📱 Ledger Live Desktop | Official Site | Getting Started
Welcome to the official guide to setting up Ledger Live Desktop — the secure and easy way to manage your cryptocurrency portfolio with Ledger hardware wallets. This step-by-step walkthrough will help you get started, stay safe, and take full advantage of Ledger’s powerful features.
📦 Step 1: Unboxing and Verifying Your Ledger Device
Before starting, ensure your Ledger device is authentic and unopened:
- Look for a sealed package with Ledger’s tamper-proof stickers.
- Inside you should find the Ledger hardware wallet (Nano S, Nano X, or Nano S Plus), USB cable, recovery sheets, and user manual.
⚠️
Security Tip: If the packaging appears opened or tampered with, do not proceed and contact
Ledger Support immediately.
💻 Step 2: Download Ledger Live Desktop Application
Go to the official website ledger.com/start and download the Ledger Live Desktop app for your operating system:
Ledger Live is the control center to manage your assets, perform transactions, and update your device firmware securely.
⚙️ Step 3: Install and Launch Ledger Live
Follow these steps to get Ledger Live up and running:
- Run the downloaded installer and follow installation prompts.
- Launch Ledger Live once installation completes.
- Review and accept the terms and conditions.
💡 Tip: Always download Ledger Live from the official website to avoid scams or fake software.
🔌 Step 4: Connect Your Ledger Device
Plug your Ledger device into your computer using the included USB cable:
- Turn on your Ledger device.
- Follow the on-screen prompts on the device.
Ledger Live will detect your device and guide you through the initialization or recovery process.
🔐 Step 5: Setting Up Your Device Securely
During setup, you’ll be asked to:
- Create a new wallet with a fresh recovery phrase or restore an existing wallet using your recovery phrase.
- Choose a PIN code to protect your device.
- Write down your 24-word recovery phrase carefully on the provided recovery sheet.
⚠️ Critical: Your recovery phrase is your backup. Never share it, and keep it offline in a secure place.
📥 Step 6: Adding Accounts and Cryptocurrencies
After the device setup, add cryptocurrency accounts inside Ledger Live:
- Select the cryptocurrencies you want to manage.
- Ledger Live will sync your account balances and transaction history securely.
Supported cryptocurrencies include Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Litecoin, and over 1800+ assets.
📤 Step 7: Sending and Receiving Cryptocurrency
📥 Receiving
- Go to the Receive tab.
- Select the cryptocurrency.
- Copy or scan the wallet address shown.
- Verify the address on your Ledger device screen before sharing.
📤 Sending
- Go to the Send tab.
- Input recipient address and amount.
- Review transaction details.
- Confirm on your Ledger device.
⚠️ Always verify all transaction details on your hardware device before approving!
🔄 Step 8: Firmware Updates and Maintenance
Ledger frequently releases firmware updates to enhance security and add features. To update:
- Connect your Ledger device to Ledger Live.
- Click on Manager and follow the prompts to update firmware.
- Do not disconnect during updates.
🛡️ Step 9: Advanced Security Tips
- Use a strong, unique PIN code and never share it.
- Keep your recovery phrase offline and secure.
- Consider using a passphrase (25th word) for additional wallet security.
- Beware of phishing attempts — always use official Ledger URLs.
❓ Getting Help and Support
If you encounter any issues or have questions, Ledger offers extensive support resources: