Getting Started — Overview
Welcome to Ledger® Live for Desktop — a secure application that helps you manage your cryptographic assets locally on your computer while pairing with a Ledger hardware device. This tutorial walks you step-by-step through installation, onboarding, daily usage, security best practices, and troubleshooting. The page is presented in a visually distinctive "mirror box" layout with a soft sky-blue theme to keep the reading experience bright and focused.
Why use Ledger® Live?
Ledger® Live acts as the bridge between your desktop environment and your Ledger hardware device. The app allows you to check balances, send and receive crypto assets, install and manage apps on your device, and interact with decentralized applications through integrations. Using a hardware wallet with Ledger® Live ensures that your private keys never leave the secure element of the device.
What you'll need
- Ledger hardware device (Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, or compatible model)
- A desktop or laptop (Windows 10+, macOS 10.14+, or modern Linux distro)
- USB cable or Bluetooth (for Ledger Nano X)
- Ledger® Live desktop app download from the official Ledger website
Installation & First Launch
Installing Ledger® Live is straightforward. Download the official installer from Ledger's website, run the installer, and follow the on-screen prompts. When you first launch the app, you'll be offered options to create a new device, restore from a recovery phrase, or connect an existing device.
Step 1 — Download safely
Always verify you are on the official website and check the checksum/signature if provided.
Step 2 — Initialize your device
Follow the device-screen prompts to create a PIN and write down your recovery phrase (24 words for most Ledger devices). Store your recovery phrase offline in a secure place — never photograph or type it into an internet-connected device.
Daily Usage — Accounts & Transactions
After setup, add accounts for the currencies you hold (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.). Ledger® Live synchronizes balances by querying nodes and block explorers; the private keys remain safely inside your Ledger device.
Sending & receiving
To receive funds, open the Receive flow in Ledger® Live, connect and unlock your device, and verify the address shown on your device screen matches the address in the app. For sending, enter the recipient address, choose the network fees, and confirm the details on your physical device before approving.
Security checklist
- Never share your 24-word recovery phrase.
- Only download Ledger® Live from the official Ledger site.
- Use a strong PIN and enable additional OS-level protections (biometrics if available).
- Double-check addresses on your hardware device before approving transactions.
- Keep your firmware and Ledger® Live app up to date.
Advanced Features & Integrations
Ledger® Live supports app management on the device, staking, Swap integrations, and connections to Web3 applications via bridges or Ledger Live's own integrations. Explore the Manager tab to install or uninstall currency apps on your device.
Backup & Recovery
Your recovery phrase is the ultimate backup. If your device is lost or damaged, you can restore your accounts on a new Ledger device or any compatible BIP39-supporting wallet. Treat your recovery phrase like a physical key: store it offline and protect it from damage and theft.
Troubleshooting & FAQs
My device isn't recognized
Try a different USB port or cable, ensure the device is unlocked, and that you have the latest Ledger® Live version. On some systems, you may need to authorize USB device access or install drivers.
App shows incorrect balance
Resync your account from the account settings and make sure your Ledger firmware is up to date. Sometimes network issues or explorer outages can cause short-lived inconsistencies.
Can I use Ledger® Live on multiple computers?
Yes. Ledger® Live installations on different computers will connect to the same Ledger device. Your accounts are derived from the same recovery phrase, so always protect your recovery phrase carefully.
Design Notes — Mirror Box Aesthetic
This page intentionally uses a soft sky-blue palette and a "mirror" box effect to emphasize clarity and reflection — visual metaphors for careful verification and security. The mirrored glow beneath the main card is implemented using a transformed pseudo-element, creating a subtle depth that makes the content feel elevated above the background.
If you'd like, I can adapt this layout into a printable guide, convert it into a multi-page template, or produce a version with dark-mode styles.