Ledger® Live: Login | Getting started

Concise user-facing presentation — login, setup, troubleshooting, and official resources

Getting started

This short presentation shows how to download, install, and sign in to Ledger Live, the desktop/mobile app that manages your Ledger hardware wallet. It covers the login flow, device pairing, and recommended safety checks.

What you need before you begin

  • A supported Ledger hardware device (Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, or later).
  • Ledger Live installed on your desktop or mobile device.
  • Your device's PIN and recovery phrase securely stored (never share).
  • A reliable USB cable (for desktop) or Bluetooth (for Nano X) and a trusted computer or smartphone.

Why Ledger Live?

Ledger Live is the official app that lets you check balances, send/receive crypto, install apps on your Ledger device, and connect to DeFi and NFTs through partners. Always download Ledger Live from official sources (links in the right column).

Supported platforms

  • Windows 10+ (64-bit), macOS, and most modern Linux distributions.
  • iOS and Android for the mobile Ledger Live app.
Important: Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase. If any page asks for it, close it immediately and consider it a phishing attempt.

Login & device pairing — step by step

Step 1 — Download & install Ledger Live

Download Ledger Live from the official site, then install and open the app. Choose Create a new wallet or Connect my device if you already have a Ledger.

Step 2 — Open Ledger Live and create a profile

When Ledger Live opens for the first time, create a local profile (this stores display preferences and account metadata). Ledger Live does not store your recovery phrase or private keys.

Step 3 — Connect your device

Connect the Ledger device via USB (or Bluetooth for Nano X). Unlock the device with your PIN. In Ledger Live, choose Get started > Connect your device and follow the on-screen prompts.

Step 4 — Allow manager access

Ledger Live will request permission to access the device to install apps and manage accounts. Confirm by pressing the buttons on the device when prompted.

Step 5 — Add accounts

In Ledger Live select Accounts > Add account, choose a coin, then follow the verification steps. Ledger Live reads public keys from your device; your private keys never leave the device.

Step 6 — Login completed

After adding accounts your dashboard shows balances and recent activity. Use Ledger Live to send, receive, and check transactions — every transaction requires physical confirmation on your Ledger device.

Security best practices (must-read)

Do

  • Keep your recovery phrase offline and private; store it in a safe, physical location.
  • Verify the address on your Ledger device screen before confirming any transaction.
  • Only install Ledger Live from official pages and always verify checksums when available.
  • Use a strong device PIN and enable an extra device passphrase only if you understand its implications.

Don't

  • Never type your recovery phrase into a computer, mobile app, or website.
  • Don't use public USB charging stations to unlock or recover your device.
  • Never share screenshots of your device's address verification that include private details.
Pro tip

If you're using the passphrase feature (also called 25th word), test it with small amounts first—you must remember the exact passphrase to recover associated accounts.

Troubleshooting common login issues

Problem: Device not detected

  • Try a different USB cable or port; avoid USB hubs.
  • Ensure Ledger Live is up to date (Help > Check for updates).
  • Reboot your computer and retry.

Problem: "Wrong device" or app missing

Open the Manager in Ledger Live and install the relevant coin app to the device. Accept prompts on the device to allow the Manager to connect.

Problem: I forgot my PIN

If you forget your PIN you'll need to reset the device and restore from your recovery phrase. Only do this on a trusted device and ensure your recovery phrase is correct before proceeding.

Safety checklist before sending funds

  • Confirm the receiving address on your hardware device display.
  • Check network fees and transaction details in Ledger Live.
  • For large transfers, send a small test transaction first.

FAQ

Can Ledger Live be used without a Ledger device?
No — Ledger Live is designed to work with Ledger hardware and cannot sign transactions without a connected device.
Does Ledger Live store my private keys?
No — private keys remain on your Ledger device. Ledger Live only stores public account metadata and locally encrypted profile information.
How do I update firmware?
Firmware updates are performed through the Manager in Ledger Live. Always follow on-screen instructions and verify the prompt on your device before confirming.