Ledger Live Desktop — Onboarding Guide

A concise, professional onboarding flow for secure setup and routine management. This static guide mirrors a Ledger-style approach: clear steps, security-first guidance, and operational best practices.

Welcome and expectations

This document introduces the essential steps to set up Ledger Live Desktop and pair it with a hardware security device. The emphasis is on protecting private keys, verifying device integrity, and establishing repeatable workflows for sending, receiving, and tracking assets. Read through the full flow before beginning the setup.

Preparation checklist

Ensure you have the official hardware device and its original packaging. Inspect for tamper evidence before opening.
Use a trusted, up-to-date desktop environment. Avoid public or unknown networks during setup.
Have a secure, offline place to record and store your recovery phrase; a metal backup is recommended for long-term protection.
Allocate 20–30 minutes for first-time setup and firmware/account synchronization.

Step 1 — Install the desktop application

Download the appropriate installer for your operating system and follow the standard installation procedure for desktop apps. The installation is a local operation—no online account or registration is required. Once installed, open the application and choose Create a new device or Restore device depending on your situation.

Step 2 — Pairing and device initialization

Follow the on-screen instructions to pair the hardware device via USB. During initialization you will set a PIN, generate a recovery phrase, and confirm several recovery words on the device itself. Never type the recovery phrase into a computer or phone—record it offline and verify the backup immediately.

Step 3 — Add accounts and synchronize

After pairing, add accounts for the networks you intend to use. The application will synchronize transaction history and balances. Depending on the number of accounts and network load, initial synchronization may take a few minutes. Regular synchronization keeps portfolio views accurate.

Operational best practices

Confirm every transaction on the device screen before approving. Review receiving addresses when sharing them and keep device firmware and application versions current. For recurring operations, maintain a short checklist that includes device health, backup integrity, and software updates.

Note: Treat the recovery phrase as the ultimate key to your assets. Anyone with access to it can recreate your wallet and control your funds.

Support and maintenance

For troubleshooting, consult official knowledge resources specific to your device model. Common fixes include updating firmware, reconnecting the USB cable, or restarting the desktop client. Avoid sharing your recovery phrase or PIN with support teams—legitimate support will never ask for them.