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

A friendly, step-by-step HTML guide for new and returning users to install Ledger® Live, connect a Ledger® hardware device, sign in securely, and begin managing cryptocurrency.

Quick overview

Ledger® Live is a desktop and mobile application that interfaces with Ledger® hardware wallets (Ledger® Nano S Plus, Ledger® Nano X, etc.) to manage cryptocurrency securely. This guide walks you through:

  • Downloading and installing Ledger® Live on desktop and mobile
  • Connecting and unlocking your Ledger® device
  • Logging in and pairing the app with your device
  • Adding accounts, sending and receiving crypto
  • Security best practices and troubleshooting

Before you begin — prepare these items

  • Your Ledger® hardware device (Nano X, Nano S Plus, or supported model).
  • Your recovery phrase (24-word seed) stored offline and never shared digitally.
  • A computer (Windows/Mac/Linux) or mobile device (iOS/Android) with internet access.
  • A USB cable (for Nano S / Nano S Plus) or Bluetooth (for Nano X).

Important: Ledger® Live only interacts with your device — your private keys never leave the hardware wallet. Ledger® will never ask you to type your recovery phrase into the app.

1) Download & install Ledger® Live

Always download Ledger® Live from the official Ledger® website or the App Store / Google Play Store. Avoid third-party links to reduce the risk of downloading counterfeit or malicious applications.

  1. 1
    Desktop

    Go to the official download page and choose the appropriate installer for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux). Run the installer and follow on-screen instructions.

  2. 2
    Mobile

    Search for "Ledger Live" on the App Store or Google Play and install the official app published by Ledger SAS.

  3. 3
    Software requirements

    Make sure your operating system is up to date. For Bluetooth connections, enable Bluetooth and grant permissions when prompted.

2) First-time setup — connect your Ledger® device

Power on your Ledger® device and, if required, enter your PIN. If this is a brand-new device you’ll be prompted on the device screen to set a PIN and write down your recovery phrase. Follow the device’s instructions carefully.

  • Choose a PIN you can remember but isn’t easily guessable.
  • Write your recovery words on the supplied recovery card and store it safely offline.
  • Never take digital photos or store the recovery phrase on a cloud service.

Warning: Ledger® employees, support agents, or anyone else will never request your 24-word recovery phrase. If asked, treat it as a scam and disconnect immediately.

3) Login & pairing with Ledger® Live

Ledger® Live does not use a traditional username/password login. Instead, you pair the app with your Ledger® device to access and manage accounts. Steps differ slightly between desktop and mobile:

Desktop pairing

  1. Launch Ledger® Live and accept any terms/permissions.
  2. When prompted, connect your Ledger® device via USB and unlock with your PIN.
  3. Open the Manager app on the device if asked, and approve the connection from Ledger® Live.
  4. Ledger® Live will recognize the device and offer to add accounts — follow the on-screen instructions.

Mobile pairing (Bluetooth)

  1. Open Ledger® Live on your phone and enable Bluetooth if needed.
  2. Turn on your Ledger® device and open the appropriate app (e.g., Ethereum for ETH accounts).
  3. Ledger® Live will scan for nearby devices — select your device and confirm the pairing code appears on both the device and the app.

Pro tip: For the most reliable experience, pair your device using a direct USB connection when possible. Reserve Bluetooth for mobile convenience.

4) Add accounts & manage portfolios

Once paired, you can add accounts for different blockchains. Each account corresponds to an on-chain address controlled by your Ledger® device.

  • In Ledger® Live, go to Accounts > Add account.
  • Select the cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.) and follow the prompts.
  • Ledger® Live will scan the blockchain for existing addresses and import balances — this is read-only and requires your Ledger® device to sign transactions.

Ledger® Live also includes portfolio tracking, portfolio performance charts, and built-in apps for staking, swapping, and NFT management (depending on the coin and Ledger® Live version).

5) Sending & receiving crypto

Receive

  1. Select an account in Ledger® Live and click Receive.
  2. Connect your Ledger® device and open the app for that cryptocurrency (device will show the receiving address).
  3. Confirm the address on your device screen and copy it into the sender’s wallet or exchange.

Send

  1. Click Send in the account view and paste the recipient address or scan a QR code.
  2. Enter the amount and choose network fees (higher fees = faster confirmation on many chains).
  3. Confirm transaction details on the Ledger® device and approve the signature — only the device signs, not Ledger® Live.

Always verify the recipient address on your hardware device screen before approving. Clipboard malware can alter copied addresses on a computer.

6) Keeping Ledger® Live & device secure

  • Update firmware and app software: Keep both your Ledger® device firmware and Ledger® Live app up to date to receive security patches and new features.
  • Back up your recovery phrase: Store it offline in a fireproof and waterproof safe if possible.
  • Use a strong PIN: Change it if you suspect anyone has seen you enter it.
  • Phishing awareness: Bookmark the official Ledger® site, and avoid clicking links from unsolicited emails or social media messages.

7) Troubleshooting common issues

Ledger® Live won't detect my device
Check your USB cable, try a different port, ensure the device is unlocked, and open the correct app on the device (e.g., Bitcoin app). Restart Ledger® Live and your device if needed.
Bluetooth pairing fails
Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone, remove any old pairings, and try pairing again. Some Android devices are more sensitive to background apps; disabling battery optimization for Ledger® Live can help.
Transactions stuck or unconfirmed
This is usually due to low network fees. For some chains you can speed up transactions via the sending wallet or use Replace-By-Fee (RBF) where supported.

Advanced topics

If you are comfortable with the basics, Ledger® Live supports a variety of advanced workflows:

  • Staking: Stake supported assets directly in Ledger® Live to earn rewards while keeping keys offline.
  • Swap & exchange integrations: Use built-in swap providers to trade tokens without exporting private keys.
  • Passphrase manager: Create hidden accounts with a passphrase — powerful but risky if misused. Passphrases are an optional feature that effectively create new wallets derived from your recovery phrase.
  • Enterprise & multisig: Use Ledger® devices with multisig setups for added corporate or collaborative security.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Do I need an account with Ledger® to use Ledger® Live?
No. Ledger® Live connects to your hardware device and reads accounts on-chain; Ledger® does not hold your private keys.
Can I recover my wallet if I lose my Ledger® device?
Yes. Use your 24-word recovery phrase to restore your wallet on another Ledger® device or compatible recovery tool that supports the same seed format.
Is Ledger® Live free?
Ledger® Live is free to download and use. Network fees for sending transactions are charged by the blockchain network, not Ledger®.
What if I forgot my PIN?
If you forget your PIN you can reset the device to factory settings. Use your recovery phrase to restore accounts afterward — this will delete any data on the device until restoration.

Checklist before first transfer

  1. Verify Ledger® Live is downloaded from the official site.
  2. Confirm device firmware is the latest version.
  3. Test with a small amount first before transferring large sums.
  4. Confirm recipient address on both app and device screen.

Example: Sending Bitcoin (step-by-step)

  1. Open Ledger® Live and choose your Bitcoin account.
  2. Click Send, paste the destination address, and enter amount.
  3. Set the priority fee (economy, regular, or priority).
  4. Connect and unlock your Ledger® device and open the Bitcoin app on the device.
  5. Verify the address and amount on the device screen — only then approve the transaction by confirming on the device.

Contact & support

If you encounter issues that can’t be resolved with the troubleshooting tips above, contact official Ledger® support through the support portal. Be wary of impersonators on social media. Provide only necessary non-sensitive information when filing a ticket.