Ledger® Live: Desktop

Overview — What Ledger Live Desktop does

Ledger Live Desktop provides a secure local interface to manage blockchain accounts while keeping private keys isolated on the Ledger hardware device. The app itself does not hold or access private keys — it constructs transactions and asks your device to sign them. This separation reduces the risk posed by malware, phishing sites, and compromised computers.

This guide focuses on Desktop setup and security best practices — if you prefer mobile, Ledger Live Mobile offers Bluetooth pairing for supported devices (e.g., Ledger Nano X).

Download & install

1. Open your browser and type ledger.com/start or use an official bookmark. Avoid clicking links from unsolicited emails.
2. Choose the Desktop download and pick the installer for Windows, macOS, or Linux.
3. Run the installer and follow on-screen steps. Grant permissions only if you trust the source.
4. Launch Ledger Live and accept initial prompts such as analytics choices or optional telemetry.

Initial device setup

To use Ledger Live Desktop you need a Ledger hardware wallet. If you already have a device, choose Restore. For a new device, follow the steps below:

1. Connect your Ledger device to the computer with the supplied USB cable.
2. Open Ledger Live Desktop and choose Get Started → Set up as new device.
3. On the device, choose a PIN (entered on-device) to prevent unauthorized physical access.
4. Write down the recovery phrase (24 words by default) on the supplied sheet or a steel backup and store it offline in a secure location.
5. Confirm the recovery phrase on the device; after confirmation your wallet is ready to add accounts.

Never enter your recovery phrase into a computer or photograph it — treat it like cash in a safe.

Adding accounts & installing apps

Ledger devices use blockchain-specific 'apps' to manage different assets. Ledger Live Desktop's Manager installs and removes those apps:

1. Open Manager in Ledger Live and connect your unlocked device.
2. Install apps for the blockchains you plan to use (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.).
3. Once installed, go to Accounts → Add account and follow prompts to sync balances and history.

App size is limited by device storage — uninstall unused apps to free space and reinstall later if needed.

Daily operations — send, receive, stake

Receive

To receive funds, select the correct account in Ledger Live and click Receive. Ledger Live will display an address — verify the exact same address on your Ledger device screen before sharing it with a sender.

Send

Create the transaction in Ledger Live (recipient, amount, fee). Ledger Live will prepare an unsigned transaction and send it to your device. Your Ledger device will display the transaction details — confirm the amount, destination address and fee on-device before approving. Only after approval does Ledger Live broadcast the signed transaction to the network.

Staking & earn

Ledger Live supports staking for selected proof-of-stake assets and integrates with trusted partners. When staking, you still confirm and sign all actions on the hardware device; review validator information and fees before delegating.

Security best practices

• Download Ledger Live and firmware updates only from ledger.com/start.
• Keep your recovery phrase offline and stored in multiple secure locations if appropriate (e.g., safe deposit box, home safe).
• Never type or photograph your recovery phrase; never share it with anyone, including support staff.
• Use a strong, non-obvious PIN and change it if compromise is suspected.
• Verify transaction details on the device screen — the device is the single source of truth.
• Keep operating system and browser up to date; avoid performing sensitive operations on unknown or public machines.
• Consider splitting large holdings across multiple wallets or multisig setups for added resilience.

Backup & recovery

Your recovery phrase lets you restore access to assets if the device is lost or damaged. To restore:

1. Acquire a new compatible Ledger device (or any compatible BIP39 device if necessary).
2. On the new device, select Restore from recovery phrase and enter your words in the exact order.
3. Install Ledger Live Desktop on a trusted computer and add your accounts — balances will sync from the blockchain.

If you've used a passphrase in addition to the seed, you must provide the exact same passphrase when restoring to access that hidden wallet.

Ledger Live Mobile & Bluetooth

Ledger Live Mobile complements Desktop and supports Bluetooth pairing for compatible devices (Ledger Nano X). Pairing steps:

1. Install Ledger Live Mobile from your device's app store.
2. Open the mobile app and choose Pair device, then enable Bluetooth on your Ledger device.
3. Confirm pairing on-device. Signing always happens on the Ledger hardware, even for mobile operations.

Use Bluetooth in trusted environments and confirm pairing codes shown on both devices before approving.

Troubleshooting — common issues

Device not detected

Try a different data-capable USB cable and port. Avoid USB hubs during initial troubleshooting. Restart Ledger Live and the computer. On some OSes you may need to allow USB access in browser settings for web-based flows.

Firmware or update errors

If a firmware update fails, reconnect the device and retry via Ledger Live Desktop. Follow official guidance — do not attempt unofficial firmware. Contact official support if problems persist.

Forgot PIN

Resetting the device clears the PIN and device data — you must restore from your recovery phrase. This illustrates why secure backups are essential.

Lost recovery phrase

Without the recovery phrase (and passphrase if used), restoring access is generally impossible. Search all secure locations and backups; if irrecoverable, the funds cannot be recovered.

FAQ — quick answers