Ledger Live Desktop FAQ
Everything you need to know about setting up Ledger Live, syncing accounts, staking assets, and resolving connection issues on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Ledger Live for Desktop is an official companion application designed to manage crypto assets, track portfolios, and interact with decentralized applications using a Ledger hardware wallet. It is available free for Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms.
Ledger Live for Desktop is available for Windows 10 or later (64-bit), macOS 10.15 Catalina or later (both Apple Silicon M-series and Intel), and 64-bit Linux distributions (Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, Arch).
You can download the official installer directly from the Ledger website download page, run the setup binary (.dmg on macOS, .exe on Windows, or .AppImage on Linux), and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Yes, Ledger Live is completely free to download and use alongside your Ledger hardware wallet. There are no software subscription fees. You only pay standard blockchain network transaction fees (gas/miner fees) when sending or interacting with smart contracts.
While you can install Ledger Live and explore certain features in read-only observation mode, a physical Ledger hardware wallet is required to create cryptographic accounts, generate verified receiving addresses, and approve outgoing transactions.
Connect your Ledger device to your computer via USB, unlock it with your PIN code, open the requested blockchain app on the device (e.g., Bitcoin or Ethereum), and click the "Add account" button in the Accounts tab inside Ledger Live.
No, Ledger Live never stores, generates, or transmits your private keys. Your private keys and 24-word Secret Recovery Phrase remain securely offline inside your Ledger hardware wallet's Secure Element chip at all times.
Ledger Live automatically checks for new releases and notifies you via a top notification banner whenever a verified update is available. Click the update button in the banner to download and install the latest release automatically, or download the binary directly from our download page.
Yes, Ledger Live integrates vetted third-party partner services (such as MoonPay, Changelly, and 1inch) that allow you to buy, sell, stake, and swap supported cryptocurrencies directly within the desktop application while keeping private keys safe on your hardware device.
1. Ensure you are using a data-enabled USB cable (charge-only cables cannot transmit data).
2. Unlock your device with your PIN before opening Ledger Live.
3. Close competing wallet applications or browser extensions (like MetaMask or Electrum) that may be locking the USB port.
4. On Linux, ensure you have configured udev rules as explained in our download guidelines.
5. Try connecting to another USB port directly on your computer without using an unpowered USB hub.
Golden Rule of Self-Custody Safety
Ledger support representatives will NEVER ask you for your 24-word Secret Recovery Phrase. Never type your 24 words into any computer keyboard, website, text document, email, or smartphone app. Your recovery phrase belongs only on physical paper or engraved steel, and is entered exclusively into the physical buttons of your Ledger hardware wallet.
Review Complete Security Guidelines →