Overview — What is Ledger Live Desktop?
Ledger Live Desktop is the official desktop application for interacting with Ledger hardware wallets (such as Ledger Nano S and Nano X). It lets you install apps on your device, manage multiple crypto accounts, send and receive tokens, stake supported assets, and keep firmware up to date — all while keeping private keys offline on your Ledger device.
Why choose Ledger Live Desktop?
Get started — Install and set up
- Download Ledger Live Desktop from the official Ledger website. Verify the download checksum where possible.
- Install and launch the app. On first run, choose between creating a new Ledger setup (if you have a new device) or adding an existing device.
- Connect your Ledger hardware wallet with the supplied USB cable and unlock it using your PIN.
- Follow on-screen instructions to add accounts for supported cryptocurrencies. Ledger Live will sync balances and transaction history.
Key features
- App management on device — install or remove blockchain apps on your Ledger.
- Portfolio overview — see balances, historical performance and asset breakdown.
- Send & receive — sign transactions with your device to keep keys offline.
- Manager updates — firmware updates and app updates delivered securely.
- Staking support — stake supported assets directly from Ledger Live.
- Developer mode & custom networks — advanced options for power users.
Security best practices
Ledger Live works with your hardware wallet, but you should still follow strong security practices:
- Always download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website and verify checksums.
- Keep your recovery phrase offline. Never type it into a computer or share it with anyone.
- Use a strong PIN on your Ledger device and never reuse the PIN elsewhere.
- Enable firmware updates promptly, but verify update prompts come from Ledger Live.
- Beware phishing sites and fake Ledger support pages; bookmark the official site.
Troubleshooting — common desktop issues
Ledger Live not detecting device
Try a different USB cable or port, ensure the device is unlocked, and that the Ledger Live version and OS drivers are up to date. On Linux, check udev rules as required by Ledger documentation.
App installation fails
Free up space on your device by uninstalling unused apps via Ledger Live Manager. Reboot the device and app, then try again.
Sync errors or missing transactions
Resync the affected account in Ledger Live. Make sure you have a stable internet connection and that the correct derivation paths are used for custom setups.
Advanced tips
- Use multiple accounts per currency to better organize funds and privacy.
- Combine Ledger Live with a dedicated node or third-party explorers for advanced verification.
- Create encrypted backups of any exported settings (never of the recovery phrase itself).
Ledger Live updates & compatibility
Ledger frequently updates both firmware and the Ledger Live app for security and expanded asset support. Check release notes inside Ledger Live or on the official blog before performing major updates.
FAQ
Can I use Ledger Live without a Ledger device?
Ledger Live requires a Ledger device to sign transactions and access private keys. Some features like portfolio view may be limited without a connected device.
Is Ledger Live open-source?
Ledger publishes components of its software as open-source. Refer to the Ledger GitHub for details on which parts are available and how to verify builds.
How do I verify Ledger Live downloads?
Use checksum signatures and the instructions provided on Ledger's official site to verify download integrity before installing.