Ledger® Live — Login & Getting Started
Quick summary: Ledger Live is the official desktop and mobile application to manage your Ledger hardware wallet, view your portfolio, send and receive assets, and access Ledger’s integrated services. This guide walks you through downloading, installing, connecting a Ledger device, logging in, and best security practices. Estimated read time: ~8–10 minutes.
Before you start — safety first
Only download Ledger Live from the official Ledger site and official app stores. Fake Ledger apps and installers are actively used in malware campaigns that attempt to steal recovery phrases and private keys. Verifying the source of your download and keeping firmware and the Ledger Live app up to date are essential steps to protect your funds. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
1. Download Ledger Live
Download the app from Ledger’s official download page for desktop or mobile. Choose the correct operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux) or the App Store / Google Play entry for mobile. After downloading, verify the installer signature if you want extra assurance; Ledger publishes official checksums and instructions on their site and support pages. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Tip: On macOS and Windows, avoid downloading Ledger Live from third-party sites or search-engine ad links — attackers sometimes distribute fake installers that mimic Ledger Live.
2. Install and open Ledger Live
- Run the installer and follow the standard install prompts for your OS.
- Open Ledger Live after installation. On first launch you’ll see a welcome screen with a Get started prompt.
- Choose whether you are creating a new Ledger device setup (initialize as new device) or restoring an existing wallet from a recovery phrase. If you already own a Ledger device and have a recovery phrase, select the restore option. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
3. Connect your Ledger device
Use the official USB cable to connect your Ledger hardware wallet (Nano series, Stax, or other models) to your computer or mobile. Unlock the device by entering the PIN you set during device initialization. Ledger Live will detect the device and prompt you to select it and continue the onboarding flow. If a firmware update is required, Ledger Live will guide you — allow updates only when you initiated them and your device shows the confirmation on-screen. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
4. Create or restore a wallet (what happens on-device)
Create a new wallet: the device will generate a PIN and then display a recovery phrase (usually 24 words). Write these words down in the correct order on the provided recovery sheet — never store the phrase digitally. Confirm the phrase on-device when prompted. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Restore from a recovery phrase: choose the restore option in the Ledger Live onboarding, and then enter your recovery phrase directly on the device using its buttons/touchscreen. Do not type your recovery phrase into your computer or phone. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
5. Add accounts and install apps
Ledger Live lets you install blockchain-specific apps on your device (for example: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana apps) and add accounts to view balances and make transactions. In the left-hand menu select Accounts → Add account, choose the currency, and Ledger Live will guide you to install the required app on your Ledger device if it’s not already installed. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Apps on the device are small pieces of blockchain-specific software; you can install multiple apps but be mindful of device storage limits on some models.
6. Logging in & ongoing access
Ledger Live itself is not an online account tied to an email/password—your assets and keys are anchored to your hardware device. To “log in” to Ledger Live you open the app and unlock your device with your device PIN. On mobile you can enable biometric unlocking (Face ID / Touch ID / fingerprint) for convenience after you have completed the secure setup. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
If you lose access to your device, you can recover your wallet on a new Ledger device (or compatible hardware wallet) using your recovery phrase. That’s why the physical security of the recovery phrase is the single most critical element of your setup.
7. Sending and receiving crypto (basic flow)
- Receive: In Ledger Live click
Receive, select the account, verify the address shown in the app matches the address on your device screen, and then share that address to the sender. Always verify on-device. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9} - Send: Click
Send, enter recipient address and amount, then approve the transaction details on the Ledger device itself. The final cryptographic approval must be done on-device.
Security checklist (must-read)
- Always download Ledger Live from the official site or official app stores. Do not trust copycat installers. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
- Never share your 24-word recovery phrase with anyone or enter it into a website or app.
- Keep your device firmware and Ledger Live updated — updates contain security fixes and protocol improvements. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
- Confirm transaction details on the device screen before approving.
- Consider an isolated physical backup of your recovery phrase (steel backup for long-term storage) if you hold significant assets.
Troubleshooting — common issues
Ledger Live not recognizing device: try a different USB cable/port or use the official cable. Make sure the device is unlocked with its PIN. If the OS blocks the driver on Windows or macOS, follow the Ledger troubleshooting docs. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
Ledger Live shows outdated firmware: follow the app prompts and confirm the update on the device. Do not install firmware from third-party sources.
App crashes or behaves unexpectedly: ensure you downloaded the correct app package for your OS; consider reinstalling Ledger Live from the official site and restart your machine. Back up any configuration details you need (not your recovery phrase) before performing destructive actions.
Additional features and services
Ledger Live also provides an integrated portfolio view, price tracking, staking and swapping services through trusted partners, and access to Ledger Connect dApp integrations. These features change over time; consult Ledger Live’s documentation and the Ledger blog for the latest capabilities. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
Frequently asked questions (short)
Q: Do I need an account or email to use Ledger Live?
No — Ledger Live manages local connections to your Ledger device. It is not a cloud account. Your seed phrase and device control access to funds.
Q: What if I forget my PIN?
If you forget the device PIN you will need to reset the device and restore your wallet using your recovery phrase. If you do not have your recovery phrase, you will lose access to funds stored in that seed. Protect the recovery phrase. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
Q: Is Ledger Live the only way to use my Ledger device?
No — you can use third-party wallets and dApps that support Ledger hardware (for example, some web wallets and mobile wallets). However, when you do, always ensure the third-party service is reputable and that you approve transactions on your Ledger device. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}