Introduction

Ledger Live is the official software application for managing your Ledger hardware wallet. Whether you're using a Ledger Nano X, Nano S Plus, or Nano S, Ledger Live gives you the tools to securely send, receive, stake, and monitor your crypto assets.

This guide walks you through how to set up Ledger Live on your desktop, connect your device, and start managing your crypto portfolio with maximum security.

What is Ledger Live?

Ledger Live is an all-in-one desktop (and mobile) application developed by Ledger. It allows users to:

The software works in tandem with a Ledger hardware wallet, which stores your private keys offline for maximum security.

Installing Ledger Live on Desktop

Getting started with Ledger Live is simple. Follow these steps to install it on your desktop:

  1. Visit the official Ledger website: ledger.com/ledger-live
  2. Choose your platform: Windows, macOS, or Linux
  3. Click “Download” and wait for the installer
  4. Run the installation file and follow on-screen instructions
  5. Once installed, launch Ledger Live from your desktop

⚠️ Always download Ledger Live from the official website to avoid phishing or malware.

Setting Up Your Ledger Device

If you have a new Ledger device, you’ll need to set it up before using Ledger Live. Here’s how:

  1. Connect your Ledger Nano X, Nano S, or S Plus via USB
  2. Choose “Initialize as new device”
  3. Set a secure PIN code (4 to 8 digits)
  4. Write down your 24-word recovery phrase on the supplied sheet
  5. Confirm the recovery phrase on the device
  6. Open Ledger Live and choose “Set up a new device”
  7. Follow the app instructions to complete setup

🔐 Your 24-word recovery phrase is the only backup of your private keys. Keep it offline and safe. Never share it.

Adding Crypto Accounts

Once your device is connected and initialized, you can begin adding crypto accounts in Ledger Live. An “account” refers to an address for a specific coin or token.

To Add an Account:

  1. Open Ledger Live and go to the “Accounts” tab
  2. Click “+ Add Account”
  3. Select the cryptocurrency (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana)
  4. Follow the prompts and unlock your device
  5. Ledger Live will sync and display your account address

Receiving Crypto

To receive crypto into your Ledger wallet:

  1. Click the “Receive” tab in Ledger Live
  2. Select the asset and account
  3. Connect and unlock your Ledger device
  4. Verify the address shown in Ledger Live matches your device screen
  5. Copy the address and share it with the sender

Always verify the address on the physical device screen. This prevents clipboard hijacking or malware interference.

Sending Crypto

To send crypto securely:

  1. Click the “Send” tab
  2. Select the account you want to send from
  3. Enter the recipient’s address and amount
  4. Connect and unlock your Ledger device
  5. Verify and approve the transaction directly on the device

Security Tips

Ledger devices are secure by design, but users must follow best practices:

Managing Tokens and NFTs

Ledger Live supports ERC-20 tokens (Ethereum), BEP-20 (BNB Chain), Solana tokens, and more. You can:

Staking & Earning Rewards

Ledger Live also allows you to stake certain assets and earn rewards — all while keeping your private keys offline. Supported staking assets include:

Just go to the “Earn” tab, choose your asset, and follow the guided process to start staking.

Troubleshooting Tips

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