Ledger Wallet — previously referred to widely as “Ledger Live” — is the official desktop application that lets you manage and monitor cryptocurrencies in conjunction with a Ledger hardware device (e.g., Nano S, Nano X, Stax, Flex). The desktop app provides portfolio tracking, account management, sending/receiving, swapping, buying options, and the interface to install apps on your Ledger device. The app and the device together keep your private keys offline while letting you move and manage funds safely. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Always download the app only from the official Ledger channels. The safest route is the official Ledger website’s start or download page — that’s the authoritative source for installers for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Avoid searching random third-party sites or clicking installers from unsolicited emails. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Security tip: There have been campaigns distributing fake Ledger apps to steal seed phrases — if any software asks for your recovery phrase, that is a scam. Ledger’s official communications repeatedly stress: never share your recovery phrase. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Typical steps — the exact UI will vary by OS:
After installation you’ll be presented with options to Set up a new device or Restore from recovery phrase (only restore if you already own a device and have a verified recovery phrase). Never enter a recovery phrase into the desktop app unless following an extremely specific official Ledger guided restore routine and you are certain the environment is legitimate. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
If you bought a new Ledger device: follow the on-device onboarding (power on, choose PIN, write and verify your recovery phrase on the recovery sheet supplied). If you already have a Ledger device: pair it to the desktop app to import and manage accounts. The desktop app guides you through selecting your device model and connecting via USB (or Bluetooth for supported models). :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Important: Ledger devices sign transactions on the hardware — the private keys never leave the device. Ledger desktop acts as the management interface and broadcast channel while the signed transaction is produced by your device. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Ledger Wallet supports thousands of crypto assets (Ledger maintains an up-to-date supported-assets list). After connecting your device, add accounts for the assets you hold: the app will create local account entries and derive addresses from your device. If an asset is not natively supported in the desktop app, Ledger documents how to use trusted third-party wallets with your Ledger device. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
If you manage many different chains, the Ledger device uses small internal app storage for chain apps — the desktop manager will prompt you to install the proper app on the device when you add an account. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
• Receiving: In Ledger Wallet, select the account → “Receive” → verify the address on your device screen, then copy the address into the sender to avoid typos. Always verify the address on the device screen before sending funds. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
• Sending: Create a send transaction in the app; you will be asked to confirm details on your Ledger hardware device and to approve the transaction using device buttons. The device physically authorises the transaction — ensuring the host computer cannot alter the signed output without your consent. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
• Buy & Swap: Ledger Wallet integrates third-party partners to buy crypto and to swap between supported assets directly inside the app. Third-party providers and availability depend on region; Ledger surfaces the partners and providers when you use those features. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
If Ledger Wallet won’t open, your device isn’t recognised, or you see unusual behaviour: check Ledger’s official support pages for OS-specific troubleshooting steps, ensure you have the latest Ledger Wallet release, and confirm the cable/port works. For account / transaction questions, Ledger support pages and community resources provide step-by-step fixes. If you suspect malware or fake software, disconnect, stop, and verify installers on another trusted machine. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
Ledger maintains a curated and expanding list of supported coins and tokens — the desktop app supports thousands of assets including major chains (Bitcoin, Ethereum, many ERC-20 tokens, and many altcoins). If an asset is not shown in Ledger Wallet, Ledger documents recommended third-party wallets that can be used in combination with the Ledger device to manage that asset. Always consult the official supported-assets page before assuming support. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
A: Download only from Ledger’s official site (Ledger’s get-started/download/start pages). Avoid third-party mirrors and unsolicited links — official pages contain the current installers for Windows, macOS and Linux. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
A: Yes. Security reports have highlighted fake Ledger apps used to harvest seed phrases, particularly affecting macOS users. Always confirm you’re using the official installer and never enter your seed phrase into any desktop app prompted by unexpected errors. Ledger explicitly warns users about this threat. :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}
A: Ledger supports thousands of crypto assets across many chains. The exact list is kept up to date on Ledger’s supported assets pages; if a token is not natively supported, Ledger documents safe third-party options to use with your device. :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}
A: No. A legitimate Ledger app, device, or support agent will never ask for your recovery phrase. If any interface requests it, treat it as a scam and disconnect immediately. Ledger’s official guidance emphasises: never share your recovery phrase. :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}
A: Yes. For some assets or advanced features you may need to use approved third-party wallets with your Ledger device. Ledger documents the recommended third-party integrations and how to use them while keeping keys on your hardware device. :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}