Ledger® Live Login — Getting Started | official Ledger Wallet

Welcome to your start with Ledger Live, the official companion app for Ledger hardware wallets (such as Nano S Plus, Nano X, and others). Ledger Live acts as the secure interface between your crypto assets and your device, letting you manage accounts, send/receive funds, install blockchain apps, and update firmware — all while keeping your private keys protected on the device.

Unlike typical online accounts where you log in with a username and password, Ledger Live login is tied directly to your hardware wallet device. The physical presence of the device and knowledge of your PIN serve as the authentication method. This means:

No usernames or passwords stored online.
Private keys never leave the device.
All sensitive operations require physical actions on the device itself.

Ledger’s design assumes that the hardware wallet is your identity. The security model ensures:

Your private keys remain offline.
You can’t sign transactions without physically confirming on the device.
You never type your recovery phrase into the app or computer (except during an official restore on the device itself).

2. Before You Begin: What You’ll Need

Before attempting to log in or set up Ledger Live, make sure you have each of the following:

A Ledger hardware wallet (Nano S Plus, Nano X, etc.).
A USB cable (for desktop) or Bluetooth (for Nano X mobile use).
A computer or smartphone compatible with Ledger Live.
Your PIN code and access to your 24‑word recovery phrase — stored offline.

⚠️ Important: Never enter your recovery phrase into Ledger Live or any software on the computer — only on the device screen when restoring a wallet. Ledger Live will never ask for it in normal login flows.

3. Install & Launch Ledger Live

This step ensures your software is genuine and safe:

Visit the official Ledger website (ledger.com/ledger-live).
Select the correct version for your platform:
- Windows / macOS / Linux (Desktop).
- iOS / Android (mobile app).

⚠️ Never download Ledger Live from unofficial sites, third‑party mirrors, or unverified app stores. These can be phishing traps.

3.2 Install & Open the App

Run the installer and follow the device‑specific prompts.
Open Ledger Live once installation completes.
On first launch, you’ll be asked to either:
- Create a new profile.
- Open an existing profile.
- Restore an existing profile.

This profile is local to your Ledger Live installation and stores settings — it doesn’t store your private keys or recovery phrase.

4. Set Up or Restore a Ledger Device

Whether you’re a new or returning user, this step prepares your device for interaction with Ledger Live.

4.1 Initialize a New Device

Connect your Ledger device to your computer with the supplied USB cable (or Bluetooth for Nano X mobile).
Follow on‑screen prompts on the device to:
- Create a secure PIN.
- Generate your 24‑word recovery phrase (write it down on the official card).
Never store a digital copy of your recovery phrase.

4.2 Restore an Existing Wallet

If you already have a wallet, choose “Restore from recovery phrase” when prompted.

Enter your 24‑word phrase on the device.
Never type the phrase into Ledger Live.

Once Ledger Live is installed and your device is initialized, the login process looks like this:

5.1 Plug in Your Ledger Device

Desktop: Use the USB cable to connect to your computer.
Mobile (Nano X): Pair with Bluetooth from within Ledger Live mobile.

5.2 Enter Your PIN

Unlock your device by typing the PIN directly on the hardware wallet’s buttons or screen — not on your keyboard. The app then detects your device and establishes a secure connection.

5.3 Confirm and Sync

Once unlocked:

Ledger Live will sync with your device.
You’ll see your portfolio, balances, and accounts appear.

5.4 Optional App Password

You may be asked to create an optional app password — this only locks the local Ledger Live app (not your wallet). It adds privacy if others use your computer.

6. What You Can Do After Logging In

Once successfully logged in, the world of Ledger Live opens up:

6.1 Manage Accounts

Add or remove cryptocurrency accounts.
See balances, transaction histories, and portfolio totals.
Switch between different blockchain networks.

6.2 Send & Receive Crypto

Use Ledger Live to generate receive addresses (which you must verify on the device screen).
Initiate transactions in Ledger Live, then confirm them physically on your device.

6.3 Install & Update Apps

Ledger Live lets you install or update blockchain apps directly onto your device.

6.4 Advanced Features

Depending on your version, you may also access:

Staking rewards.
NFT galleries.
DeFi integrations via secure connections.

Sometimes, users face hiccups logging in:

7.1 Device Not Recognized

Use the original USB cable you received with your Ledger device.
Try another USB port or restart Ledger Live.
Check that your device firmware is up to date.

7.2 Bluetooth Pairing Problems

With Ledger Nano X mobile, Bluetooth can fail to pair. Try:

Turning Bluetooth off and back on.
Forgetting the device in phone settings and re‑pairing.

7.3 App Crashes or Freezes

If Ledger Live won’t start, uninstall and reinstall from the official site. Ensure your OS supports the current version.

7.4 Forgotten App Password

If you forget the optional Ledger Live app password:

You can reset the Ledger Live app settings.
You’ll need to reconnect your device and re‑add accounts (your funds remain on‑chain).

8. Security & Best Practices

Security is the cornerstone of Ledger’s design, and following best practices protects your assets:

8.1 Always Use Official Sources

Download Ledger Live only from ledger.com/ledger-live or official app stores.
Verify URLs and never follow unknown links in emails or messages.

8.2 Protect Your Recovery Phrase

Store your 24‑word phrase offline on paper or a metal backup.
Never show it to anyone — Ledger support will never ask for it.

8.3 Verify Addresses on Device Screen

Always compare the address shown in Ledger Live with the one on your device screen — this guards against malware manipulations.

8.4 Keep Software & Firmware Updated

Regularly update:

Ledger Live app.
Ledger device firmware.
Blockchain apps on your device.

9. What to Do If Something Looks Wrong

Crypto threats like phishing, fake Ledger apps, and scam emails are common. Recent reports show attackers distributing fake Ledger Live apps that ask for your seed phrase — a classic scam to steal funds. Ledger’s CTO emphasizes downloading only from the official source and that any request for your seed phrase outside of the device is a scam.

10. Final Tips for a Smooth Ledger Live Experience

Before you make a big transaction:

Do a small test transfer first.
Always confirm details on your device screen.
If traveling or using public Wi‑Fi, be extra cautious.
Consider advanced features like passphrases only if you understand their implications.

1. What Is Ledger Live Login?

1.1 Why Ledger Live Login Is Secure