Ledger® Live: Desktop | Getting Started with Ledger

Welcome to Ledger Live – the ultimate app for managing and securing your cryptocurrency using your Ledger hardware wallet. If you’ve just received your Ledger Nano S or Ledger Nano X and are ready to get started, you’re in the right place!

Ledger Live allows you to manage your crypto portfolio seamlessly, track your transactions, and send/receive coins safely. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crypto enthusiast, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started with Ledger Live on your desktop.

Let’s dive in!

What You’ll Need to Get Started

Before you start setting up Ledger Live on your desktop, ensure you have the following:

  • Ledger hardware wallet (Nano S, Nano X, or other Ledger devices)
  • Ledger Live app (desktop version)
  • USB cable (to connect your Ledger device to your computer)
  • Recovery phrase (the 24-word backup for your wallet)

Step 1: Download and Install Ledger Live

  1. Visit the Official Ledger Website:
  • Go to the official Ledger Live download page.
  1. Choose Your Operating System:
  • Select the appropriate version for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
  1. Install Ledger Live:
  • Once downloaded, open the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
  1. Launch Ledger Live:
  • After installation, open the Ledger Live app on your desktop to begin setting up your device.

Step 2: Set Up Your Ledger Hardware Wallet

When you launch Ledger Live for the first time, you’ll need to set up your Ledger device (Nano S, Nano X, etc.). Here’s how to do it:

  1. Connect Your Ledger Device:
  • Use the USB cable to connect your Ledger device to your computer.
  • If you’re using Ledger Nano X, you can also connect via Bluetooth to mobile devices, but for desktop, we’ll focus on USB connection.
  1. Welcome Screen:
  • Upon connection, Ledger Live will display a welcome screen asking you to either Set Up New Device or Restore from Recovery Phrase.
  • Since you’re setting up a new device, click on Set Up New Device.
  1. Choose Your Device:
  • Select your device model (e.g., Ledger Nano S or Nano X) from the available options.

Step 3: Set Up a PIN and Recovery Phrase

  1. Create a PIN Code:
  • You’ll be prompted to create a PIN code (4-8 digits) for your Ledger device. This will be required each time you connect your device to Ledger Live.
  1. Write Down Your Recovery Phrase:
  • Important: Ledger will give you a 24-word recovery phrase. Write each word down in the exact order on the provided recovery sheet.
  • This recovery phrase is essential for restoring your wallet if the device is lost or damaged.
  • Never store this recovery phrase digitally or share it with anyone. If someone gains access to your recovery phrase, they can control your funds.
  1. Confirm Your Recovery Phrase:
  • After writing down the recovery phrase, Ledger will ask you to confirm some of the words in the exact order to ensure you’ve written it down correctly.

Step 4: Install Cryptocurrency Apps on Your Ledger Device

Now that your Ledger device is set up, you need to install apps for the cryptocurrencies you plan to manage. Ledger supports thousands of cryptocurrencies, and each one requires an app installed on your device.

  1. Open Ledger Live:
  • Go to the Manager tab in the Ledger Live app.
  1. Install Crypto Apps:
  • In the Manager tab, you’ll see a list of supported apps for various cryptocurrencies (like Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, etc.).
  • Select the cryptocurrencies you want to manage and click on Install to install the corresponding apps to your Ledger device.
  • Keep in mind that Ledger devices have limited storage, so you can only install a certain number of apps at once. If needed, you can always uninstall and reinstall apps later.

Step 5: Add Cryptocurrency Accounts

After installing the necessary apps, it’s time to create accounts for each cryptocurrency you want to track and manage.

  1. Go to the Accounts Tab:
  • In Ledger Live, click on the Accounts tab in the sidebar.
  1. Add Cryptocurrency Accounts:
  • Select the cryptocurrency for which you want to create an account. Ledger Live will automatically detect the app you installed and help you create the account.
  • Follow the prompts to add an account, and your Ledger device will sync the account details.
  1. Start Managing Your Assets:
  • Once the accounts are created, you can begin using Ledger Live to view balances, send, and receive funds for each cryptocurrency.

Step 6: Send and Receive Cryptocurrency

Now that your Ledger wallet is set up and your accounts are added, you can start sending and receiving cryptocurrency.

Sending Crypto:

  1. Go to the Accounts Tab:
  • Select the cryptocurrency you want to send.
  1. Click on Send:
  • In the Send section, enter the recipient's address and the amount you wish to send.
  • Confirm Transaction: Ledger Live will prompt you to review the transaction details and confirm the amount, recipient address, and fees.
  1. Sign the Transaction:
  • After confirming the details, your Ledger device will prompt you to physically approve the transaction by pressing the buttons on the device.
  • This is a key security feature of Ledger: the transaction is signed offline on your device, meaning your private keys never leave the hardware wallet.
  1. Transaction Completed:
  • Once confirmed, the transaction will be sent, and you’ll receive a notification on Ledger Live once it’s processed.

Receiving Crypto:

  1. Go to the Accounts Tab:
  • Select the cryptocurrency account you want to receive funds to.
  1. Click on Receive:
  • In the Receive section, you’ll see your wallet’s public address.
  1. Share Your Address:
  • Copy this address and provide it to the sender so they can send funds to your wallet.

Step 7: Backup and Security Tips

While Ledger Live and your Ledger hardware wallet provide top-tier security, it’s important to follow additional steps to ensure your wallet stays safe:

Backup Your Recovery Phrase:

  • Store your 24-word recovery phrase in a safe offline location (e.g., a safe deposit box, fireproof safe, etc.). This phrase is your backup to restore your wallet if something happens to your Ledger device.

Use a Strong PIN:

  • Create a strong PIN code for your Ledger device to ensure additional security if someone physically gains access to your device.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):

  • If using Ledger Live with exchanges or platforms, enable 2FA for added protection when logging into your accounts.

Update Firmware Regularly:

  • Ledger regularly releases firmware updates to improve security and add new features. Keep your device and Ledger Live app up-to-date to ensure your assets are always safe.

Why Use Ledger Live?

  • Secure: With Ledger Live and your Ledger device, your private keys are stored offline, keeping your funds safe from online threats.
  • Comprehensive: Manage over 5,500 cryptocurrencies from one app.
  • User-Friendly: With its intuitive interface, Ledger Live is easy for both beginners and experienced crypto users.
  • Regular Updates: Ledger continuously updates its software and firmware to enhance functionality and security.

Conclusion

Ledger Live is the perfect companion for your Ledger hardware wallet, providing you with a seamless, secure way to manage your cryptocurrency portfolio. Whether you’re sending or receiving crypto, tracking your balances, or installing new apps, Ledger Live puts you in control of your digital assets.

By following the steps in this guide, you’re on your way to securing your cryptocurrency in one of the safest ways possible. Ready to get started? Visit Ledger.com/Start to download Ledger Live and take the first step towards securing your crypto.