Ledger® Live — Login & Getting Started | Getting Started Guide

Quick summary: This guide walks you through downloading Ledger® Live, installing it, creating or restoring a Ledger device, logging in, adding accounts, and basic troubleshooting and security tips. Includes an FAQ and 10 official Ledger links with colorful CTA-style anchors for quick access.

Introduction

Ledger® Live is the official desktop and mobile application that lets you manage your crypto assets securely with a Ledger hardware wallet. This guide is written for beginners and intermediate users who want a straightforward, step-by-step setup and login walkthrough.

Before you start

What you'll need

Security note

Never enter your 24-word recovery phrase into any website or app. Ledger® will never ask for your recovery phrase by email, phone, or support chat.

Download & install Ledger® Live

Step 1 — Get the official app

Always download Ledger® Live from Ledger's official website. Choose the right platform: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, or iOS.

1. Visit the Ledger official download page.
2. Select your platform and download the installer.
3. Run the installer and follow on-screen instructions.

Step 2 — Open Ledger® Live

On first run you may be prompted to allow permissions (macOS will ask for full-disk access in some cases). Accept what is necessary to run the app, but avoid granting unrelated permissions. Ledger® Live updates its internal firmware and apps — keep it updated.

Setting up or restoring your Ledger device

Create a new device

  1. Connect your Ledger device to the computer via USB (or Bluetooth for Ledger Nano X).
  2. Follow the on-device prompts to set a PIN code.
  3. Write down the provided 24-word recovery phrase on the recovery sheet. Store it in a secure, offline place.

Restore from an existing recovery phrase

  1. Choose the restore option on the device during setup.
  2. Enter the 24-word recovery phrase carefully using the device buttons.

Important: verify your device

Only interact with the Ledger device's screen for critical confirmations. If prompts show unexpected behavior or a mismatch, disconnect and contact official Ledger support immediately.

Login to Ledger® Live

What "login" means in Ledger® Live

Ledger® Live does not store your recovery phrase — login is primarily the process of connecting and unlocking your hardware device. Ledger Live uses a local profile (with an optional password) to remember your app configuration.

Step-by-step login

  1. Open Ledger® Live on your computer or phone.
  2. Connect your Ledger device and enter your PIN on the device.
  3. Click "Unlock" (or "Manager" / "Accounts") in Ledger® Live to access account balances and operations.

Using a password for your Ledger Live profile

Ledger Live allows a local password to secure the application interface. This password is different from your device PIN — it only protects the software profile on your machine.

Adding accounts & managing assets

Add an account

  1. In Ledger® Live, go to Accounts > Add account.
  2. Select the cryptocurrency (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) and follow prompts to synchronize with your Ledger device.
  3. Ledger Live will scan the blockchain for existing addresses derived from your device’s seed.

Send & receive

To receive funds, open the account in Ledger Live and click "Receive". Always verify the receiving address on the device screen before sharing. To send, choose "Send", enter recipient, amount, and confirm on your hardware device.

Troubleshooting common issues

Ledger device not recognized

App connection errors

If Ledger Live shows a connection or firmware error, check the Manager and update firmware only via Ledger® Live. Do not accept firmware from unknown sources.

Advanced tips

Backups & multiple devices

Your 24-word recovery phrase is the ultimate backup. You can restore it to a second Ledger device or any compatible BIP39/BIP44-compliant wallet if needed.

Using recovery passphrase (25th word)

Advanced users may add a passphrase (BIP39 passphrase) for additional hidden accounts. Use extreme caution — if you lose the passphrase you lose access to associated accounts.

FAQ

Q: Can Ledger Live be used without a Ledger device?
A: No — Ledger Live requires a hardware device to perform on-chain signing. You can view some informational pages without the device.
Q: What if I lose my Ledger device?
A: Restore your accounts using the 24-word recovery phrase on a new Ledger device or compatible hardware wallet.
Q: Is my recovery phrase stored anywhere online?
A: No. Ledger never stores your recovery phrase. Only you control it.
Q: Can Ledger Live manage NFTs and tokens?
A: Ledger Live supports many tokens and NFT viewing for some chains; check the supported assets list in the app or Ledger's website.
Q: How do I update Ledger Live safely?
A: Update only from within Ledger Live or the official Ledger website to avoid malicious installers.

Official links (10 colorful quick-links)

Ledger Live — Official Get Started with Ledger Ledger Support Ledger Academy Download Ledger Live Official Ledger Blog Supported Assets Knowledge Base Buy Official Ledger Device Security & Best Practices

Tip: Bookmark the official pages above and verify the URL begins with https://www.ledger.com before downloading or sharing sensitive information.