💻 Getting Started with Ledger Live Desktop: Safe Crypto Management

1. Prerequisites: Your Ledger Hardware Wallet

Before you start, ensure you have your Ledger Nano S, Nano X, or Nano S Plus and its 24-word recovery phrase stored safely offline. Your recovery phrase is the master key to your funds.

⚠️ Critical Note: Never enter your 24-word recovery phrase into a computer, smartphone, or any application (including Ledger Live). Only use it for the initial setup or restoring your device onto a new Ledger device.

2. Installation and Initial Setup

Download and Install Ledger Live

Download: Go to the official Ledger website. Always download Ledger Live directly from the manufacturer's official source to avoid installing malware.
Install: Run the installer file and follow the on-screen instructions.

Connect Your Device

Launch Ledger Live.
On the welcome screen, select "Get started".
Choose your device (e.g., "Set up a new Nano X").
Follow the prompts to connect your device to your computer via a USB cable.
Enter your PIN code on the Ledger device itself to unlock it.

3. Securing Your Device (If New)

If your device is brand new, Ledger Live will prompt you to set it up:

Choose a PIN: Select and confirm a 4-to-8 digit PIN code directly on the device. This PIN is used to lock your device and protect it from unauthorized physical access.
Write Down the Recovery Phrase: Carefully write down the 24-word recovery phrase displayed on the Ledger screen onto the included Recovery Sheet. Verify it twice. This step is the single most important part of your crypto security.

4. Setting Up Your Ledger Live Password

Ledger Live requires a password to protect the desktop application itself.

Go to Settings (usually represented by a gear icon ⚙️).
Navigate to the General tab.
Set a strong password for Ledger Live. This password is not the same as your Ledger device PIN and only protects the application interface on your computer.

5. Managing Accounts and Assets

Install Crypto Apps on Your Device

To manage a specific cryptocurrency (like Bitcoin or Ethereum), you must first install its corresponding application onto your Ledger device via Ledger Live:

In Ledger Live, go to the Manager tab.
Connect and unlock your Ledger device with your PIN.
Search for the cryptocurrency you want (e.g., Bitcoin).
Click Install. Ledger Live will download and install the app onto your hardware device's limited storage.

Add Crypto Accounts

Once the application is installed on your Ledger device:

Go to the Accounts tab in Ledger Live.
Click "+ Add account".
Select the crypto asset you just installed (e.g., Bitcoin (BTC)).
Ledger Live will prompt you to open the corresponding app on your physical device.
Ledger Live will scan the blockchain for any existing accounts associated with your device's recovery phrase and prompt you to name and add them.

7. Security Best Practices 🛡️

Recovery Phrase: Never digitize it. Keep it in a secure, fireproof, and waterproof location.
PIN Code: Keep your PIN secure and change it periodically.
Verification: Always verify receiving addresses and sending details on the Ledger device screen, not just on your computer screen. This protects against computer viruses that could swap addresses.
Firmware and App Updates: Regularly check the Manager tab in Ledger Live for firmware updates for your Ledger device and updates for individual crypto apps.