Ledger Live Desktop is the official companion application for your Ledger hardware wallet, serving as your gateway to managing your crypto assets securely. This guide walks you through the initial setup, from installation to your first transaction, emphasizing security and best practices.
The only safe place to download Ledger Live is from the official Ledger website. Avoid third-party sites or direct download links found elsewhere to prevent downloading a malicious version.
It is highly recommended to set up your device as a new one if you have not used it before, which involves creating your 24-word recovery phrase.
After initial setup, every time you use Ledger Live, you’ll need to connect and unlock your device.
Use the built-in security feature to ensure your hardware wallet is genuine and has not been tampered with.
Content for installing apps and adding accounts...
Your Ledger needs specific **applications** installed (e.g., Bitcoin app) to manage different cryptocurrencies. This is done via the **Manager** tab. Note: Uninstalling an app does NOT affect your funds.
After installing the app, create an associated account in Ledger Live to view your balance. This links the app on your device to the Ledger Live interface.
Content for sending and receiving funds...
To receive funds, you must verify the receiving address **on your physical Ledger device** to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks.
Sending funds requires confirmation on your Ledger device. This is your final security check against the transaction details (address, amount, fee).
The **Discover** section provides secure access to DeFi, DEXes, and staking services (e.g., Lido). These are integrated securely through your Ledger device.
Always prioritize these actions to maintain security: