What Ledger Live Desktop does for you
Ledger Live Desktop is a single app to manage multiple chains and accounts. It shows your real-time balances, portfolio distribution, transaction history, and provides a safe interface for sending and receiving funds. Crucially, Ledger Live never exports private keys — cryptographic operations are approved on your physical device. Below you’ll find a step-by-step guide, security checklist, tips, and troubleshooting help to make setup smooth and secure.
New format walkthrough — interactive steps
Download & verify
Get the Ledger Live installer for your OS from the official source. Verify the checksum or signature if you want an extra level of assurance before running the installer.
Install & open
Run the installer, follow onboarding. When you open Ledger Live, choose "Set up as new device" or "Restore device" depending on your situation. The app explains each choice clearly.
Connect your Ledger
Connect via USB (or Bluetooth for supported devices). Unlock your device with your PIN; follow the device screen prompts to allow the connection. All transaction signing requires physical approval on the device.
Install apps & add accounts
Use Ledger Live to install blockchain-specific apps on your device and add accounts. Ledger Live will request public keys to display balances — nothing sensitive is transferred off-device.
Send a test transaction
Before sending large amounts, perform a small test send. Verify every address and amount on the device screen — Ledger Live will show the transaction details but the device confirms them cryptographically.
Security checklist
- Download Ledger Live only from the official Ledger website.
- Keep your recovery phrase offline; never type it into apps or websites.
- Update firmware and Ledger Live regularly — updates include important security patches.
- Use a strong device PIN and consider adding an optional passphrase for additional isolation between accounts.
- Always confirm addresses and amounts on your device screen before approving a transaction.
Session preview (simulated)
Connecting to Ledger device... Device: Ledger Nano S Plus Status: unlocked Accounts loaded: 3 Bitcoin balance: 0.1245 BTC Ethereum balance: 2.37 ETH Pending tx: 0 Awaiting user approval for: Send 0.01 BTC → bc1q...xyz
Troubleshooting & tips
If Ledger Live does not detect your device: try a different USB cable, reconnect, restart the app, and ensure the device is unlocked and on the dashboard. For Bluetooth devices, ensure Bluetooth is enabled and the device is paired. When in doubt, consult the official support documentation.