfolio balances, and send or receive funds. Each supported cryptocurrency has a dedicated app that you can install directly to your device through Ledger Live. When sending funds, Ledger Live will construct the transaction but will always require you to confirm the details on the hardware device itself. This two-step confirmation ensures that even if your computer were compromised, an attacker cannot sign transactions without the physical device.
Ledger Live also provides portfolio insights and historic transaction data. If you connect to third-party providers via Ledger Live for market data or integrations, always verify the provider and review permissions. For power users, Ledger Live also supports staking for selected assets, allowing you to delegate or stake while keeping your private keys secure on the device.
Apps, Integrations & Connecting DApps
Ledger Live acts as a secure hub: it installs apps onto the Ledger device (for example, Ethereum, Bitcoin, Solana apps) and can connect with select decentralized applications. When connecting to a dApp, your browser will typically talk to a wallet bridge and the hardware wallet confirms every signing request. This gives you the convenience of DeFi and Web3 integrations without exposing private keys.
When integrating with external services, prefer official integrations and follow security prompts carefully. Always review transaction details on the hardware screen before approving. Ledger Live keeps the device as a secure signing layer while letting the desktop interface and approved integrations do the heavy lifting for you.
Security Best Practices & Support
Security is the guiding principle. Your private keys never leave the Ledger device. Your 24-word recovery phrase is the ultimate backup: write it down on the supplied recovery sheet and store it offline, in a safe place. Never store the phrase digitally, never share it, and never enter it into a website. Ledger support will never ask for your recovery phrase or PIN.
If you ever suspect a compromised device or lose your hardware, you can restore your funds on a new Ledger device using the recovery phrase. If you need help, the official Ledger Support Center has step-by-step guides and polite customer service resources. Always use official channels and avoid third-party help unless they are known and trusted.
Polite Notes on Troubleshooting
If Ledger Live is not detecting your device, first try another USB cable or port, ensure firmware is up to date, and check for system permissions for USB access. On macOS and Windows, allow Ledger Live to access the device when prompted. Restarting the app or rebooting your computer is often an effective, simple fix. If problems persist, consult the official help center for guided diagnostics.