YOUR DESKTOP WALLET, EXPLAINED

Make room for
a clearer view
of your crypto.

A calm, practical guide to Ledger Live Desktop—organize accounts, follow your portfolio, and build safer everyday habits from your computer.

Independent information. Not affiliated with Ledger.

GOOD TO KNOW

Ledger Live is the interface. A hardware wallet is a separate device that keeps private keys offline.

01 / THE DESKTOP ADVANTAGE

Your wallet view,
with a little more space.

Ledger Live Desktop is the computer companion app used with Ledger hardware wallets. It brings account information and supported wallet actions into one interface, so you can review your activity without squinting at a small screen.

Think of it as a control room, not a vault: the app helps you see and manage supported assets, while private keys are intended to remain protected by your hardware device. Features and available assets vary by device, operating system, and network.

See what you can do
02 / A BETTER OVERVIEW

Useful tools, without
the extra noise.

Bring everyday wallet tasks into focus with a desktop interface designed for reviewing and managing your accounts.

01

A clearer desktop view

See your accounts, recent activity, and portfolio overview together on a larger screen, with room to explore the details that matter.

02

Accounts that make sense

Separate assets by network, purpose, or personal preference. A thoughtful structure makes regular reviews and activity easier to follow.

03

Portfolio at a glance

Follow balances and asset distribution over time. Portfolio values are estimates that can change with market prices and data availability.

04

Hardware-backed security

Pair the companion app with a compatible Ledger signer to review and approve transactions on your device.

Availability depends on your device, region, and the asset network. Always check the current official feature documentation.
03 / GETTING STARTED

Set up with care.
Take it one step at a time.

Good setup starts before the download. Use a source you trust and never rush a security prompt.

Visit Ledger’s official download page
01

Get the app from Ledger

Visit Ledger’s official website by typing the address yourself. Choose the desktop version for your operating system and avoid download links in unsolicited messages.

02

Install and verify

Follow the installer prompts, then open Ledger Live. Use official update prompts and check the publisher and download source before installing anything.

03

Connect your device

Connect a compatible hardware wallet and follow the on-screen pairing steps. Review instructions on the device itself; never share your recovery phrase with an app or person.

04

Add accounts thoughtfully

Add the networks and accounts you actually use. Let the app synchronize, then check that balances and transaction history look familiar.

Never initialize a hardware wallet using a recovery phrase supplied by someone else. If you are setting up a new device, generate its recovery phrase yourself and store it offline.

04 / ACCOUNT ORGANIZATION

Make your accounts
easy to understand.

A little structure can make a big difference. Name accounts for their purpose, keep networks distinct, and give yourself a simple way to distinguish long-term holdings from accounts you check more often.

A few organizing habits

  • ✓ Use clear names that make sense to you.
  • ✓ Keep a separate account for each network.
  • ✓ Review account activity before you act.
  • ✓ Avoid sharing screenshots with sensitive details.
05 / TRANSACTION MANAGEMENT

Pause before
you press confirm.

Desktop makes details easier to inspect. It does not make an incorrect address, network, or approval any less consequential.

Sending crypto

Check the recipient address and network carefully. For a new destination, consider a small test transaction when fees and circumstances allow. Verify the details on your hardware device.

Receiving crypto

Select the right account and network, then compare the address shown in the app with the address verified on your device. Never assume an old address is right for every asset.

App connections

Some networks and services require connecting to a separate app or service. Understand what you are approving, and disconnect when you are finished if appropriate.

06 / SECURITY, ALWAYS

Protect the keys.
Protect your peace of mind.

Your recovery phrase is the master backup to your wallet. Anyone who gets it may be able to access your assets. Keep it private, offline, and out of photos, cloud storage, messages, and websites.

✓

Never type your phrase into a computer.
Ledger support will never ask you to reveal it.

✓

Confirm important details on-device.
The hardware screen is your trusted review point.

✓

Watch for urgency and impersonation.
Unexpected links and “support” DMs are common scam tactics.

Learn more from Ledger Academy
THE GOLDEN RULE

Never share your recovery phrase.
Not even with us.

This is an independent guide. We will never request your keys or phrase.
✳
07 / SMALL HABITS, STRONGER SETUP

Keep your routine
simple and steady.

01

Keep software current

Get Ledger Live and operating system updates from official sources, and take a moment to verify an update prompt looks legitimate.

02

Check what you approve

Read transaction details on the hardware device, especially destination addresses, network names, and token approvals.

03

Expect price changes

Portfolio values can move quickly and are informational, not a promise of future value. Never invest more than you can afford to lose.

A note on independence

ClearKey is an independent informational resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an official website of Ledger. Product names are used only to describe the subject of this guide. Interface details, supported features, availability, and security recommendations may change; confirm current information through official Ledger resources. This page is educational and is not investment, tax, or financial advice. Crypto assets involve risk.