Ledger® Live — Login & Getting Started

This guide walks you through the essential steps to log in and get started with Ledger® Live: installing the app, connecting your Ledger device, creating or restoring a wallet, managing accounts, and staying secure. Whether you’re brand new to hardware wallets or returning after a break, these clear steps will help you move confidently from installation to your first transaction.

What you’ll need

A compatible Ledger hardware device (Ledger Nano S, Nano S Plus, Nano X, or later model).
A computer (Windows, macOS, or Linux) or a supported mobile device for Ledger Live mobile.
A USB cable (for desktop) or Bluetooth enabled device (for Nano X), if applicable.
Your 24-word recovery phrase (only if you are restoring an existing wallet). Keep this offline and private.

Download and install Ledger Live

Download Ledger Live only from the official source and verify the installer when possible. Installing a tampered version risks loss of funds.

Tip: Always check the app store listing or official website for the latest Ledger Live app. Avoid third-party downloads.

First launch and creating a new device

When you open Ledger Live for the first time you’ll be presented with a setup flow. Follow these high-level steps:

Choose Create a new device if you are setting up Ledger for the first time.
Follow on-screen instructions to power on the device and choose a PIN. Choose a PIN you can remember but that isn’t easily guessable.
Write down the 24-word recovery phrase exactly as shown, in order. Store the recovery sheet safely offline and never share it with anyone. Ledger will never ask you for your recovery phrase in plain text.
Confirm the recovery phrase on the device when prompted.

Restoring from an existing recovery phrase

If you already have a wallet and a recovery phrase, you can restore it to a Ledger device:

On the device choose Restore configuration or Restore from recovery phrase.
Enter the 24 words in the exact order. Some devices allow 12- or 18-word phrases depending on the original setup; follow the device prompts.
After confirming the recovery phrase, set a new PIN on the device.

Logging in to Ledger Live

Ledger Live doesn’t use a password-based "account" in the cloud. Instead, the app interfaces with your secure Ledger device. To log in and access accounts:

Open Ledger Live on your computer or mobile device.
Connect and unlock your Ledger device using your PIN.
When prompted, grant the app permission to interact with the device (allow Ledger Manager / allow device access).
Ledger Live will then synchronize with the device and scan for existing accounts that match the device’s recovery phrase.

Adding and synchronizing accounts

After the device is recognized, add the cryptocurrency accounts you want to manage:

Open the Accounts tab in Ledger Live and choose Add account.
Select the currency (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) and follow prompts to install the corresponding app on your Ledger device if required.
Ledger Live will scan the blockchain and populate accounts derived from your recovery phrase. This may take a few minutes depending on network and account history.

Receiving and sending crypto

To receive funds, generate an address in Ledger Live and verify it on your physical device before sharing. Always verify the address on the device screen to ensure it hasn’t been tampered with by malware on your computer.

Go to the account and click Receive. Connect and unlock the device when asked.
Confirm the address shown in Ledger Live by checking the device screen. Only use the address the device displays.
To send funds, click Send, enter the recipient address and amount, and review transaction details. You will approve the transaction on the Ledger device to sign it securely.

Security best practices

Never enter your 24-word recovery phrase into Ledger Live, any website, or share it with anyone.
Keep your recovery phrase offline, in a secure and fireproof location if possible.
Enable a strong PIN on your device and change it if you suspect it’s been exposed.
Use the official Ledger Live application and keep it updated to the latest version.
Be cautious of phishing and fake websites. Ledger support will never ask for your recovery phrase. When in doubt, visit the official website directly rather than clicking email links.

Troubleshooting common login issues

Here are quick fixes for common problems people encounter:

Device not detected: Check the USB cable and port, unlock the device, and ensure Ledger Live has permission to access the device. Try a different cable or USB port.
App not installed on device: Some cryptocurrencies require a matching app on the Ledger device. Install it using the Manager inside Ledger Live.
Sync or scanning takes too long: Close other apps that use the network, ensure you have a stable internet connection, and try again. Ledger Live will finish scanning in the background.
Forgot PIN: If you forget your PIN, the only recovery method is to reset the device and restore from your 24-word recovery phrase. This will erase device contents and require the phrase to restore access to funds.

Advanced options

Advanced users may want to:

Use multiple accounts and separate derivation paths for organizational purposes.
Connect Ledger Live to third-party applications (like decentralised exchanges or DeFi apps) through WalletConnect or browser integrations when supported. Always double-check transaction details before approving on-device.
Keep a read-only watch-only setup by exporting public addresses to monitor balances without exposing the device to signing operations.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Do I need an internet connection to use Ledger Live?

Yes. Ledger Live requires internet access to synchronize account balances and fetch blockchain data. However, private keys never leave your Ledger device.

Can Ledger Live be used on multiple devices?

Yes. Installing Ledger Live on multiple computers or mobile devices is possible. Your funds are secured by the Ledger device and recovery phrase, not by the app installation.

What happens if my Ledger device is lost or damaged?

As long as you have your recovery phrase, you can restore your wallet and funds to a new Ledger device or another compatible wallet. If you lose both your device and recovery phrase, funds cannot be recovered.

Final checklist before you finish setup

Your Ledger device is initialized and PIN-protected.
Your recovery phrase is written down and stored securely offline.
You have added at least one account in Ledger Live and verified a receive address on the device.
You understand how to approve transactions on-device and verify addresses.

This guide is an introduction and is not a substitute for reading official Ledger documentation. Security practices and software details change over time, so check the official vendor documentation for the latest recommendations.

Open Ledger Live