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

Quick-start, security best practices, and a clear FAQ — everything you need to start managing crypto with Ledger Live and your Ledger hardware device.

Why Ledger Live (now Ledger Wallet™) matters

Ledger Live is the official companion app for Ledger hardware wallets — it allows you to install coin apps, add accounts, view balances, send and receive crypto, and access integrated services such as buying, swapping, and staking — while keeping private keys safely offline on your Ledger device.

Always download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website and verify package signatures when recommended — never enter your recovery phrase into any app or website. (See sources at the end.)

Getting started — step-by-step

1. Prepare before you begin

2. Download & install Ledger Live

Visit the official Ledger download page and choose the installer for your operating system (Windows / macOS / Linux) or install the Ledger Live mobile app from the App Store / Google Play.

Tip

Verify the installer’s signature / checksum if Ledger provides one for your platform — this reduces the risk of fake installers or tampered binaries.

3. Initialize your Ledger device

  1. Open Ledger Live and choose Get started.
  2. Select your device model (e.g., Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X).
  3. Follow on-screen prompts: set a PIN on the device and write down the 24-word recovery phrase exactly as shown — offline.
  4. Confirm the recovery phrase when prompted.

4. Pair Ledger Live with the device and add accounts

Install the coin-specific apps via Ledger Live (for BTC, ETH, etc.), then add accounts for each blockchain you plan to manage. Ledger Live will derive addresses from your device — transactions must be approved on the device itself.

5. Login vs. Authentication

Ledger Live may ask you to open the app on your Ledger device and confirm actions. Ledger Live itself does not require you to type your recovery phrase — signing and approvals always happen physically on the device.

Common troubleshooting

Connection problems

If your device won’t connect: try a different USB cable/port, reboot the computer, ensure Ledger Live is the latest version, and that the device firmware is updated. For mobile Bluetooth issues with Nano X, toggle Bluetooth and re-pair via the app.

Fake apps & phishing

Beware of fake Ledger installers and phishing pages that mimic Ledger Live. Always download from official pages and never share your recovery phrase. Ledger and reputable security outlets have reported campaigns distributing fake apps — take care to verify sources.

Security best practices

10 Official Ledger links (colorful)

Bookmark these — they’re the official reference pages you’ll want.

Each link above opens Ledger’s official pages (ledger.com, support.ledger.com, or shop.ledger.com).

FAQ — Frequently asked questions

Q: Do I need an email or password to use Ledger Live?

A: No — Ledger Live pairs with your Ledger device. You don’t log in using an email/password to control your private keys. Some Ledger services may require an account for purchases/support, but your device is the cryptographic authority for transactions.

Q: What if Ledger Live asks for my recovery phrase?

A: It must not. If any app or page asks for your recovery phrase, it’s a scam. Ledger support will never ask for it. If this happens, disconnect immediately and contact official support.

Q: How do I update Ledger Live or device firmware safely?

A: Update Ledger Live through the app’s built-in updater (download only from ledger.com). For firmware updates, confirm prompts on the physical device and follow the official Ledger instructions in Ledger Live.

Q: Can I restore my wallet on another Ledger device?

A: Yes — use your 24-word recovery phrase to restore on another Ledger device or supported compatible wallet, but never enter your phrase into a website. Only enter recovery words on an offline hardware device when the official restore flow requests them.

Q: What if I lose my recovery sheet?

A: If you lose it and still have the device, generate a new recovery phrase (device reset + create new wallet) and transfer funds. If you lose both device and recovery phrase, funds cannot be recovered.