Getting Started — Securely Manage Your Crypto from Desktop with Ledger Live
Ledger® Live is the official desktop application for managing your Ledger hardware wallet. Whether you’re sending or receiving cryptocurrencies, checking balances, installing apps on your device, or updating firmware, Ledger Live provides a seamless and secure interface.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to download, install, and use Ledger® Live on your desktop, understand its features, and follow best practices for security. We’ll also cover troubleshooting, advanced usage, and FAQs to get you up and running with confidence.
Ledger Live is developed by the makers of Ledger devices, ensuring compatibility and safety when communicating with hardware wallets.
Easily view your portfolio across multiple cryptocurrencies, track history, and monitor performance in real time.
Install or uninstall cryptocurrency apps on your Ledger hardware wallet directly from Ledger Live.
Ledger Live handles firmware updates for your device, ensuring you stay on the latest, most secure version.
Before installing Ledger Live, make sure your desktop environment meets the following requirements:
Visit the official Ledger website and navigate to the Ledger Live Desktop download page. Always ensure the URL is correct and uses HTTPS.
On Windows or macOS, launch the downloaded installer and follow on‑screen prompts. On Linux, download the AppImage or .deb/.rpm package and install accordingly.
Open Ledger Live and grant any permissions it requests (e.g. USB device access). On Linux, you may need to add your user to udev rules for USB access.
Use a USB cable to connect your Ledger hardware wallet. Ledger Live should detect your device and prompt setup or login.
Follow prompts to either create a new wallet (set PIN, backup recovery phrase) or restore an existing wallet from seed.
Once connected, Ledger Live displays your overall portfolio value and breakdown by cryptocurrency, along with graphs tracking historical performance.
You can send or receive supported assets. Ledger Live ensures transactions are signed within your hardware device, keeping private keys offline.
Ledger Live allows you to add or remove cryptocurrency apps (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) on your Ledger hardware wallet to manage multiple assets.
When new firmware is available, Ledger Live prompts you to update your device. You’ll confirm the update on the hardware device itself, ensuring security.
You can add multiple accounts (e.g. multiple Bitcoin, Ethereum accounts), switch between them, and rearrange their order in the dashboard.
No. Ledger Live Desktop requires a connected Ledger hardware wallet for operations involving private key signing. You can use the app to browse, read portfolio, or explore features, but transactions require the hardware device.
If your device is not recognized, try using a different USB cable or port, ensure USB debugging/permissions are allowed, restart the app, and make sure your OS supports USB device access (especially on Linux with udev rules).
Yes, provided you download it from the official Ledger site and keep your software and firmware updated. Ledger Live does not handle private keys—those stay in the hardware device, reducing exposure.
Ledger Live typically checks for updates automatically. You can also manually download new versions from the official Ledger site and reinstall over the existing version.
Ledger Live supports a wide range of assets and blockchains. If a particular crypto isn’t natively supported, you can sometimes use third‑party integrations or apps. Always check Ledger’s official list of supported assets.