Ledger® Live: Login | Getting Started™ — Step‑by‑Step Guide

Purpose: A concise, secure walkthrough to install Ledger Live, connect your Ledger device, and manage your crypto safely.

Overview

Ledger Live is the official companion application for Ledger hardware wallets. It does not require a traditional username/password — access is performed through your physical Ledger device and PIN. This guide walks you through download, setup, connecting a device, restoring or initializing, and security best practices.

Before you start (requirements)

What you need

  1. A Ledger device (Nano S, Nano S Plus, Nano X, Stax, etc.).
  2. A computer (Windows/macOS/Linux) or mobile device (iOS/Android) with a USB cable or Bluetooth for Nano X/Stax.
  3. Your device PIN and recovery phrase (only for restoring your own device — never share the recovery phrase).
Security tip: Never enter your recovery phrase into Ledger Live or into any website. Ledger Live will never ask for your 24-word recovery phrase. Scams may try to trick you — always download from official sources below.

Step 1 — Download Ledger Live

Go to the official Ledger Live download page and choose your operating system. Use only the official download links to avoid fake apps.

Step 2 — Install & open Ledger Live

Desktop

  1. Run the downloaded installer and follow on‑screen instructions.
  2. When Ledger Live opens, read the welcome screens and allow necessary permissions.

Mobile

Install from the App Store or Google Play and grant Bluetooth/USB permissions as needed.

Step 3 — Connect and login (use your Ledger device)

Ledger Live uses your physical device + PIN to authenticate. To use Ledger Live:

  1. Connect your Ledger device and unlock it by entering your PIN on the device.
  2. Choose to Initialize as new device or Restore device if you already have a recovery phrase.
  3. Follow the on‑screen pairing prompts in Ledger Live; confirm operations on your device to allow access.

Important

Ledger Live will never ask for your recovery phrase. If any step asks for it, close the app and verify you downloaded Ledger Live from the official site.

Step 4 — Add accounts & manage assets

Once connected, add cryptocurrency accounts (BTC, ETH, etc.) in Ledger Live to view balances, send/receive, stake, or access DeFi features. All critical transaction approvals happen on your hardware device.

Troubleshooting & updates

If Ledger Live cannot detect your device, check USB cables, enable browser/OS permissions, or follow the official USB troubleshooting guide. Keep Ledger Live and firmware up to date through the app's update prompts.

Security checklist (quick)

- Never share your recovery phrase.
- Only download Ledger Live from ledger.com.
- Verify firmware and app updates inside Ledger Live.
- Use official support articles for fixes and contact Ledger support if needed.