Ledger® Live: Desktop | Getting Started with Ledgér

🔐 A Beginner’s Guide to Using Ledger Live on Desktop

🌟 What is Ledger Live?

Ledger Live is the official desktop application developed by Ledger, used to manage your cryptocurrency assets in combination with a Ledger hardware wallet. It allows users to:

🛠️ Why Use Ledger Live?

If you're using a Ledger hardware wallet like the Ledger Nano S or Nano X, Ledger Live gives you a safe and easy way to interact with your wallet and the blockchain. Unlike online wallets or exchanges, your private keys never leave the device.

📌 Tip: Ledger Live only works with official Ledger devices. It does not replace the physical wallet.

💻 System Requirements

To use Ledger Live on your desktop, make sure your system meets these requirements:

⬇️ How to Download and Install Ledger Live

  1. Visit the official site: ledger.com/ledger-live
  2. Select your operating system (Windows, Mac, Linux)
  3. Download and run the installer
  4. Follow on-screen setup instructions
⚠️ Always make sure you're downloading from ledger.com to avoid phishing sites.

🔐 Connecting Your Ledger Device

Once Ledger Live is installed, follow these steps to connect your hardware wallet:

  1. Plug in your Ledger device via USB
  2. Unlock it using your PIN
  3. Allow Ledger Manager on the device when prompted

You can now install apps and manage crypto assets via the Ledger Live interface.

📲 Create or Restore a Wallet

During setup, you’ll be asked if you want to:

🔐 Never share your recovery phrase. Ledger will never ask for it.

📦 Install Blockchain Apps

Ledger Live uses "apps" for each blockchain (e.g., Bitcoin app, Ethereum app). To install them:

  1. Go to the Manager tab
  2. Select the app you need
  3. Click "Install" and confirm on your device

Apps are stored on your Ledger device and are needed to manage each crypto asset.

💰 Sending and Receiving Crypto

📤 Sending

  1. Go to the “Send” tab
  2. Select the account (e.g., BTC or ETH)
  3. Enter recipient address and amount
  4. Verify and confirm on your device

📥 Receiving

  1. Go to the “Receive” tab
  2. Select the account
  3. Ledger will generate a receiving address
  4. Verify it on your device and share it

📊 Portfolio and Accounts

Ledger Live displays your portfolio overview, showing balances, prices, and value changes. You can add multiple accounts for each asset and organize them by name.

🪙 Staking Crypto

With Ledger Live, you can stake supported coins like:

Staking helps secure the network and rewards you with passive income.

🔁 Swapping & Buying Crypto

Ledger Live lets you swap one crypto for another using integrated exchange services. You can also buy crypto with credit/debit cards or bank transfers directly inside the app.

💡 KYC is required for buying crypto via Ledger Live’s partners.

🧠 Security Best Practices