Ledger® Live: Desktop® — Getting Started

Introduction

Ledger® Live is the official desktop application for managing your Ledger hardware wallet. It allows users to securely manage cryptocurrency assets, check balances, and perform transactions from a user-friendly interface. Designed with both beginners and advanced users in mind, Ledger Live ensures that your assets are protected with the highest level of security.

This guide will take you through the process of getting started with Ledger® Live on desktop, from installation to managing your assets and ensuring maximum security.

Installation

System Requirements

Before installing Ledger Live, ensure your system meets the minimum requirements:

• Windows 10 or later, macOS 10.14 or later, or Linux (Debian/Ubuntu)
• At least 200 MB of free disk space
• Internet connection for updates and synchronizing accounts

Downloading Ledger Live

Download the official Ledger Live desktop application from the official Ledger website to avoid phishing attacks:

1. Visit Ledger Live Download
2. Select your operating system
3. Click “Download” and wait for the installer to finish

Installing Ledger Live

Follow these steps to install the application:

1. Open the downloaded installer file
2. Follow the on-screen instructions
3. Launch Ledger Live after installation

Initial Setup

Creating or Restoring an Account

When you open Ledger Live for the first time, you have two options:

• Create a new Ledger account: For new users who purchased a Ledger device.
• Restore an existing Ledger account: For users who already have a recovery phrase from a previous device.

Connecting Your Ledger Device

To link your hardware wallet with Ledger Live:

1. Connect your Ledger device to your computer via USB
2. Enter your PIN code on the device
3. Allow Ledger Live to communicate with your device

Adding Accounts

Ledger Live supports multiple cryptocurrency accounts. To add an account:

1. Navigate to the Accounts section
2. Click Add account
3. Select the cryptocurrency you want to add
4. Follow on-screen instructions to synchronize the account

Managing Your Assets

Sending Cryptocurrency

To send crypto from your Ledger device:

1. Go to the Send tab in Ledger Live
2. Select the account to send from
3. Enter the recipient address and amount
4. Verify the details on your Ledger device
5. Confirm the transaction

Receiving Cryptocurrency

To receive funds:

1. Go to the Receive tab
2. Select the receiving account
3. Verify the address displayed matches your device
4. Share the address with the sender

Portfolio Overview

Ledger Live provides a real-time overview of your portfolio:

• Total portfolio balance
• Individual account balances
• Recent transactions
• Asset performance charts

Security Tips

Ledger Live is secure, but these additional tips help keep your assets safe:

• Never share your recovery phrase with anyone
• Enable device lock and PIN on your Ledger hardware wallet
• Regularly update Ledger Live and device firmware
• Verify all transaction addresses carefully

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Ledger Device Not Detected

If Ledger Live cannot detect your device:

• Check the USB cable and connection
• Ensure your Ledger device is unlocked
• Restart Ledger Live and your computer

Transaction Not Confirmed

Unconfirmed transactions may occur due to network congestion:

• Check the network fee — higher fees confirm faster
• Use a block explorer to track the transaction status

Software Updates

Keeping your Ledger Live and device firmware updated is crucial:

• Go to Settings → About to check Ledger Live version
• Follow prompts to update firmware if available