A concise, practical walkthrough to install Ledger Live, connect your device, log in securely, and manage accounts while following best security practices.
Welcome to Ledger® Live — the official desktop and mobile companion for managing your crypto securely. This guide walks you through logging in and getting started, step by step. It’s designed for first-time users and returning users who need a quick refresher. Read each section for practical tips and safety reminders so you can access your account confidently.
Make sure you have your Ledger device (Ledger Nano S, Nano X, or compatible model) and your recovery phrase stored safely offline. Do not enter your recovery phrase in any app or website. Ledger Live will never ask for your full recovery phrase during normal login — only during device recovery.
Download Ledger Live from the official site and install the application on your computer or mobile device. Follow prompts to complete installation. When opening Ledger Live for the first time, choose "Initialize as new device" or "Restore device from recovery phrase" depending on your situation.
Use the USB cable (or Bluetooth for supported models) to connect your ledger device. Unlock the device with your PIN. If prompted by Ledger Live, allow the app to access the device. Confirm any actions on the hardware device to maintain security.
Ledger Live uses a password and device confirmation workflow. Create a strong, unique password for Ledger Live. When logging in, enter your password and confirm the sign-in on the hardware wallet by pressing the buttons. For mobile apps, approve the connection on the device and in the app.
Always verify the firmware version and application versions via Ledger Live’s settings. Never share your PIN, private keys, or recovery phrase. Enable passphrase support only if you understand the extra security and recovery complexity it introduces. If you lose your device, you can restore your funds using your recovery phrase on a compatible Ledger device or a trusted third-party wallet following Ledger’s official guidance.
The left-side navigation shows Accounts, Portfolio, Send, Receive, Manager, and Settings. Accounts list each cryptocurrency account you added. Portfolio provides balances and charts. Manager lets you install supported apps on your device. Use Receive to generate addresses and Send to initiate transfers — always verify the address on your hardware device.
To add an account, select the cryptocurrency, open the corresponding app on the device, then Ledger Live will detect and add the account. You can add multiple accounts per currency and rename them for clarity. Remove or hide accounts if not in use.
When sending crypto, review gas or network fees and transaction details carefully. Ledger Live will display suggested fees; you can customize fees if you understand the implications. Always confirm transaction details on the hardware device screen — the device shows the exact address and amount you approved.
If Ledger Live cannot detect your device, try a different USB cable or port, restart the app, or reboot the device. Ensure protective software like antivirus isn’t blocking the connection. If issues persist, visit official support resources and contact Ledger support.
Your 24-word recovery phrase is your ultimate backup. Store it offline in a safe place — never in cloud storage or as a photo. If you ever need to recover, choose "Restore device from recovery phrase" during device setup and enter the words in the correct order.
Ledger Live stores local data about accounts and balances — ensure your computer is secure. Use full-disk encryption and strong system passwords. Ledger Live connects to remote servers for blockchain data; review privacy settings in the app.
Ledger Live supports staking, swapping, and third-party integrations (e.g., DeFi interfaces) depending on your device and region. For advanced operations, make sure firmware and app versions are up to date and that you understand associated risks. Regularly review account activity and use small test transactions when interacting with unfamiliar services. Consider using a dedicated secure machine for high-value operations and always double-check addresses.