Ledger Live Desktop — Securely manage your crypto

Ledger Live Desktop is the companion application for Ledger hardware wallets (Ledger Nano S, Nano S Plus, Nano X). Use it to manage accounts, send and receive assets, stake supported tokens, and inspect balances — all while keeping your private keys safely on the device.

Desktop app Hardware wallet required Supports 7,000+ coins & tokens

What Ledger Live Desktop does

Ledger Live Desktop is a local application for macOS, Windows, and Linux that connects to your Ledger hardware wallet over USB (or Bluetooth for some models). The app provides a clear interface to:

  • View portfolio balances and historical activity.
  • Send and receive cryptocurrencies with on-device approval.
  • Install and manage blockchain apps on your Ledger device.
  • Delegate or stake supported tokens directly from the app.
  • Access the Manager, Learn resources, and third-party integrations like swap or NFT marketplaces.

Security model — why your private keys stay safe

Security is the core purpose of Ledger devices. Private keys are generated and stored inside the secure element on your hardware wallet and never leave it. Ledger Live communicates with the device to create transaction data and prompts the user to verify and approve each transaction on the device screen.

Important: Ledger Live is a management interface. The security guarantee depends on the physical security of your Ledger device and the secrecy of your recovery phrase — never share it or enter it into software on a computer or phone.

Getting started — quick setup (3 steps)

  1. Download: Install Ledger Live Desktop from the official Ledger website and verify the download. Do not install desktop versions from unknown sources.
  2. Initialize or restore: If you already have a Ledger device, follow on-screen steps to create a new wallet or restore from a recovery phrase. If you are new, initialize the device and write down the recovery phrase physically.
  3. Install apps: Open the Manager in Ledger Live and install blockchain apps (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum). Add accounts and wait for the app to synchronize balances.

After those steps you can send/receive, stake, and monitor your portfolio. Every send transaction requires physical confirmation on your Ledger device.

Key features you’ll use daily

  • Portfolio view: Consolidated balances for all supported chains and tokens with historical charts.
  • Account management: Create multiple accounts per currency (e.g., multiple Bitcoin accounts) with clear labels.
  • Staking & rewards: Delegate or stake assets (where supported) and claim rewards without exposing private keys.
  • Coin & token support: Access thousands of tokens across dozens of blockchains — Ledger regularly adds new support.
  • Third-party integrations: Connect to some dApps and marketplaces securely through the app’s integrations panel.

Practical tips & best practices

  • Always verify the website before downloading Ledger Live. Look for the official domain and checksum instructions.
  • Keep your Ledger firmware and Ledger Live app up to date to receive security patches and new features.
  • Store your recovery phrase offline in a secure physical location — consider metal backups for fire/water resistance.
  • Disable Bluetooth on devices you don’t use for Ledger, or prefer USB connections for extra security.
  • Use strong local OS security (disk encryption, login passphrase) on the machine where Ledger Live is installed.

Troubleshooting common issues

Ledger Live won’t detect device: Try a different USB cable or port, ensure the Ledger device is unlocked and the correct app (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) is open on the device.

Transactions pending or missing: Make sure your Ledger Live app is synchronized to the latest block height. For certain chains, you may need to increase network fees to get faster confirmation.

Firmware update failed: Do not disconnect the device during an update. If an update fails, follow Ledger’s official recovery steps and contact support if needed.

Short FAQ

Do I need a Ledger device to use Ledger Live? Yes — Ledger Live is designed to work with Ledger hardware wallets. It is not a standalone custodial wallet.

Can I manage NFTs? Ledger Live supports viewing certain NFTs and provides integrations for marketplaces; NFT functionality varies by chain and marketplace.

Is my crypto stored in Ledger Live? No — balances are on-chain. Ledger Live reads account balances from the blockchains and signs transactions with your Ledger device.

Where to learn more

Ledger publishes guides, firmware notes, and security advisories on its official support pages. For advanced usage (custom nodes, developer tools), consult the official documentation and follow best security practices when integrating third-party services.

Disclaimer: The information on this page is educational and descriptive only. It does not constitute financial, legal, or investment advice. Using Ledger Live requires you to follow security best practices. Ledger Live and Ledger hardware are tools to help you manage digital assets, but they do not eliminate all risk. Always verify downloads from official channels and never share your recovery phrase. For account recovery, official support, or disputes, consult Ledger's verified support resources.