Ledger® Live: Login | Getting Started™ with Ledger®

A friendly, step-by-step guide to setting up Ledger Live, logging in securely, and making the most of your hardware wallet — with a short FAQ to answer common first-time questions.

Introduction

Ledger Live is the official desktop and mobile application that lets you interact with your Ledger hardware wallet—manage accounts, send and receive crypto, install apps, and check portfolio performance. This guide walks you through the initial setup, the secure login flow, and some best practices to keep your funds safe.

Why use Ledger Live?

Security-first experience

Ledger Live connects to your hardware device so that private keys never leave the device. Transactions are signed within the Ledger device itself, keeping your seed phrase and keys off the internet.

All-in-one wallet

Ledger Live supports hundreds of cryptocurrencies and integrates portfolio tracking, staking (for supported assets), and the ability to install/uninstall blockchain apps on your Ledger device.

Getting started — required items

  1. Ledger device (Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, or supported model)
  2. A computer or smartphone with a USB port (for desktop) or Bluetooth (for Ledger Nano X + mobile)
  3. Ledger Live app installed — download only from the official page above.
  4. Secure internet connection and a safe place to write down your recovery phrase.

Step-by-step: Install and open Ledger Live (desktop)

1. Download the app

Go to the official Ledger Live page and download the installer that matches your OS. Always verify you are on ledger.com before downloading.

2. Install and launch

Run the downloaded installer and open Ledger Live. The app will guide you through initial settings (language, terms).

3. Choose your device flow

Select Set up a new device if your Ledger is brand new, or Restore device from recovery phrase if you already have a seed. If you already set up your Ledger previously, choose the appropriate option—but never share your recovery phrase with anyone.

4. Create PIN & recovery phrase

Follow the on-screen steps and the prompts on your Ledger device. Write your recovery phrase on the official recovery sheet and store it in a safe place. Ledger will never ask you to enter your recovery phrase into the app.

How login works in Ledger Live

Device-based authentication (not a password)

Ledger Live itself does not have a password-based global login for the hardware wallet. Instead, access to accounts and signing actions require connecting your Ledger device and unlocking it with the device PIN. On mobile, you may pair via Bluetooth and confirm actions on-device.

Optional app password

Ledger Live lets you set an application password or auto-lock timer to prevent unauthorized access to the app interface on your computer. This is not a replacement for the device PIN or recovery phrase — it simply protects the local app UI.

Common tasks

Adding an account

In Ledger Live, go to Manager to install the blockchain app (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) on your device, then add an account from Accounts > Add account. The app will read public addresses from your device without exposing private keys.

Sending crypto

Create a transaction in Ledger Live, review details carefully, then confirm the transaction on your Ledger device. Signing happens on-device; Ledger Live only broadcasts the signed transaction to the network.

Best practices & security tips

1. Download official software only

Always download Ledger Live from the official domain (links above). Beware of imitation sites and phishing pages.

2. Never share your recovery phrase

No legitimate service will ask for your seed. Store your seed offline and consider using metal backup options for long-term storage.

3. Keep firmware updated

Ledger periodically releases firmware updates; apply them via Ledger Live when available to keep device security current.

4. Use a strong device PIN

Choose a non-obvious PIN and avoid entering it where prying eyes can see.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Do I need an account with Ledger to use Ledger Live?
A: No — Ledger Live pairs with your hardware device. You do not create an online Ledger account to hold keys; the keys live on your device.
Q: What if I lose my Ledger device?
A: Use your recovery phrase on a new compatible Ledger device or a trusted BIP39-compatible wallet to restore access. Keep the recovery phrase safe to avoid theft.
Q: Can Ledger Live be used on mobile and desktop?
A: Yes — Ledger Live is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android. Pairing methods vary by device model (USB or Bluetooth).
Q: Is Ledger Live open-source?
A: Ledger publishes many components publicly; consult Ledger’s developer resources and GitHub for details. Check the official site for the latest open-source components.
Q: How do I verify that I downloaded the real Ledger Live?
A: Always verify the domain is ledger.com, inspect file signatures if provided, and prefer downloads from the official pages listed above.

Quick reference — troubleshooting

Ledger Live won't open or crashes

Check system requirements, update to the latest Ledger Live installer, restart your computer, and try again. If that fails, consult Ledger Support.

Device not detected

Try a different USB cable or port, make sure the device firmware is up to date, and confirm you have allowed the connection on the device screen.

// Example: Checking a device on desktop (conceptual)
1. Connect Ledger via USB
2. Open Ledger Live and go to Manager
3. If prompted, unlock your device with PIN
4. Confirm prompts on-device