What Ledger Live Desktop offers
Ledger Live is a full-featured desktop app designed to work with Ledger hardware devices. Use it to add and manage accounts for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and many other blockchains, check balances, review transaction history, and perform token swaps or staking where supported. Ledger Live acts as a user-friendly control panel — transactions are prepared by the app but must be signed on your physical device, preserving the hardware security model.
Download & install
Download Ledger Live from the official Ledger site and install the version for your operating system. For security, always navigate to Ledger.com/start or the Ledger Live download page. After installing, connect your Ledger device via USB or USB-C, open Ledger Live, and follow the onboarding steps to add your accounts. Mobile users can also use Ledger Live on iOS/Android for on-the-go management.
Security model — keys never leave the device
The central security guarantee is that private keys never leave the Ledger device. Ledger Live constructs unsigned transactions and sends them to your hardware wallet for signing. The device displays transaction details on its secure screen and requires physical confirmation. This design prevents malware on your desktop from signing transactions or extracting private keys.
Backup & recovery
During device initialization you received a 24-word recovery phrase. This phrase is the ultimate backup for your accounts — store it offline on paper or a metal backup plate and never photograph or store it digitally. Ledger Live never stores this seed. If you need to recover, use the recovery phrase on another compatible Ledger device or supported software wallet following official instructions.
Manage accounts & portfolio
Ledger Live aggregates balances across accounts and networks, offering portfolio views with historical charts and fiat conversion. Add multiple accounts for the same coin type (for example, several Bitcoin accounts) to segregate funds or implement different strategies. The app supports installing blockchain-specific apps on your Ledger device to enable additional networks.
Send & receive safely
To receive funds, generate a receiving address in Ledger Live and always verify the address on your device screen. For sending, compose the transaction in Ledger Live and double-check the recipient and amount on the hardware device before approving. Never rely solely on the computer screen — on-device verification defends against clipboard and screen-tampering attacks.
Firmware & app updates
Ledger periodically releases firmware updates and Ledger Live updates for new features or security fixes. Install firmware only via Ledger Live when the app prompts you — the device requires physical confirmation for firmware installation, preventing unauthorized remote updates. Keep Ledger Live updated and review release notes on the official site.
Advanced features
Use integrated exchange partners to swap assets without exposing keys.
Stake supported assets directly from Ledger Live to earn rewards while keeping keys secure.
Install and remove blockchain apps on your device to enable new networks.
Track performance, value changes, and transaction history in one place.
Best practices
Use a dedicated machine for large-value operations if possible, keep your operating system and Ledger Live updated, and maintain offline backups of your recovery phrase in secure locations. Enable a PIN on your device and do not enter recovery phrases on internet-connected devices. When connecting to third-party dapps, verify URL and permissions, and prefer well-known integrations vetted by the community.
Troubleshooting
If Ledger Live fails to detect your device, check the USB cable and port, restart the app, and ensure the Ledger device is unlocked. On macOS, confirm any required permissions are granted. If firmware errors occur, follow the official knowledge-base steps or contact support. Never share your recovery phrase or PIN with anyone; Ledger support will never request them.