Ledger Live Desktop — Secure Setup & Usage Guide
Everything you need to know to safely download, install, and use Ledger Live Desktop — security tips, troubleshooting, and quick Q&F to keep your crypto safe.
Ledger Live Desktop is the official desktop companion for Ledger hardware wallets. It is designed to let you manage multiple accounts, install coin-specific apps on your device, check balances, and prepare transactions that are cryptographically signed by your hardware wallet. Because the signing keys remain on the device, Ledger Live Desktop combines usability with hardware-backed security.
Download & install checklist
- Download Ledger Live Desktop only from the official Ledger website (verify the HTTPS certificate and domain).
- Choose the correct installer for your OS (macOS, Windows, Linux) and verify checksums if provided.
- Install and then open Ledger Live Desktop before connecting your Ledger device the first time.
- Follow in-app prompts to add accounts and install supported coin apps to your hardware device.
Security best practices
Your recovery phrase (24 words) is the ultimate backup — treat it offline and secret. Never enter it into a website or share it. Use a strong device PIN, keep firmware and desktop app updated, and avoid installing Ledger Live Desktop on machines that may be infected or publicly shared.
Troubleshooting common issues
- If the device is not detected, try another USB cable or port and unlock the device before launching the app.
- Check OS permissions for USB/Bluetooth access on macOS and Windows, and temporarily disable software that might block device connections.
- If updates fail, consult Ledger’s official help center and follow verified update instructions to avoid compromised installers.
Q & F — Quick Questions & Answers
- Q: Is Ledger Live Desktop safe to use?
- A: Yes, when downloaded from official sources and used with a genuine Ledger device. The private keys never leave the hardware device.
- Q: Will Ledger Live Desktop ask for my recovery phrase?
- A: No. Ledger Live Desktop and official Ledger workflows do not require entering your recovery phrase into the desktop app. Any prompt that requests it on a website or unknown app is a scam.
- Q: Can I install Ledger Live Desktop on multiple machines?
- A: Yes. Ledger Live Desktop can be installed on multiple computers, but each transaction still requires physical approval on your Ledger hardware device.