Ledger Live Desktop — Step-by-Step Visual Guide Blueprint

Step 1: Download Ledger Live Desktop

Visual: A clean browser window showing Ledger.com/start, with the download button highlighted for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Action: Click the download button for your platform and install Ledger Live Desktop.

Tip: Always download from Ledger.com/start to avoid phishing sites.

Step 2: Launch Ledger Live Desktop

Visual: Ledger Live Desktop welcome screen with options:

• “Get Started”
• “Already have a device”
• “Set up a new device”

Action: Click “Get Started”. Choose whether you have a Ledger device or are setting up a new one.

Tip: Make sure your hardware wallet is nearby to connect when prompted.

Step 3: Connect Your Ledger Device

Visual: A Ledger device connected to a computer with USB cable (or Bluetooth for Nano X), Ledger Live showing “Device detected”.

Action: Unlock your Ledger device with your PIN code. Ledger Live will verify device authenticity.

Tip: Always verify that Ledger Live confirms the device is genuine.

Step 4: Install Cryptocurrency Apps

Visual: Ledger Live Desktop Manager tab open, showing a list of crypto apps with install buttons next to Bitcoin, Ethereum, and others.

Action: Click Install next to each cryptocurrency you want to manage.

Tip: Apps allow your Ledger device to communicate securely with the blockchain of each asset.

Step 5: Add Accounts

Visual: Ledger Live Desktop Accounts tab, showing “Add Account” button. After clicking, select the crypto type. The device displays account syncing progress.

Action: Select a cryptocurrency, sync your Ledger device, and Ledger Live displays account balance and transaction history.

Tip: You can add multiple accounts for different coins and even multiple accounts for the same coin.

Step 6: Send Crypto

Visual: Ledger Live Send tab with fields: recipient address, amount, and network fee. Ledger device displays transaction details for verification.

Action: Enter recipient address and amount, then confirm transaction on the Ledger device.

Tip: Always verify the recipient address on the device screen, not just on your computer.

Step 7: Receive Crypto

Visual: Ledger Live Receive tab showing account selection and a generated address. Ledger device displays same address for verification.

Action: Confirm the address on your Ledger device and share it to receive crypto.

Tip: Never share addresses copied from unverified sources—always confirm on the hardware device.

Step 8: Portfolio Overview

Visual: Ledger Live Desktop Portfolio tab, showing total balance, individual crypto balances, recent transactions, and performance charts.

Action: Monitor portfolio performance and track all crypto assets in one place.

Tip: Use Portfolio for quick insights without exposing private keys online.

Step 9: Firmware and Device Management

Visual: Ledger Live Manager tab, with firmware update alert on device. Options: “Update Firmware” or “Check Genuine.”

Action: Keep your Ledger device firmware up-to-date and run Genuine Checks to confirm security.

Tip: Firmware updates patch vulnerabilities and improve device functionality.

Step 10: Security Best Practices Reminder

Visual: Ledger Live Desktop alert icon showing tips:

• Never share recovery phrase
• Always verify addresses on the device
• Keep Ledger Live updated

Tip: Ledger Live Desktop is secure, but your hardware wallet and recovery phrase are the keys to protecting your assets.

✅ Result: After completing these steps, you can:

• Safely manage multiple crypto assets
• Send and receive transactions securely
• Track portfolio performance offline
• Maintain device security and firmware