Ledger® Live — Login | Getting started with Ledger

A clear, practical guide for first-time users to securely log in, connect a Ledger hardware wallet, and start managing crypto with Ledger Live.

Overview

Ledger Live is the official desktop and mobile application for managing cryptocurrency holdings stored on Ledger hardware wallets. This guide walks you through the login process, device connection, initial setup, basic actions (send, receive, add account), and essential security practices. Whether you are new to hardware wallets or returning to refresh your setup, these steps will help you get started confidently.

1. Download Ledger Live

Always download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website to avoid fake apps. Choose the appropriate version for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux) or install the mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Pro tip: verify the installer checksum when available. Ledger provides signatures and checksums on its official download page.

2. Install & open Ledger Live

Run the installer, follow on-screen prompts and open Ledger Live. On first launch you’ll be asked whether you already own a Ledger device and whether you want to create a new device or restore an existing one. Select the appropriate option for your situation.

3. Connect your Ledger device

Use the USB cable provided with your Ledger device. For Ledger Nano S or Nano S Plus, connect and unlock; for Ledger Nano X you can use USB or Bluetooth (mobile). The device screen will confirm the connection and show “Welcome” or a similar message when connected correctly.

  • Unlock your device with its PIN code when prompted.
  • If the device is brand new, you’ll instead be guided to set a PIN and write down your recovery phrase.

4. Ledger Live login vs device unlocking

Important distinction: Ledger Live itself does not store private keys. Logging in to Ledger Live is a local application action (you can set an app password), while the actual cryptographic signing and private key protection happen on your Ledger hardware device. To perform transactions you must physically confirm them on-device.

5. Create or restore a device

If creating a new device: choose a secure PIN, then write down the 24-word recovery phrase exactly in order on the card provided. If restoring: select the restore option and input your recovery phrase when instructed. NEVER share your recovery phrase with anyone or enter it on a website or app other than the device itself.

Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase. Treat it like the key to a safe — if someone obtains it, they control your crypto.

6. Install apps and add accounts

Inside Ledger Live, open the Manager tab to install cryptocurrency-specific apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) on your device. After installing, go to Accounts → Add account, choose the currency and follow the prompts to add your first account. Ledger Live fetches account balances from the network but the private keys remain on your device.

7. Receive and verify addresses

To receive funds, click Receive in Ledger Live, choose the account, and request an address. Always verify the address shown in Ledger Live against the address displayed on your Ledger device screen — they must match. This step prevents desktop malware from substituting an attacker address.

8. Sending crypto — confirm on device

To send funds, create a transaction in Ledger Live and then confirm it on your Ledger device. Confirming the amount and recipient on-device ensures that malicious software on your computer cannot silently change transaction details.

9. App password and auto-lock

Ledger Live lets you set an app password (local to the app) and configure auto-lock. Use a strong password and enable auto-lock to protect access to the application if your computer is shared or stolen.

10. Keeping Ledger Live up to date

Ledger regularly updates Ledger Live and the firmware for devices. Always apply official updates through Ledger Live or firmware update tools provided by Ledger. Do not download firmware files from unknown sources.

Security checklist

Troubleshooting common issues

Ledger Live doesn't open

Close any running instances and relaunch. If problems persist, reinstall Ledger Live after downloading from the official site. Check OS compatibility and permissions; on macOS you may need to allow the app in Security & Privacy settings.

Device not recognized

Try a different USB cable or port. Ensure the device screen shows a welcome or unlocked state. Restart your computer and device. For mobile Bluetooth issues, toggle Bluetooth and pair through the Ledger Live mobile app.

Missing funds or wrong balance

Ledger Live reads balances from the network using public node providers. If an account appears empty, check for pending transactions or add the correct account derivation path. Reach out to Ledger Support only after verifying you control the correct recovery phrase and addresses.

FAQ — Quick answers

If you follow the basic security principles — never sharing your recovery phrase, verifying addresses on-device, and keeping software up to date — Ledger Live combined with a Ledger hardware wallet provides one of the safest ways to manage cryptocurrency keys for everyday use.
Get started with Ledger Live
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