Ledger® Live: Desktop | Getting Started - Ledger® Live

As cryptocurrency adoption continues to grow, security has become a critical concern for both new and experienced investors. Ledger® offers one of the most trusted solutions in the crypto space — a hardware wallet that stores your private keys offline. The companion app, Ledger Live: Desktop, brings everything together by allowing you to securely manage, send, receive, and stake your digital assets.

This guide is designed to help you get started with Ledger Live on desktop, ensuring you follow the right steps to protect your funds and optimize your experience with your Ledger device.

What is Ledger Live?

Ledger Live is the official application developed by Ledger that allows you to interact with your Ledger Nano device (Nano S Plus or Nano X). It’s available on Windows, macOS, and Linux and acts as your crypto command center — offering real-time portfolio management, secure transaction handling, staking, token swaps, and even NFT management.

Best of all, Ledger Live keeps your private keys safe by requiring all critical actions to be approved on your physical Ledger device.

Step 1: Purchase a Ledger Device

To begin using Ledger Live, you first need a Ledger hardware wallet. Purchase directly from the official site to ensure authenticity:

🔗 https://www.ledger.com

Choose between:

• Ledger Nano S Plus – Affordable and powerful
• Ledger Nano X – Enhanced features with Bluetooth and higher storage

Avoid buying from unofficial marketplaces to prevent risks of tampered or compromised devices.

Step 2: Download Ledger Live Desktop

Visit the official download page:
🔗 https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live

Choose your operating system (Windows/macOS/Linux) and install the app. Make sure you’re downloading from Ledger’s official site to avoid phishing scams or fake software.

After installation, launch the app and select “Get Started.”

Step 3: Set Up Your Ledger Device

Plug in your Ledger device via USB. The app will guide you through the setup:

1. Choose to set up a new device or restore an existing one.
2. Create a secure PIN code (4–8 digits).
3. Write down your 24-word recovery phrase on the provided sheet.

⚠️ Important Security Tips:

• Never store your recovery phrase digitally.
• Keep it offline and in a secure location.
• Never share it with anyone — Ledger will never ask for it.
• Your recovery phrase is the only way to recover your assets if your device is lost or damaged.

Step 4: Install Cryptocurrency Apps

Once your device is initialized, you’ll need to install apps for each cryptocurrency you want to manage. In Ledger Live:

1. Navigate to “My Ledger.”
2. Allow Ledger Manager access on your device.
3. Install apps like Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Solana.

These apps enable your device to communicate securely with the respective blockchain networks.

Step 5: Add Accounts

Now that your device is ready and apps are installed:

1. Go to the Accounts tab in Ledger Live.
2. Click “Add account.”
3. Select the cryptocurrency for which you installed an app.
4. Follow on-screen steps to sync your wallet.

Once done, you can view balances, transaction history, and addresses associated with your accounts.

Step 6: Send and Receive Crypto

Receiving crypto:

• Click “Receive” in Ledger Live.
• Choose the appropriate account.
• Verify the address shown on your device.
• Copy the verified address and share it with the sender.

Sending crypto:

• Click “Send.”
• Enter the recipient’s address and amount.
• Confirm the transaction on your Ledger device.
• Only transactions approved on the device are executed — enhancing your security.

Step 7: Explore More Features

Ledger Live Desktop is packed with features to go beyond basic wallet functions:

🔐 Security First

All transactions must be manually approved on your device, keeping your private keys offline and protected from hacks, malware, or phishing.

💹 Portfolio Overview

Monitor real-time market data, track asset performance, and view your full crypto portfolio at a glance.

🔄 Swap Tokens

Use integrated swap services to instantly exchange tokens without leaving the app.

💸 Buy and Sell

Buy cryptocurrencies directly in Ledger Live via trusted providers. You can also cash out to your bank account through selected partners.

🪙 Staking

Earn passive income by staking coins like Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), and Tezos (XTZ). Ledger Live makes it simple and secure.

🖼️ NFT Management

Securely manage your Ethereum and Polygon NFTs from within the app. Preview your collectibles and track ownership safely.

Step 8: Keep Everything Up to Date

Ledger regularly releases updates for its app and devices to add features and enhance security. Be sure to:

• Regularly check for firmware updates in Ledger Live.
• Update the Ledger Live desktop app when prompted.
• Keep your installed apps and recovery phrase safe.

Step 9: Get Help and Support

If you run into any issues, visit the official Ledger Support page:
🔗 https://support.ledger.com

Here you’ll find:

• Troubleshooting guides
• Video tutorials
• Secure contact options
• Access to the Ledger Academy for educational content

Start Managing Crypto with Confidence

Ledger Live: Desktop is the gateway to managing your crypto securely and efficiently. With a sleek interface, powerful tools, and unmatched security, it gives you complete control over your assets — all from your desktop.

🔐 Take control of your crypto.
🔗 Get started today at https://www.ledger.com/start

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