Official Site® | Ledgér.com/Start®

What is Ledger Live (Desktop)?

Ledger® Live is the companion application for Ledger hardware wallets (Nano S Plus, Nano X, Stax). On Desktop, it provides a secure command center to buy, sell, swap, stake, and track thousands of assets while private keys remain isolated inside your hardware wallet. Ledger Live never asks for your 24-word recovery phrase; all sensitive approvals happen on the device screen you control.

Download & install

Windows / macOS / Linux

Visit Ledger.com/Start.
Choose your OS and download the official installer.
Run the installer, then launch Ledger Live.
Allow updates when prompted to receive security fixes and new features.

Tip: If your antivirus flags the download, verify the source URL and allow the app from the official site.

First launch checklist

Enable password lock in Settings → Security.
Review analytics/privacy settings.
Bookmark ledger.com/start for future updates.

Set up or connect your Ledger device

Connect your device via USB (Nano X also supports Bluetooth, but use USB for updates).
Choose Set up new device (or Connect existing if already initialized).
Create a strong PIN on the device.
Write down the 24-word recovery phrase on the provided sheets. Do not photograph or store digitally.
Confirm the phrase on the device to complete initialization.

The recovery phrase is your ultimate backup. Store it offline in separate, secure locations—consider a metal backup for durability. Never type those words into a computer, website, or chat.

Verify authenticity & install coin apps

Open Manager in Ledger Live and run the Genuine Check while the device is connected and unlocked. After verification, install coin apps (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum). Apps can be removed to free space without affecting funds; assets live on their blockchains, not in the app.

Add accounts and view your portfolio

Go to Accounts → Add account.
Select a cryptocurrency and open the matching app on your device.
Allow Ledger Live to scan and synchronize addresses and balances.

The Portfolio view aggregates your balances, historical performance, and allocation. You can rename accounts, group them, and export transactions for tax reporting.

Send & receive safely

Receive

Open an account → click Receive.
Connect and unlock your device, open the coin app.
Verify the address on the device screen; share only after it matches.

Send

Select account → Send → paste recipient and amount.
Review network fees and priority.
Confirm details on the device screen and approve to sign.

Always trust the device screen. If anything differs between app and device, cancel immediately and re-verify.

Built-in services

Buy / Sell: Acquire or cash out through integrated partners.
Swap: Exchange supported assets without leaving the app.
Staking: Stake assets like ETH, DOT, ATOM and track rewards.
Discover: Curated dApps and tools that work with your Ledger.

Security best practices

Download only from Ledger.com/Start.
Enable app password lock and auto-lock timers.
Keep firmware and Ledger Live updated.
Verify addresses and amounts on the device screen before approving.
Store the 24 words offline; never share them—support will never ask.

Troubleshooting quick fixes

Device not recognized: Try another USB cable/port, close other wallet apps, restart both device and Ledger Live.
Update issues: Use the original cable, connect via USB, and keep the device unlocked during updates.
Forgot Ledger Live password: Reset the app and re-add accounts with your device (funds remain on-chain).
Lost device: Restore on a new Ledger using your 24-word phrase.