Ledger Live Desktop® — Secure Crypto Management™
Download the official Ledger Live Desktop app to initialize your Ledger hardware wallet, manage apps and accounts, sign transactions safely, and monitor your portfolio — with your private keys always kept inside the secure element of your device.
Ledger.com/start and verify that URLs use HTTPS. Never enter your recovery phrase into a website or share it.
Hardware-backed signatures
Transactions are signed inside the Ledger device; your private keys never leave the hardware. Ledger Live Desktop constructs transactions and the device requires physical approval before signing.
Manager & firmware
Install/uninstall coin apps, keep firmware up to date, and apply signed updates — all within Ledger Live Desktop's Manager for secure operations.
Portfolio & analytics
Track balances, view history, and monitor market prices — Ledger Live provides a privacy-respecting overview while key material remains local.
Features & Highlights
Ledger Live Desktop is built around three principles: keep keys secure, make operations explicit, and provide a frictionless user experience. Below are the core features and why they matter for your crypto security.
Device-first security
All critical operations (PIN entry, recovery phrase generation, final transaction approval) happen on-device. This reduces the attack surface and prevents host-based malware from silently performing sensitive actions.
Modular app manager
Install only the currency apps you need. App modularity keeps device storage lean and reduces exposure. Uninstalling an app does not remove funds — your seed still controls accounts.
Official firmware updates
Ledger Live Desktop guides firmware updates and verifies update signatures. Use only official update flows to ensure authenticity and avoid supply-chain risks.
Privacy-aware analytics
Track portfolio performance and balances with options to limit telemetry. Ledger Live aggregates only the minimum required public data to display balances.
Cross-platform support
Installers are available for Windows, macOS and multiple Linux distributions. Mobile versions exist for on-the-go checks, but desktop delivers the full Manager and firmware functions.
Developer & integrator tools
Official SDKs and recommended transports (WebHID/WebUSB/Bluetooth) let third-party developers integrate Ledger devices securely — never collect seeds or private keys in your integrations.
ADD PLUGING — Connector / Helper: what it is and when you need it
On certain operating systems or browser environments, a small local component (connector / helper) is required to let Ledger Live Desktop or web apps communicate with the Ledger device reliably. This helper only facilitates local communication — it does not store private keys or recovery phrases.
Why a connector exists
Some platforms limit direct USB access (or use sandboxed browsers). The connector manages permissions, responds to device discovery, and ensures consistent behavior across OS versions. It's a background, locally-run helper that accepts connections only from authorized Ledger apps.
Security notes
- Download the connector only from official pages (Ledger.com/start).
- Verify checksums or signatures if available (advanced users).
- Do not run helper binaries from unsolicited links or emails.
Install & allow the helper
- Download: Choose your OS on Ledger.com/start and download the provided installer.
- Run installer: Execute the installer; on macOS allow Gatekeeper prompts in Security & Privacy.
- Grant permissions: Windows may ask UAC confirmation; Linux installs may add udev rules for USB access.
- Restart: Restart Ledger Live Desktop and your browser if using browser integrations.
- Verify: In Ledger Live Desktop, check Settings → Device (Connector status) to confirm the helper is active.
Troubleshooting connector & permission issues
Use the original cable, avoid USB hubs, switch ports, and confirm the helper is running (system tray / Activity Monitor).
macOS: allow in Security & Privacy. Windows: try running Ledger Live Desktop as Administrator. Linux: reload udev rules: sudo udevadm control --reload-rules && sudo udevadm trigger
Temporarily allow the official helper if antivirus flags it during install; re-enable protections and whitelist the helper afterward.
If using web apps that support Ledger, prefer WebHID/WebUSB-compatible browsers (Chrome, Edge, Brave) or use Ledger Live Desktop for a more stable experience.
Install & initialize — step-by-step guide
Follow these steps to safely install Ledger Live Desktop, initialize the Ledger device, secure your recovery phrase, and begin using the app. This step-by-step flow reduces risk and prevents common mistakes.
Download safely
- Go to the official site: Type
Ledger.com/startdirectly (do not follow unknown links). - Select your OS: Choose the appropriate installer for Windows, macOS, or Linux.
- Optional verification: For advanced users, compare checksums/PGP signatures if published.
Run the downloaded installer and accept system prompts. On macOS grant permissions in Security & Privacy if necessary.
Launch the app, accept terms, and follow onboarding to create or restore a wallet.
Use the supplied cable. If using Bluetooth-capable device (Nano X), follow pairing prompts for mobile or desktop where supported.
Set a PIN directly on the device — never on your computer. Choose a memorable but secure code.
Record the 24-word recovery phrase on the supplied sheet. Store offline, never photograph or store digitally.
Confirm several words on-device when prompted. Install a minimal set of coin apps and send a small test transaction before moving large amounts.
Security best practices — essential checklist
A hardware wallet plus Ledger Live gives you strong protections — but user behavior is critical. Follow these do's and don'ts to keep funds safe.
Do
- Buy devices only from official Ledger channels or authorized resellers.
- Initialize your device privately and never reveal your recovery phrase.
- Confirm all addresses and amounts on the device screen before signing.
- Keep firmware and Ledger Live Desktop updated from official sources.
- Store backups in secure, offline locations (consider a metal backup).
Don't
- Don't enter your recovery phrase into any website, form, or chat.
- Don't keep digital copies or photographs of your seed words.
- Don't buy used devices — tampering risk is real.
- Don't share PINs, passphrases or seed words with anyone.
If your recovery phrase is exposed
If you believe your seed has been exposed, immediately move funds to a new wallet generated from a new device and recovery phrase. Use a trusted environment to perform the transfer and do not enter exposed seeds anywhere online.
Advanced features & developer guidance
For power users and integrators: passphrases, hidden wallets, multi-account workflows, and developer API considerations. These features increase flexibility — and responsibility.
Passphrases & hidden wallets
A BIP39 passphrase lets you derive hidden wallets from the same seed. It provides plausible deniability but if you lose the passphrase, funds are permanently inaccessible. Use only with strict storage procedures.
Multi-account strategies
Use multiple accounts to separate funds (e.g., savings vs daily spending). Ledger Live allows multiple accounts per coin and makes it easy to manage them while preserving seed-based recovery.
Developer notes
Use official SDKs and transports (WebHID, WebUSB, Bluetooth). Always show human-readable details for transactions and never request seeds or private keys. Test integrations on testnets and provide clear error/fallback flows for connector and permission failures.
# Linux tip: reload udev rules after installing connector
sudo udevadm control --reload-rules && sudo udevadm trigger
Troubleshooting & support
Most connectivity problems are resolved with simple steps. If issues persist, collect logs and contact official support via Ledger.com/support — never share your recovery phrase with support or strangers.
Try original cable, direct port, avoid hubs. Restart Ledger Live Desktop and the computer. On macOS check Security & Privacy; on Windows try running as Administrator.
Do not unplug the device. Follow on-screen guidance; if interrupted use official recovery steps listed in support docs.
Update Ledger Live and device firmware, reinstall the specific app in Manager, and retry. Gather logs in Help → Support if contacting support.
Pending status often stems from network fees or congestion. Use network tools (RBF where supported) or consult the receiving network guidance.
Collecting logs
To speed up support, include Ledger Live Desktop version, OS version, and steps to reproduce. Use Help → Support to export logs. NEVER send recovery phrases.
Frequently asked questions
Resources, checklist & next steps
Final checklist before moving funds
- ✔️ Download Ledger Live Desktop from
Ledger.com/start. - ✔️ Initialize device in private and write down the recovery phrase offline.
- ✔️ Install minimal coin apps and add accounts in Manager.
- ✔️ Verify receiving addresses on the device screen before sending funds.
- ✔️ Test with a small transaction first.
- ✔️ Keep firmware and Ledger Live updated via official channels.
Official links
Tutorials
- Step-by-step setup videos
- Recovery phrase best practices
- Advanced: passphrases & hidden wallets