Ledger® Live: Desktop | Getting Started With Ledger® | JOHNSON’s Guide

Welcome to JOHNSON’s step-by-step guide to getting started with Ledger® Live: Desktop, the official application used to manage your cryptocurrencies securely using a Ledger® hardware wallet. Whether you're new to crypto or a longtime investor, this guide will help you set up your device, install Ledger Live, and begin managing your digital assets with complete control and confidence.

With Ledger, your private keys stay offline — protected from hackers, malware, and phishing attacks. Ledger Live gives you a safe, user-friendly platform to interact with your wallet and manage over 5,500 coins and tokens.

🔧 Step 1: What You Need to Begin

Before you start, make sure you have:

  • A genuine Ledger device (Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Stax)
  • A computer (Windows, macOS, or Linux)
  • A secure internet connection
  • Your USB cable and Ledger Live download link from the official site

🔗 Official Setup URL:
👉 https://www.ledger.com/start

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Never purchase Ledger devices from unauthorized resellers. Only download Ledger Live from the official website to avoid fake software or phishing attacks.

💻 Step 2: Download and Install Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the software that connects your Ledger device to the blockchain. It allows you to view your balances, send/receive coins, install apps, and more — all while keeping your private keys offline.

To install Ledger Live:

  1. Go to: https://www.ledger.com/start
  2. Click "Download Ledger Live"
  3. Choose your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux)
  4. Install the application on your computer
  5. Open Ledger Live and select “Get Started”

🛠️ Step 3: Set Up Your Ledger Device

Now it’s time to connect and initialize your Ledger hardware wallet.

  1. Connect your Ledger device to your computer via USB
  2. Choose:
  • Set up as new device if it’s brand new
  • Restore from recovery phrase if you’ve used it before
  1. Set a PIN code (4–8 digits) directly on your device
  2. Write down your 24-word recovery phrase using the recovery sheet provided

⚠️ DO NOT:

  • Take photos of your recovery phrase
  • Store it digitally
  • Share it with anyone (not even Ledger)

Your recovery phrase is the only way to restore access if your device is lost or damaged.

📲 Step 4: Install Crypto Apps

Each blockchain (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.) needs its own "app" on your Ledger device. These apps enable your device to understand and sign transactions for specific coins.

To install crypto apps:

  1. Open Ledger Live
  2. Go to the “Manager” tab
  3. Connect and unlock your Ledger device
  4. Search for the app you need (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum)
  5. Click “Install”

You can now manage those coins securely on your Ledger.

💰 Step 5: Add Accounts & View Balances

Once your apps are installed, add accounts for each crypto asset you want to manage.

To add an account:

  1. Go to the “Accounts” tab in Ledger Live
  2. Click “Add Account”
  3. Choose the asset (e.g., Ethereum)
  4. Follow the prompts and connect your Ledger device
  5. Ledger Live will sync your account and show your wallet balance

Now you can see your coins and tokens in real time directly from your desktop.

🔄 Step 6: Send and Receive Crypto

To receive crypto:

  1. Click “Receive” in Ledger Live
  2. Select the account you want to use
  3. Verify the address on your Ledger device
  4. Copy or share the verified address with the sender

To send crypto:

  1. Click “Send”
  2. Enter the recipient’s address and amount
  3. Connect your Ledger device
  4. Review and physically confirm the transaction

Every outgoing transaction must be approved on your device, preventing unauthorized access.

🔒 JOHNSON’s Pro Security Tips

  1. Always use the official Ledger Live app
  2. Never share your 24-word recovery phrase
  3. Use a strong PIN and keep it private
  4. Bookmark: https://www.ledger.com/start
  5. Keep your device firmware and Ledger Live updated

Ledger is non-custodial — meaning you’re in full control of your crypto, not a third party. That’s powerful, but it also means you’re responsible for your own security.

🧠 Bonus: Explore More with Ledger Live

With Ledger Live Desktop, you can do much more than send and receive:

  • Stake crypto like ETH, ADA, and DOT to earn rewards
  • Buy crypto directly with bank cards or wire transfer
  • Manage NFTs on Ethereum and Solana
  • Explore Web3 dApps securely using Ledger + MetaMask or Ledger Extension

Everything stays under your control — your keys, your crypto, your future.

📞 Need Help?

If you get stuck or have questions:

  • Visit the official Ledger Support Center: https://support.ledger.com
  • Watch tutorials on the Ledger YouTube Channel
  • Read tips on the Ledger Blog and Academy

🛑 Never ask for help in unofficial forums or groups. Scammers often impersonate Ledger agents.

🎉 You're All Set, JOHNSON!

You’ve now completed your Ledger Live desktop setup — congratulations! You’re ready to take full control of your digital assets with industry-leading security.

👉 Start now at: https://www.ledger.com/start

🔐 Your crypto. Your keys. Your Ledger.