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Ledger Live Desktop

Compact guide — secure setup, daily usage, and essential safety tips for managing crypto with Ledger hardware.

Introduction

Ledger Live Desktop is the official application that lets you manage cryptocurrencies while keeping private keys on your Ledger hardware wallet. It provides portfolio tracking, transaction signing, staking, and limited dApp integrations — all with hardware-backed security. This short guide highlights what you need to get started and how to use Ledger Live safely.

Key Features

Portfolio
Real-time balances & charts
Secure Transactions
On-device approval for every send
Staking
Stake supported assets natively
NFTs & DeFi
View/manage some NFTs; connect trusted dApps

Quick Setup

1. Download & Verify

Download Ledger Live from the official site (ledger.com). Verify checksums or signatures if available to ensure the installer wasn't tampered with.

2. Install & Connect

Run the installer for your OS. Connect your Ledger device, unlock with PIN, and follow prompts to add accounts. Ledger Live will discover addresses derived from your recovery seed.

3. Create Local App Password

Set a strong local password to prevent casual access to Ledger Live on your machine. This password protects the UI — not the hardware seed which remains the primary secret.

Security Best Practices

Hardware keys are strong, but user behavior matters. Keep your recovery phrase offline in a safe place. Never share it, photograph it, or store it in the cloud. Only approve transactions you verify on the device screen.

Important: Ledger Live will never ask for your full recovery phrase. If prompted anywhere to enter the seed, stop and verify the source.

Troubleshooting Tips

  • If device not detected, try a different USB cable or port and ensure Ledger Bridge (if used) is running.
  • For firmware or app errors, update Ledger Live and firmware from official releases; reboot if needed.
  • Use official support docs for persistent issues — preserve logs and firmware versions when contacting support.

Final Notes

Ledger Live Desktop offers a strong balance between convenience and security when used correctly with a Ledger hardware wallet. Follow update and recovery best practices, and treat the recovery phrase as the single most important secret protecting your funds.

Download Ledger Live