Ledger Live Desktop® | Secure Crypto Wallet, Tracker & Portfolio

Getting started

Ledger Live Desktop is the official companion app for Ledger hardware wallets. Use it to manage accounts, track portfolio performance, stake supported assets, manage NFTs, and interact with integrated services — all while your private keys remain securely stored on the Ledger device.

Remember: Ledger Live is an interface. Private keys never leave your device. Transaction signing requires physical confirmation on your Ledger.

Install Ledger Live Desktop

Download Ledger Live only from the official Ledger website. Avoid links from emails or third-party sites — phishing is common.
Choose the correct installer for your OS (Windows, macOS, Linux). Optionally verify installer checksums/signatures for added security.
Run the installer, grant required permissions, and open Ledger Live to begin setup. Ledger Live will guide you to set up a new device or restore an existing seed.
Enable auto-update or periodically check for updates to receive security and feature improvements.

Device pairing & initial setup

Follow these steps to pair a Ledger device and perform initial configuration.

Unbox and inspect the device for tamper-evidence, and verify the serial number if provided.
Connect your Ledger to the computer using the supplied cable and open Ledger Live.
Choose "Set up as new device" or "Restore from recovery phrase" depending on your situation.
Create a PIN on the device; this protects local access. Ledger will then display a 24-word recovery phrase — write it down on the supplied card and verify via the device prompts.
Install device apps via Ledger Live Manager for the coins you plan to use (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.).

Never input your recovery phrase into a computer or phone. Keep it offline and secure.

Portfolio & account management

Ledger Live aggregates balances and transaction history across all supported chains and accounts derived from your seed. Use the Portfolio tab to monitor total value, performance, and allocation by asset.

Adding accounts

Go to Accounts > Add account and choose the crypto asset.
Open the corresponding app on your device when prompted. Ledger Live will derive addresses and show account balances.
Label and organize accounts to match your personal bookkeeping (savings, trading, long-term holdings).

Portfolio features

Ledger Live provides historical charts, latest price data, and a breakdown of holdings. Use filters and date ranges to analyze performance and export transaction history for taxes.

Sending & receiving

Receive

Select the account and click "Receive". Ledger Live will display an address and QR code.
Open the matching app on your Ledger to verify the address shown on the device matches Ledger Live. This prevents address-hijacking malware.

Send

Click "Send", enter the destination address and amount, and pick a fee level.
Ledger Live constructs the transaction and prompts you to confirm on the Ledger device. Verify address, amount, and fees on-device before approving.
After approval, Ledger Live broadcasts the signed transaction and shows pending status.

Use small test transactions for new recipients and always verify on-device to avoid malware-based address substitution.

Staking & earning

Ledger Live supports staking and delegation for supported networks. Staking allows you to earn rewards while retaining custody of your private keys.

Select a staking-enabled account and click "Stake" or "Earn".
Choose a validator or service; Ledger Live may show fees and performance statistics to help you decide.
Confirm the delegation transaction on your device. Rewards appear according to the network’s rules and schedule.

Check unbonding periods and slashing risks before staking significant amounts. Diversify across validators when possible.

NFTs & collectibles

Ledger Live Desktop offers basic viewing and sending for supported NFTs. For marketplace or contract interactions, use trusted third-party dApps and always confirm contract calls on-device.

Add the account that holds your NFTs (Ethereum, Tezos, etc.).
View thumbnails and metadata in Ledger Live if supported; otherwise use third-party viewers while keeping your Ledger for signing.
When transferring NFTs, verify contract calls and recipient addresses on-device.

Integrations & dApp connectivity

Ledger Live integrates with swap providers, portfolio trackers, and third-party wallets. When connecting to web3 sites, use Ledger as the signer and always verify actions on-device.

Swaps: Exchange assets directly in Ledger Live via integrated providers; compare rates and fees before swapping.
Third-party wallets: Connect Ledger to wallets like MetaMask for dApp access; ensure you only sign expected transactions.
Portfolio & tax tools: Export transaction history or use integrations for reporting, but avoid sharing recovery seeds or private keys.

Security best practices

Hardware security depends on both device integrity and user practices. Use the following checklist to reduce risk.

Always buy from official channels and inspect packaging for tamper signs.
Keep firmware and Ledger Live updated via official channels.
Create a PIN and write your 24-word recovery phrase on the supplied card; never store it digitally.
Enable a Ledger Live password and auto-lock. Use a dedicated OS account for crypto management and keep your machine updated.
Verify transactions and addresses on the device. Use test transfers for large amounts.

Backup & recovery strategy

Your recovery phrase is the only reliable backup. Ledger does not hold copies. Treat it as the highest-value secret and plan redundant, secure storage.

Record the phrase on the recovery card and verify each word during setup.
Store multiple copies in separate secure locations (home safe, bank safety deposit box).
Use metal backups to protect against fire and water damage for long-term durability.
If you use a passphrase, store it separately and do not mix it with the seed backups.

If a seed is suspected compromised, generate a new seed on a new device and move funds immediately.

Troubleshooting common issues

Device not detected

Try a different USB cable/port, ensure device is unlocked, update Ledger Live, and check OS drivers. On macOS, grant required permissions if prompted.

Firmware update failed

Follow Ledger Live recovery prompts. Never enter your seed into any computer. If the device remains unresponsive, contact official Ledger support and provide model details.

Missing balances

Ensure you've added the correct account type and allow Ledger Live to resync. Re-add accounts if necessary — balances are derived from the blockchain using your seed.

Forgotten PIN

Reset the device and restore from seed. This highlights the importance of secure seed backups.

FAQ

Can I run Ledger Live without my device?: Ledger Live can show cached data, but no signing or private-key operations are possible without the Ledger device.
How do I migrate to a new device?: Initialize the new device, choose "Restore from recovery phrase," enter your 24 words, install apps, and add accounts in Ledger Live.
Does Ledger Live collect my transaction data?: Ledger Live fetches blockchain data using network providers; it does not upload private keys. Consider running a personal node for maximal privacy.