Ledger® Live: Login | Getting started™ with Ledger®
A practical 1500‑word walkthrough to get you from installation to your first secure transaction with Ledger Live and a Ledger hardware device.
This guide explains how Ledger Live interacts with your Ledger hardware wallet, why there’s no cloud “password” for your funds, and the exact steps to set up, restore, and use your device safely. Follow each section carefully — small mistakes during setup are the most common source of lost funds.
Essentials to prepare
A Ledger hardware device (Nano S, Nano S Plus, Nano X, or a supported successor).
A computer with a USB port or a smartphone for Ledger Live mobile.
A USB cable (or Bluetooth for Nano X) and stable internet for Ledger Live to synchronize blockchain data.
Pen and paper to record your recovery phrase (never save it digitally).
Downloading Ledger Live
Only download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website or through your device’s official app store. Avoid search results that lead to paid ads or third‑party download mirrors. When available, verify checksums or signatures on the installer to ensure authenticity.
Important: Never enter your recovery phrase into a website or share it. Ledger support or any legitimate service will never ask for your full recovery phrase.
Device initialization (create or restore)
When setting up a new device you’ll choose between creating a new wallet or restoring an existing one. Both flows are started on the hardware device itself — the recovery phrase will be shown only on the device screen.
Create a new wallet: Select this if you don’t already have a recovery phrase. You’ll set a PIN and record the recovery phrase exactly as shown.
Restore an existing wallet: If you already have a recovery phrase from another wallet, select the restore option and carefully input the words in their original order.
After the device is initialized, connect it to Ledger Live. The app will ask to pair with the device and then derive accounts from the secured recovery phrase. Remember: Ledger Live queries the device and the blockchain; private keys never leave the hardware.
Logging into Ledger Live — how access is granted
There’s no cloud login for your crypto funds. To “log in” you open the Ledger Live app and connect your unlocked Ledger device. Ledger Live then requests permission to interact with the device. Unlocking the device with your PIN and approving the connection is what grants access to your accounts — the security is rooted in the physical device and recovery phrase, not an online password.
Adding accounts and installing blockchain apps
Ledger supports many blockchains; for some, you’ll need to install a corresponding app on the device itself via Ledger Live’s Manager:
Open the Accounts section in Ledger Live and choose Add account.
Select the blockchain (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) and, if prompted, install the necessary app on the Ledger device through Manager.
Allow Ledger Live to scan the blockchain. The process may take a few minutes depending on your history and network speed.
Receive funds — verify on-device
Generating a receive address should always end with a physical verification on your Ledger device. After Ledger Live displays an address, look at the device screen and confirm that the same address is shown there. Only share addresses which have been confirmed on the device.
Send funds — always approve on-device
When sending, Ledger Live builds the transaction but the signature is created only inside your hardware device. You must inspect transaction details (amount, destination, fees) on the device’s screen and approve the signature physically. This prevents remote tampering and ensures high security.
Security checklist
Record the 24-word recovery phrase offline and keep it in a safe place; consider a metal backup for longevity.
Never store the recovery phrase in cloud storage, photos, or text files.
Use a strong PIN and keep the device physically secure.
Keep Ledger Live and device firmware updated — but only use official update sources.
Watch for phishing: manually type official URLs or use bookmarks rather than clicking unknown links.
Troubleshooting common login problems
Device not recognized: Try a different cable or USB port, ensure the device is unlocked, and check Ledger Live permissions. For Bluetooth pairing issues with Nano X, toggle Bluetooth and retry pairing.
App not installed on device: Install required coin apps via Ledger Live’s Manager.
Long sync times: Ensure a stable internet connection and allow the scan to complete — large account histories take longer to index.
Forgot PIN: Reset the device and restore from your recovery phrase. Resetting erases local data; the recovery phrase restores your accounts on a new device.
Advanced and power-user tips
Advanced users may explore creating multiple accounts for organization, custom derivation paths, or connecting Ledger to Web3 dApps via WalletConnect. When integrating with third‑party applications, always double‑check every on‑device prompt and verify transaction details; the device display is the canonical source of truth.
FAQ
Can Ledger Live be used without the hardware device?
You can install Ledger Live without a device to explore the app, but meaningful actions (creating addresses, signing transactions) require the connected Ledger hardware.
Can I reinstall Ledger Live on multiple computers?
Yes — Ledger Live can be installed on multiple machines. Access to funds depends on your Ledger device and recovery phrase, not on the number of app installations.
What if my device is stolen?
If your device is stolen but your recovery phrase remains secure and private, you can restore your wallet on a new device. If both device and recovery phrase are compromised, funds are unrecoverable.
This guide is a practical introduction. For official support articles, firmware change logs, or to report suspected security incidents, use the official Ledger website and support channels.