Ledger® Live: Desktop® — Getting Started

Welcome to your comprehensive guide on getting started with Ledger® Live Desktop®. Whether you’re a newcomer or upgrading your crypto management workflow, this guide will walk you through the essential steps to install, set up, and securely use Ledger Live on your computer.

1. What Is Ledger® Live Desktop®?

Ledger Live Desktop is the official application provided by Ledger to manage your crypto assets safely. It connects directly to your Ledger hardware wallet (such as Ledger Nano S, Nano S Plus, or Nano X) and provides features including:

• Portfolio balance tracking
• Sending and receiving transactions
• App and firmware management
• Accessing staking and dApps

2. Download and Installation

To get started, download the app from the official Ledger website:

1. Visit ledger.com/ledger-live
2. Choose your operating system: Windows, macOS, or Linux
3. Download and install the software

3. Setting Up a New Wallet

3.1 Create a New Wallet

Follow these steps:

• Open Ledger Live and select “Set up a new device”
• Follow prompts to initialize your Ledger hardware wallet
• Write down the 24-word recovery phrase
• Verify and confirm the recovery phrase on the device

3.2 Restore an Existing Wallet

If you already have a wallet:

• Choose “Restore device”
• Enter your 24-word recovery phrase using the hardware device
• Connect it with Ledger Live

4. Connect Your Ledger Device

1. Plug in your Ledger Nano via USB
2. Enter your PIN code
3. Open the Ledger Live app, which will detect your device

If connection issues arise, ensure your cable works and your device is unlocked.

5. Add Cryptocurrency Accounts

Ledger Live supports coins like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and more. To manage them:

1. Go to “Accounts” > “Add Account”
2. Choose your cryptocurrency
3. Install the corresponding app on your device if needed
4. Let Ledger Live sync the blockchain

6. Sending and Receiving Assets

Receiving:

1. Click “Receive” in the account
2. Verify the address on your hardware device
3. Share the verified address with the sender

Sending:

1. Click “Send” from your account
2. Enter the recipient's address and amount
3. Review and confirm the transaction on your device

7. Updating Firmware & Apps

Keeping your device updated is crucial:

1. Go to “Manager” in Ledger Live
2. Install available firmware updates
3. Add or remove coin apps based on your storage needs

8. Staking and Earn

Ledger Live supports staking for coins like:

• Tezos (XTZ)
• Polkadot (DOT)
• Algorand (ALGO)
• Cosmos (ATOM)

To stake:

1. Go to your account
2. Click “Earn Rewards”
3. Choose a validator and confirm delegation on your device

9. Troubleshooting

• Device not detected? Try another cable or USB port
• Error syncing? Restart Ledger Live and check internet connectivity
• App issues? Uninstall and reinstall the app or Ledger Live

10. Security Best Practices

• Only use official Ledger software and hardware
• Keep your 24-word phrase secure and offline
• Enable password lock on Ledger Live for extra privacy
• Be cautious of fake Ledger emails or support messages
• Check URLs carefully — phishing sites look similar to the real one