Ledger® Live: Desktop | Getting Started With Ledger®
Welcome to Ledger® Live, the official companion app for your Ledger® hardware wallet. Whether you're new to crypto or transitioning from a software wallet, this guide will help you get started with Ledger® Live for Desktop — managing your assets with maximum security and full control. 🔐
Ledger® devices embody self-custody — your private keys stay securely offline. Paired with Ledger® Live, you get a user-friendly interface to manage your portfolio, install apps, and interact safely with Web3 — all from your desktop.
🚀 What Is Ledger® Live?
Ledger® Live is an all-in-one desktop app connecting to your Ledger Nano S Plus®, Nano X®, or Stax®. It allows you to:
- Manage crypto assets with real-time price tracking 📊
- Install and update apps for supported coins
- Send and receive 5,500+ digital assets
- Stake assets like Ethereum, Polkadot, and Tezos 🔁
- Buy, swap, or sell crypto using integrated services
- Access Web3 apps securely using Ledger Extension
Best of all — your private keys never leave your device. That's true ownership.
🧰 What You’ll Need
- A Ledger® hardware wallet (Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Stax) 📦
- USB cable (or Bluetooth for Nano X) 🔌
- Computer running Windows®, macOS®, or Linux 🖥️
- Internet connection 🌐
- Your recovery phrase card and a pen 🖊️
🛠️ Step-by-Step Setup for Ledger® Live (Desktop)
1. Download Ledger® Live
Visit the official site: https://ledger.com/ledger-live
Click Download Ledger Live for Desktop, selecting your OS version (Windows, macOS, Linux). 🧩
⚠️ Important: Only download from the official Ledger site. Avoid third-party links to prevent phishing or malware.
2. Install and Launch the App
Run the installer and follow prompts. Launch Ledger® Live and on the onboarding screen:
- Click Get Started
- Choose your device model
- Confirm whether you’re a new or returning user
3. Connect Your Ledger Device
Plug in your Ledger wallet (USB or Bluetooth for Nano X). Follow app prompts to:
- Create a new wallet or restore using your 24-word recovery phrase 🔐
- Set a secure PIN code on the device
- Write down your recovery phrase on paper — this is your backup! Never store it digitally.
💡 Tip: Ledger will never ask you to share your recovery phrase.
4. Install Apps & Add Accounts
- Go to Manager to install apps for the coins you want to manage (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum)
- Head to Accounts and click Add account to sync your wallet with Ledger Live
- Repeat for each asset you want to manage
Your wallet is now fully functional and ready for transactions! 💼
💸 Sending & Receiving Crypto
To Receive Crypto:
- Go to the Receive tab
- Choose the asset and click Continue
- Verify the address on your device matches the one on your screen
- Copy and share the address with the sender ✅
To Send Crypto:
- Click the Send tab
- Enter recipient address and amount
- Confirm the transaction on your Ledger device
- Done! Your transaction is broadcast to the blockchain ⛓️
🔗 Exploring Web3 & DeFi
Ledger® Live supports Ledger Extension, a browser add-on that securely connects to decentralized apps (dApps) like Uniswap, Aave, and OpenSea.
- Your private key always stays on your device
- Every transaction requires manual confirmation
- Perfect for NFT minting, staking, and DeFi interactions 🌐
🛡️ Security Best Practices
- ✅ Keep your recovery phrase offline and hidden
- ❌ Never share your seed phrase or PIN with anyone
- 📌 Bookmark ledger.com to avoid phishing sites
- 🔒 Use passphrases for extra wallet protection (for advanced users)
- 🧊 Remember: Ledger is a cold wallet — it protects you from online threats
🎉 You’re Ready to Go!
Congratulations! You’ve successfully set up Ledger® Live for Desktop and taken a major step toward full crypto ownership. With every transaction confirmed on your device and private keys secured offline, you’re in total control.
For updates, security tips, and new features, follow Ledger.com and keep your app up to date.
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