Ledger® Live — Login & Getting Started | Getting Started

Introduction

Ledger® Live is the official application from Ledger designed to let you manage your cryptocurrency portfolios while your private keys remain safe on a Ledger hardware device (Ledger Nano S, Ledger Nano X, or other Ledger models). This guide walks you through every step from downloading Ledger Live to logging in and using its core features securely. Whether you're brand new to hardware wallets or migrating from a software wallet, this walkthrough will help you get started the right way.

Why use Ledger Live?

Ledger Live provides a single interface for checking balances, sending and receiving supported cryptocurrencies, installing or removing apps on your Ledger device, and performing firmware updates. Crucially, all sensitive cryptographic operations (signing transactions, storing private keys) happen on the hardware device itself — the app is an interface that orchestrates and displays information while leaving the private keys offline.

Preparation — what you need before you begin

• Your Ledger hardware device (Nano S, Nano S Plus, Nano X, or other officially supported model).
• The official USB cable that came with your device (or a compatible cable that supports data transfer).
• A trusted computer or smartphone — avoid public or shared machines for setup.
• Your recovery phrase card or a secure place to record the 24-word recovery phrase if initializing a new device.
• Internet access to download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website: ledger.com.

Step 1 — Download and install Ledger Live

1. Visit the official Ledger website: ledger.com/ledger-live. Always verify the domain and HTTPS lock icon to avoid phishing sites.
2. Download the version of Ledger Live for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux) or install the mobile app from the Apple App Store / Google Play Store.
3. Run the installer and follow the on-screen prompts. On first launch, Ledger Live will present an onboarding flow to guide you through the next steps.

Security tip: Never download Ledger Live from third-party sites or follow links in unsolicited messages. Phishing remains the most common vector for theft.

Step 2 — Initialize or restore your Ledger device

When setting up your Ledger device, you will choose to either initialize as a new device or restore from an existing recovery phrase:

Initialize as new device

1. Power on the device and follow on-screen prompts to choose a PIN. Choose a PIN you can remember but that is not easily guessable.
2. The device will generate a recovery phrase (24 words on most models). Write the words down on the provided recovery sheet or use a metal backup solution; do not store the seed digitally.
3. Confirm several words on the device when prompted to verify you recorded them correctly.

Restore from recovery phrase

If you are migrating from a previous Ledger or compatible hardware wallet, choose the restore option and enter your 24-word recovery phrase directly on the device (never type it into your computer).

Step 3 — Add accounts in Ledger Live

Once your device is initialized and connected, Ledger Live will let you add accounts for supported cryptocurrencies. Each account corresponds to a public address derived from your device's seed (private keys remain on-device).

1. Open Ledger Live and unlock your device with your PIN.
2. Navigate to "Accounts" and click "Add account".
3. Select the cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) and follow the prompts. Ledger Live will scan the blockchain for existing transactions and display balances.

You can add multiple accounts for a single cryptocurrency (for different purposes) and manage them all from Ledger Live.

Step 4 — Sending and receiving funds

Sending crypto requires creating the transaction in Ledger Live and confirming it on your device. This physical confirmation ensures that a compromised computer cannot sign transactions without your approval.

1. To receive: select an account, click "Receive" and display the address on your device. Verify the address on the device screen matches the one shown in Ledger Live.
2. To send: click "Send", enter recipient address and amount, and follow prompts. Ledger Live will prepare the transaction and send it to your device to be verified and signed.
3. Confirm all transaction details on the device screen (recipient address, amount, fees) and physically approve to sign.

Security best practices

• Keep your recovery phrase offline: never photograph or store it digitally.
• Verify addresses on device: always confirm recipient addresses and amounts on the hardware screen before approving.
• Download from official sources: firmware and Ledger Live only from ledger.com.
• Keep firmware up to date: Ledger periodically releases firmware updates that fix bugs and improve security; install updates only via Ledger Live.
• Use passphrase with caution: an optional passphrase creates a hidden wallet. It enhances privacy but is unrecoverable if forgotten.

Troubleshooting common issues

Ledger Live does not detect my device

• Try a different USB cable or port; use the original cable if possible.
• Ensure the device is unlocked (enter PIN) before opening Ledger Live.
• Restart Ledger Live and your computer. Reinstall Ledger Live if necessary.
• On Windows, check for driver issues. On Linux/macOS check USB permissions.

Transactions failing or stuck

Check network fees, confirm the transaction was broadcast, and verify you confirmed the correct address on-device. If network congestion delays confirmation, you may need to use fee bumping tools or wait for network clearance.

Advanced features

Ledger Live supports advanced features like staking, swapping (through integrated partners), and connecting to decentralized applications via third-party integrations. Many integrations require explicit device authorization and on-device confirmation for each action.

Only enable and use integrations you trust — each third-party connection introduces external risk and should be reviewed carefully.

If you lose your device

If your hardware wallet is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can recover your funds on a new Ledger device (or another compatible wallet) using your recovery phrase. If you suspect your recovery phrase has been exposed, move funds immediately to a new wallet with a newly generated seed.

Checklist — quick summary

• Download Ledger Live from ledger.com/ledger-live.
• Initialize or restore your Ledger device on-device; never enter your recovery phrase into a computer.
• Add accounts in Ledger Live and verify addresses on-device before transactions.
• Keep recovery phrase offline and firmware/software up to date.
• Use official support channels if you suspect compromise: support.ledger.com.

Conclusion

Ledger Live, combined with a Ledger hardware device, provides a strong, user-friendly approach to managing cryptocurrencies while keeping private keys isolated from online environments. Following the steps in this guide — installing Ledger Live from official sources, initializing/restoring the device on-device, verifying addresses on-device, and protecting your recovery phrase — will help you maintain secure access to your digital assets. As with all security tools, vigilance and good practices are essential: treat your recovery phrase like the keys to a safe and never share it.

This guide is educational and does not constitute financial advice. For the latest instructions and security updates, consult Ledger’s official documentation and support pages.