Welcome to the official guide from Ledger. Follow these steps to securely set up, access, and manage your cryptocurrency using Ledger Live Desktop.
Ledger Live Desktop is the official companion software for Ledger hardware wallets (such as Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Stax). It allows you to:
To begin the setup process, make sure you have the following ready:
Visit the official Ledger website (e.g. ledger.com or ledger.com/start) and download the correct version of Ledger Live for your operating system: Windows, macOS, or Linux.
Run the downloaded installer and grant any necessary permissions. Once the installation is complete, open Ledger Live Desktop. You should see a “Get Started” screen prompting you to begin.
Plug your Ledger device into your computer using the USB cable. In Ledger Live, select your device model. Choose whether to:
Follow the prompts on your device to create a 4–8 digit PIN (entered on the hardware). Your device will then display your 24 recovery phrase words, one at a time. Write them down carefully in order. Later, Ledger Live will ask for confirmation of random words to verify your backup.
Ledger Live will run a “Genuine Check” to validate device authenticity using Ledger’s secure servers. You must approve this check on the hardware device. This ensures your device hasn’t been tampered with.
In Ledger Live, navigate to the Manager tab. Browse the supported blockchain app list (e.g. Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) and install the ones you need. Each app is stored securely on your Ledger device.
Go to Accounts → Add account. Select the cryptocurrency (e.g. BTC, ETH), then allow the app to scan and load your account. You’ll confirm actions *on the hardware device* when requested.
Click “Receive,” choose the account, and let Ledger Live generate an address. Always verify that the address shown on your Ledger device screen matches the one in the app before sharing it.
Click “Send,” input the recipient address and amount, review transaction fees, and then validate everything on the hardware device before approving. This ensures maximum security.
Ledger Live works with integrated exchange partners to let you swap or convert tokens. Even so, you’ll still confirm each action on your device.
The Dashboard view in Ledger Live gives a clean overview of your assets, portfolio breakdown, recent activity, and performance charts.
For assets that support staking (e.g. Ethereum, Polkadot), you can stake directly via Ledger Live. Confirm staking operations using your Ledger device.
Ledger Live supports viewing and managing NFTs on compatible chains (e.g. Ethereum, Polygon). Confirm ownership and actions on device.
Use WalletConnect or Ledger’s browser integrations to connect Ledger Live to decentralized applications. Always verify and approve smart contract interactions on your hardware device.
ledger.com and verify SSL certificate.Try using a different USB cable (it must support data transfer), another USB port, or restarting Ledger Live. Some cables only supply power and will not work for data communication.
Ensure you have a stable internet connection, disable antivirus/firewall interference, and retry. A computer reboot sometimes helps as well.
The PIN cannot be recovered. But if you have your 24‑word recovery phrase, you can reset the device and restore your wallet on a new device.
Your funds are not stored on the device itself — they are derived from the recovery phrase. Use that phrase to restore access in another compatible hardware or software wallet.
Ensure Ledger Live is up to date, and reconnect your device. In some cases re‑adding the account or restarting the app fixes the sync issue.
Your balances may sometimes differ due to caching or delays. Sync both platforms by fully refreshing or re-adding accounts.
Once your setup is complete and you’ve become comfortable, explore advanced features:
Visit the Ledger Support Center or the official Ledger onboarding portal for deeper walkthroughs, help articles, and video tutorials.