Why use Ledger Live Desktop?
Ledger Live Desktop provides a powerful balance between security and convenience. It acts as the interface to interact with your on‑device private keys without ever exposing them to the internet. Whether you’re an active trader or a long‑term HODLer, Ledger Live Desktop centralizes wallet management and reduces attack surface by keeping signing operations on the hardware.
Key benefits include:
- Security-first: Private keys never leave the Ledger device.
- Unified dashboard: Consolidate balances, transaction history and performance in one place.
- Transaction safety: Approve every transaction on your device and confirm details directly on the screen.
- Extensible: Integrations with swaps, on‑ramps, and DeFi via trusted partners.
Getting started — Installation & first run
- Download: Get Ledger Live Desktop from the official Ledger website. Verify you are on the correct domain to avoid phishing downloads.
- Install: Run the installer for Windows, macOS, or Linux and follow on‑screen prompts.
- Initial setup: Choose whether you are initializing a new device or restoring from an existing recovery phrase.
- Connect device: Plug in your Ledger device and unlock it. Ledger Live will detect it and guide you through the rest of the setup.
Account management
After installing, add accounts for the blockchains you use by installing the corresponding app on your Ledger device and syncing the account in Ledger Live. Accounts are deterministic — reinstalling an app does not delete funds.
Device compatibility
Ledger Live Desktop works with Ledger Nano S, Nano S Plus and Nano X. Nano X supports Bluetooth on mobile but connects via USB to desktop environments.
Core features explained
Portfolio Overview
See an at‑a‑glance summary of your holdings, fiat value equivalents, and performance over time. Use filters and tags to group accounts by strategy, custodial purpose, or risk profile.
Send & Receive
Create transactions in Ledger Live Desktop and approve them on‑device. The app shows recipient addresses and transaction amounts, but the final confirmation occurs on the device screen you control.
Swap
Swap tokens directly from the desktop app through integrations with liquidity providers and aggregators. Ledger Live fetches quotes and displays estimated slippage and fees before you sign.
Staking & Earn
Stake supported tokens via Ledger Live Desktop. The app makes delegation simple while maintaining the signing flow on the device and letting you track rewards over time.
NFT viewing
View supported NFTs associated with your accounts. Metadata and images depend on network responses and marketplace standards.
Security model — how Ledger Live Desktop protects you
The security model is built around physical device custody. Ledger Live Desktop performs non‑sensitive tasks (displaying balances, building unsigned transactions, fetching market data), while signing operations are delegated to the Ledger device.
Important components:
- On‑device signing: All private keys and seed material remain inside the secure element of the Ledger device.
- Transaction verification: The device displays human‑readable details that you must confirm manually before signing.
- App integrity: Ledger Live verifies compatibility with device firmware and apps to prevent mismatched signing paths.
Practical walkthroughs
Receiving funds
- Select the account and click Receive.
- Connect and unlock your Ledger device and open the relevant app if prompted.
- Confirm the address shown in Ledger Live matches the address displayed on your device.
- Share the address or QR code with the sender.
Sending funds
- Click Send on the account and enter recipient address and amount.
- Choose fees and any optional data fields, then click Continue.
- Confirm transaction details on your Ledger device before approving the signature.
Swap flows — what to watch for
When swapping tokens on Ledger Live Desktop, pay attention to:
- Quoted rates vs. executed rates (slippage).
- Route complexity — some swaps require multiple on‑chain hops.
- Network fees, which can vary widely depending on congestion.
For large trades, consider checking external aggregators or splitting orders to reduce slippage.
Staking with Ledger Live Desktop
Ledger Live Desktop supports delegation to trusted validators for many proof‑of‑stake networks. The app typically displays validator performance, commission, and historical uptime to inform your choice. After delegating, rewards accrue per the network's schedule and are visible in the app.
Remember that each network has unique rules for unbonding and reward distribution — confirm those before committing large allocations.
Privacy considerations
Ledger Live Desktop collects minimal telemetry by default, and you can opt out of non‑essential data collection in the settings. Market prices, block explorers, and partner services are queried via third‑party endpoints — review settings if you require strong privacy measures.
Troubleshooting & common issues
App doesn’t detect device
Try a different USB cable or port, check that the device is unlocked, and ensure you granted manager permissions. On some systems, you may need a driver (Windows) or special permissions (Linux).
Apps won’t install or update
Confirm you have enough device storage and that firmware is up to date. Uninstall unused apps and retry the installation via the Manager tab.
Unexpected transaction details
If transaction details shown on your device differ from Ledger Live, cancel and investigate — do not approve mismatched transactions.
Advanced usage & integrations
Using with external dApps
Ledger Live Desktop can be used in conjunction with browser wallets and compatible dApps. Always inspect signing requests carefully on the device and avoid connecting to untrusted websites.
Developer & enterprise tools
Developers can integrate Ledger device signing into workflows via Ledger's SDKs and APIs. Enterprises can explore Ledger's institutional solutions for multi‑user custody, policy controls, and compliance features.
Checklist before major operations
- Confirm Ledger Live Desktop and device firmware are up to date.
- Verify recipient addresses on the device screen before approval.
- For swaps, check slippage and estimated gas fees.
- For staking, review validator terms and unbonding periods.
- Keep an offline backup of your recovery phrase and never share it.
FAQ
Is Ledger Live Desktop free?
Yes. Ledger Live Desktop is free to download and use. Network and partner fees may apply for transactions, swaps, or purchases.
Can I use Ledger Live Desktop without my Ledger device?
Ledger Live Desktop supports some read‑only features, but signing transactions requires a connected Ledger device.
What happens if I lose my device?
Your funds are recoverable with your 24‑word recovery phrase on a new Ledger or compatible wallet — provided the recovery phrase remains secure and private.