What is Ledger Live Desktop?
Ledger Live Desktop is the official companion application for Ledger® hardware wallets, providing a secure interface to manage your cryptocurrency assets. This powerful desktop application allows you to check your balances, send and receive crypto, grow your assets through staking, and explore Web3 applications—all while your private keys remain securely stored on your hardware wallet.
Unlike web-based wallets, Ledger Live Desktop operates as a standalone application on your computer, significantly reducing exposure to online threats. When combined with a Ledger® hardware wallet, it creates an unparalleled security model for managing digital assets.
Getting Started with Ledger Live Desktop
1. Download the Application
The first step is to download the official Ledger Live Desktop application. Always ensure you're downloading from the official source to avoid malicious software.
2. Initial Setup Process
After installation, you'll need to set up your application. If you're a new user, the setup wizard will guide you through the process of initializing your Ledger® device.
3. Ledger Login Process
Unlike traditional accounts, Ledger Live doesn't use a username and password for Ledger login. Instead, security is maintained through your physical Ledger® device. Each time you want to perform a transaction or access sensitive information, you'll need to connect and unlock your hardware wallet, then approve the action directly on the device.
Security Note: Ledger® never asks for your 24-word recovery phrase. Anyone requesting this information is attempting to scam you. Your recovery phrase should only be entered directly into your Ledger® device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ledger Live Desktop free to use?
Yes, Ledger Live Desktop is completely free to download and use. The only required purchase is a Ledger® hardware wallet device to maximize security.
What's the difference between Ledger Live Desktop and Ledger Live App?
Ledger Live Desktop refers to the computer application (Windows, Mac, Linux), while Ledger Live App typically refers to the mobile version available for iOS and Android devices. Both connect to your Ledger® hardware wallet but offer slightly different feature sets.
Do I need an internet connection to use Ledger Live Desktop?
An internet connection is required to view current balances, send transactions, and access most features. However, your private keys remain offline on your hardware wallet at all times.
Can I use Ledger Live Desktop without a Ledger® hardware wallet?
No, Ledger Live Desktop is specifically designed to work with Ledger® hardware wallets. The application itself doesn't store private keys; it acts as an interface for your secure hardware device.
How do I update Ledger Live Desktop?
The application will notify you when updates are available. You can download and install updates directly through the application, or visit
Ledger.com for the latest version.
What should I do if I forget my Ledger Live login?
Since Ledger Live doesn't use traditional login credentials, there's no password to recover. If you can't access your funds, it's typically related to your hardware device PIN or recovery phrase. Never share these details with anyone.