Ledger® Live — Login & Getting Started

Overview

Ledger Live is Ledger’s official desktop and mobile app for managing hardware wallets, checking balances, buying/selling, swapping, staking, and installing device apps. The app keeps account configuration locally while transactions are signed on your Ledger hardware device.

Prepare: What you need before you start

1. Hardware & accessories

Have your Ledger device (Nano S / Nano S Plus / Nano X) and its original USB cable. Keep your recovery phrase (seed) stored securely — never enter it into a computer or app.

2. Software & environment

Download Ledger Live only from the official Ledger website and install the version matching your OS. Use a clean, up-to-date OS and avoid public/shared computers for wallet setup.

Download & Install Ledger Live

Step-by-step

1. Open your browser and go to the official Ledger Live download page.
2. Choose Desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux) or Mobile (App Store / Google Play) and download the signed installer.
3. Install and launch Ledger Live. On first run, follow the guided Get started flow.

Tip

Ledger signs updates and installers; prefer the official download and verify signatures where possible. Never enter your 24-word recovery phrase into Ledger Live or any app — Ledger's app will NEVER ask for it to log in.

Login / Connect your Ledger

Getting connected

Ledger Live does not “hold” your private keys — it reads accounts and balances and asks the physical device to sign operations. To access accounts:

• Open Ledger Live and click Get started (first time) or Open.
• Connect your Ledger device to the computer via USB or Bluetooth (Nano X).
• Enter your device PIN on the hardware device only, then open the required coin app (e.g., Bitcoin app) on the device when prompted.

Common login/connection issues

If the device isn’t detected: check cable, enable Bluetooth (Nano X), update Ledger Live, and ensure your OS drivers are correct. Use Ledger’s Manager inside Ledger Live to update device firmware and apps if required.

Security essentials

Never share your recovery phrase

Your recovery phrase alone grants full access to funds. Ledger support will never ask for it. If any prompt (app, email, website) requests your seed phrase — treat it as a scam.

Verify downloads & watch for fake apps

Only download Ledger Live from Ledger’s official pages and official app stores. There have been malware campaigns distributing fake Ledger apps impersonating Ledger Live — verify sources and signatures and keep antivirus/OS protections current.

Typical workflow in Ledger Live

1. Add an account

Use Accounts → Add account, select the coin, open the correct app on your device, and let Ledger Live discover your account addresses.

2. Receive & verify

To receive funds, generate an address in Ledger Live and confirm the address on your device screen before sharing it.

3. Send / Sign transactions

Create a transaction in Ledger Live; the unsigned transaction is sent to the device, where you verify details and physically approve the signature. Ledger Live then broadcasts the signed transaction.

Troubleshooting & help

When things go wrong

• App not recognized: reinstall Ledger Live (from official source) and reconnect device.
• Lost PIN: You can recover your wallet on a new Ledger device using your recovery phrase — the phrase is the single backup.
• Firmware issues: Use Ledger Live's Manager to update firmware; follow on-screen and device prompts carefully.

Next steps & resources

After setup, consider:

• Enabling two-factor protections on related exchange accounts
• Reading Ledger support articles and official guides
• Watching Ledger Academy tutorials for advanced features (staking, swaps, third-party integrations)