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

A concise, step-by-step presentation for new users to securely install, login and begin using Ledger Live with their Ledger hardware wallet.

1. Overview — What is Ledger Live?

Secure desktop & mobile app

Ledger Live is Ledger's official app for managing your crypto assets with a Ledger hardware wallet. It provides a secure interface to check balances, send/receive tokens, install apps on your device, and connect to decentralized applications. Ledger Live acts as the trusted bridge between your hardware device (the physical private key) and the wider crypto ecosystem.

Key capabilities

2. Before you start — safety checklist

Essential pre-login safeguards

  1. Buy Ledger products only from Ledger’s official store or verified resellers.
  2. Never share your recovery phrase with anyone — Ledger will never ask for it.
  3. Confirm you downloaded Ledger Live from the official Ledger website.
  4. Keep your device firmware and Ledger Live up to date.
Pro tip: Use a secure, malware-free computer and a trusted network when performing your first setup.

3. Download & install Ledger Live

Step-by-step

Step A — Download:

Visit Ledger’s official download page and choose the correct build for your OS (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS).

Step B — Install:

Run the installer and follow on-screen instructions. Approve system prompts as necessary.

Step C — First run:

Open Ledger Live, choose "Get Started", then either Set up a new device or Restore device using your recovery phrase.

<!-- Example: open ledger.com/start to download Ledger Live -->

4. Initial device setup & login flow

Walk-through

Connecting your Ledger device

Use the supplied USB cable (or Bluetooth for Ledger Nano X) and connect your device to your computer or phone. When prompted, unlock your device with its PIN.

Creating or restoring wallet

Choose to create a new wallet on the device (securely generate a recovery phrase) or restore from an existing recovery phrase. Never enter your 24-word recovery phrase into your computer or phone — only on the hardware device screen when restoring.

Ledger Live pairing & login

Once the device is unlocked and the Ledger Live app recognizes it, follow Ledger Live prompts to add accounts. Ledger Live never stores your recovery phrase; instead it communicates with the device to sign transactions.

5. Adding accounts & managing assets

Common flows

Always verify addresses on your Ledger device screen — this prevents tampered addresses from malicious software.

6. Security features

Hardware isolation

Your private keys never leave the Ledger device. Transactions must be approved by physically interacting with the device.

Recovery phrase

Only the recovery phrase can restore your wallet to another device. Store this phrase offline in a secure location (metal backup recommended).

7. Troubleshooting common issues

Ledger Live doesn't detect my device

  • Try a different USB cable or port.
  • Ensure device firmware is up-to-date and Ledger Live is the latest version.
  • Check OS permissions or Bluetooth settings for Nano X.

Forgot PIN

If you forget the PIN you must reset the device and restore with your recovery phrase. This is a security measure to protect funds.

8. Best practices & advanced tips

Daily habits

Advanced: Passphrase & multi-account

A passphrase adds an extra layer: think of it as a 25th word. Use with caution — if lost, funds are unrecoverable.

9. Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Will Ledger Live ever ask for my 24-word recovery phrase?

No. Ledger Live or Ledger support will never ask for your recovery phrase. If prompted, it's a scam.

Can I use Ledger Live with multiple Ledger devices?

Yes — Ledger Live supports multiple devices and accounts. Add accounts per device as needed.

10. Official Ledger resources

Use the official Ledger resources below for downloads, support, tutorials and purchases. These are Ledger's primary pages and should be your first stop for authentic, up-to-date information.

(All links above lead to official Ledger pages. Bookmark the ones you use often.)

11. Closing summary

Remember

Ledger Live + Ledger hardware = a security-first approach to owning crypto. Always verify addresses on your device, never share your recovery phrase, and only use official Ledger resources. With these practices, Ledger Live becomes a powerful and safe tool to manage your crypto portfolio.