Introduction to Ledger® Live
Ledger® Live is a secure desktop application designed to manage your cryptocurrency holdings with a Ledger hardware wallet. It allows you to check balances, send and receive crypto, and manage multiple accounts safely.
This guide provides a simple walkthrough for beginners to get started with Ledger® Live on desktop computers.
Installing Ledger® Live
Download the Application
Visit the official Ledger website and select the version suitable for your operating system: Windows, macOS, or Linux.
Installation Steps
Run the downloaded installer and follow the on-screen prompts. After installation, launch Ledger® Live to begin device setup.
Setting Up Your Ledger Device
Connect and Initialize
Plug in your Ledger device. Ledger Live will automatically detect it and guide you to either create a new wallet or restore an existing one using your 24-word recovery phrase.
Install Cryptocurrency Apps
From the "Manager" section in Ledger Live, you can install apps for the cryptocurrencies you want to manage. Only install the apps needed to save space on your device.
Managing Accounts
Add New Accounts
Use the "Add Account" feature to link cryptocurrency accounts to your Ledger device. This ensures real-time tracking of balances and transactions.
Send and Receive Crypto
Ledger Live simplifies sending and receiving funds. Always verify the recipient address on your Ledger device before confirming any transaction to maintain security.
Portfolio Overview
Ledger Live provides a clear dashboard showing all assets and transaction history. Internal links: see Security Tips for transaction safety.
Essential Security Practices
Protect Your Recovery Phrase
Your 24-word recovery phrase is vital. Never share it with anyone and store it offline securely.
Use Trusted Devices
Always run Ledger Live on a secure and private computer. Avoid public networks when performing crypto transactions.
Enable Optional Passphrase
For added protection, enable a passphrase on your Ledger device. This adds an extra layer of security for your crypto assets.
Conclusion
Ledger® Live Desktop provides a simple, secure, and intuitive platform to manage your cryptocurrency holdings. Following this beginner guide ensures you set up, operate, and protect your wallet safely.
For more resources, updates, and support, visit the official Ledger website.