Ledger Live Desktop — Secure Desktop App Guide & Landing Page
Manage, grow, and secure your crypto from your computer. Ledger Live Desktop is the official companion app to your Ledger hardware wallet, providing account management, firmware updates, portfolio monitoring, and secure transaction signing — all while keeping private keys on your device.
Why Ledger Live Desktop?
Ledger Live Desktop gives you a local, secure control center to manage every supported cryptocurrency associated with your Ledger hardware wallet. Important characteristics:
Private keys stay offline (hardware only)
All transaction signing happens on your Ledger device. Ledger Live never stores private keys on your computer.
Portfolio & activity
Unified portfolio view, real-time values, and transaction history across accounts and blockchains.
App Manager & firmware updates
Install blockchain apps and apply verified firmware updates directly from Ledger Live Desktop.
Buy, Swap & Earn integrations
Access partner services for on-ramp/off-ramp, swaps and staking without leaving the app.
Step-by-step Guide — Install & Set Up
1. Download only from the official source
Always download Ledger Live Desktop from the official Ledger site. Do not download Ledger Live from third-party mirrors, search results, emails, or attachments. Verify the file signatures when available.
Quick download links
2. Install & open
Follow OS prompts to install. On first launch you will be asked to create a local profile. Ledger Live does not require an email or centralized account to use — it manages local settings and account metadata while private keys stay on your device.
3. Connect your Ledger hardware wallet
Connect via USB (or Bluetooth for Nano X when supported). Unlock the device with your PIN and follow the on-screen pairing instructions in Ledger Live.
4. Add accounts
Use the Accounts tab to add supported cryptocurrencies. Ledger Live will derive account addresses from your device—no seed phrase entry into your computer required.
5. Verify firmware and apps
Ledger Live will prompt for firmware updates and let you install blockchain apps. Confirm all updates on-device. Do not bypass device confirmations.
Security Best Practices
Never share your recovery phrase
Ledger will never ask for your 24-word recovery phrase. Treat it like cash: store it offline in a safe place.
Verify downloads and signatures
When possible, compare the downloaded Ledger Live binary hash against the official signature file provided on Ledger's site to ensure authenticity.
Use the official support channels
For help, use Ledger's official support center rather than third-party advice. If you encounter prompts requesting your seed phrase, it's a scam.
Common Tasks
Send & Receive
Prepare a transaction in Ledger Live. When you click send, confirm the transaction details on your Ledger device before approving.
Staking & DeFi
Use Ledger Live's integrations or third-party connect-ons. Always review smart contract interactions on-device and use recommended dApp connectors.
App Manager
Install or remove blockchain apps to manage which chains your device can sign for. Only install official apps via Ledger Live.
Troubleshooting & Support
Device not detected
Try a different USB port or cable, unlock the device, and ensure no other app is using the device. On macOS, check security permissions for Ledger Live.
Update failed
Follow Ledger’s firmware update troubleshooting steps in the support center. Do not enter your recovery phrase into any prompt.
Transaction stuck
Check the target blockchain explorer and network fees. Ledger Live shows pending status until the network confirms the transaction.