Ledger® Live: Login | Getting started™ with Ledger®

Overview — What is Ledger Live?

Ledger Live is Ledger’s official desktop and mobile application used to manage cryptocurrency accounts held on Ledger hardware devices (Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, etc.). Ledger Live connects to your Ledger hardware wallet and offers account management, transaction history, sending/receiving crypto, staking, and app installation for supported blockchains.

Why use Ledger Live?

It provides a single, user-friendly interface to manage multiple blockchains and tokens.
Native integration with Ledger hardware devices keeps private keys offline.
Built-in security checks and firmware update flow.

Tip: Always download Ledger Live from the official Ledger site to avoid impostor apps: https://www.ledger.com.

Getting started: requirements and downloads

System requirements

A modern desktop (Windows 10/11, macOS, or Linux) or a mobile device (iOS/Android).
A Ledger hardware device (Nano S Plus, Nano X, or compatible model).
An official copy of Ledger Live installed from Ledger's website.

Download Ledger Live

Download Ledger Live from Ledger’s official downloads page. Never install Ledger Live from 3rd-party app stores or unofficial sites.

Official Ledger Live download

First-time setup: initializing your Ledger device

When you unbox a Ledger device, follow these steps in sequence. Skipping steps can compromise your seed phrase safety.

Step-by-step initialization

Power on the Ledger device and choose Set up as new device using the device's buttons.
Create a PIN code (choose 6–8 digits or longer if prompted). Memorize it — never share it.
Write down the recovery seed (24 words) on the provided recovery sheet. Do not store the seed digitally or take photos.
Confirm the seed words on the device when prompted.
Connect the device to Ledger Live and allow Ledger Live to verify the device model and firmware.

Important: Ledger will never ask for your seed or PIN. If anyone asks for your seed or PIN, treat that request as a scam.

How to login to Ledger Live (desktop & mobile)

Ledger Live uses a local profile protected by a password (desktop) or device-level security (mobile). The actual keys remain on the hardware device; you "login" to the app to view and manage accounts.

Desktop login

Open Ledger Live (downloaded from Ledger Live download).
If this is your first time, create a new profile and set a password to protect your local data.
Connect your Ledger hardware device via USB and unlock it with your PIN.
Open the corresponding app on the device (e.g., Bitcoin app) when prompted by Ledger Live.

Mobile login

Install Ledger Live from the official store link on Ledger's website: Ledger Live (mobile).
Open the Ledger Live app, create a profile, and pair your Ledger device via Bluetooth (if using Nano X) or with a cable adapter.

PIN and profile password — what's the difference?

Device PIN: Unlocks the Ledger device and is required for transactions.
Ledger Live password: Protects the local application profile (encrypted data on your computer/mobile).

Adding and managing accounts in Ledger Live

Ledger Live supports adding multiple accounts for various blockchains. Each account corresponds to an address derived from your seed on the hardware device.

How to add an account

Open Ledger Live and go to Accounts → Add account.
Select a cryptocurrency (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) and follow the on-screen instructions.
Open the associated app on your Ledger device when prompted, so Ledger Live can scan addresses.

Receiving crypto

Select the account in Ledger Live and click Receive.
Verify the receiving address shown in Ledger Live matches the address shown on your physical Ledger device screen.
Copy the address and share it with the sender. Always confirm the address on your hardware — that prevents address substitution attacks.

Sending crypto

Choose the account, click Send, input the recipient address and amount.
Ledger Live will prepare the transaction and send it to your Ledger device for confirmation.
Confirm all details on the hardware device and approve the transaction using its buttons.

Best practice: Test with a small amount first if you're sending to a new address or using Ledger Live the first time.

Security fundamentals: protecting your seed and device

Ledger's primary security model is that private keys never leave the device. Your main responsibilities are to keep your seed phrase and PIN safe.

Seed phrase safety (the 24 words)

Write the 24 words on the recovery sheet and store it offline in a safe place (e.g., safe deposit box or home safe).
Do not take photos of the seed phrase or store it on digital devices, cloud services, or email.
Consider redundantly backing up across separate secure physical locations to protect against theft, fire, or loss.

Anti-phishing and software integrity

Only download Ledger Live and firmware updates from Ledger's official website: https://www.ledger.com.
Verify firmware updates through the device itself and the Ledger Live prompt.
Enable anti-phishing measures: check URLs and confirm email senders carefully.

Advanced security: passphrase (25th word)

Some users opt to use a passphrase (an additional optional secret added to the seed) to create hidden wallets. This can increase security but also adds complexity and risk: losing the passphrase = losing access. Use only if you fully understand the tradeoffs.

Troubleshooting common Ledger Live problems

Below are common issues and how to resolve them.

Ledger Live won't open

Make sure you downloaded Ledger Live from the official site: Download Ledger Live.
Reboot your computer and retry.
If problem persists, reinstall Ledger Live (your accounts are derived from your seed — reinstalling won't erase your crypto if you still have the seed and device).

Device not recognized

Try another USB cable or port. Use a data cable — charge-only cables won't work.
Ensure the device is unlocked (enter PIN) and the correct app (e.g., Bitcoin app) is open on the device.
On mobile, check Bluetooth settings and pairing (Nano X only).

Transactions failing or stuck

Check blockchain network fees and mempool congestion — use a higher fee if needed.
Confirm you signed the transaction on the device when prompted.
If a transaction is pending for a long time you can explore fee replacement (RBF) or cancelation techniques where supported by the chain.

Advanced Ledger Live features

Staking, swap, and integrations

Ledger Live integrates with staking partners and swap services for supported assets. When you stake or swap through Ledger Live, you still approve each on-device transaction to authorize fund movement.

Third-party integrations

Ledger Live offers links to third-party dApps and services. When using any third-party feature, verify the dApp URL and review permissions. Your device will always ask you to confirm transaction details on-screen.

Privacy and Ledger Live: what data is stored?

Ledger Live stores your local profile and account labels locally; transaction data comes from blockchain explorers and nodes. Ledger collects some analytics unless you opt out during setup. Review Ledger’s privacy policy on their official site: Ledger Privacy Policy.

Lost device? How to recover your wallet

Recovering with your 24-word seed phrase

Obtain a compatible Ledger device or a BIP39-compatible recovery tool (prefer official Ledger devices where possible).
Choose “Restore from recovery phrase” during device setup and enter the 24 words in the correct order.
After restoration, install the same blockchain apps in Ledger Live and re-add your accounts — balances will reappear once the blockchain is synchronized.

Crucial: Never enter your seed phrase into a website, app, or device other than a trusted hardware wallet or officially supported recovery tool. If you're unsure, reach out to Ledger's official support.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Can Ledger Live access my crypto without my seed?

No. Ledger Live is an interface; private keys remain on the device. Ledger Live cannot move funds without a transaction signed on your hardware device.

What if Ledger stops supporting a coin?

Ledger devices store private keys. If Ledger Live removes direct support for a coin, you can still manage assets via compatible third-party wallets that support the device and the chain — but ensure you use trusted, audited software.

Is Ledger Live open-source?

Ledger publishes many resources and has components of its stack public. Check the Ledger developer docs for details: Ledger Developers.

Best practices checklist

Always buy Ledger devices directly from Ledger or authorized resellers to avoid tampered hardware.
Never share your seed phrase or PIN with anyone.
Keep your firmware and Ledger Live updated from official links: https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live.
Test send a small amount before large transfers.
Use a passphrase only after fully understanding the implications.

Developer & power-user tips

Using multiple accounts and derivation paths

Ledger Live manages derivation automatically for supported chains. Advanced users who need custom derivation paths should consult Ledger’s developer documentation and use third-party tools with caution.

Backing up account metadata

Ledger Live stores account labels locally. Consider exporting or documenting your account labels if you rely on them for bookkeeping, because a fresh install won't preserve local labels unless restored from a backup.

Resources & official links (10x official links)

Below are important official Ledger links collected in one place for convenience. These links point to Ledger's official domain and are a reliable starting point for downloads, support, and developer resources.

Each link above points to an official Ledger page. Bookmark the ones you use most. (These 10 links are intentionally repeated and centralized here to match the requested “10 official links” placement.)

Closing thoughts

Ledger Live plus a Ledger hardware device is a powerful combination for securing and managing cryptocurrency. The security model is straightforward: keys stay offline, you confirm transactions on the device, and Ledger Live provides a modern UX to interact with the wider crypto ecosystem.

Final security reminders

Never, ever share your 24-word seed or PIN.
Always use official Ledger downloads and verify firmware prompts on-device.
Keep multiple secure, offline backups of your recovery seed if you can do so safely.