Ledger® Live — Login & Getting Started

What is Ledger Live?

Ledger Live is Ledger's official desktop and mobile application for managing cryptocurrencies and hardware wallets. It lets you install apps on your Ledger device, create and manage accounts (Bitcoin, Ethereum, and many others), send and receive crypto, access staking and portfolios, and connect to decentralized applications through Ledger Live integrations.

This guide focuses on the most secure, up-to-date steps for safely downloading, installing, and using Ledger Live on desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux). For mobile instructions, consult Ledger's mobile-specific guides or the app store listing.

Before you begin — checklist

• Have your Ledger hardware wallet (Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Nano S) nearby and fully charged if applicable.
• Use a personal, up-to-date computer you control (avoid public or shared machines).
• Back up your recovery phrase on paper — do not store it digitally or photograph it.
• Ensure your operating system and browser are updated and you have a reliable internet connection.
• Download Ledger Live only from the official Ledger website or verified app stores.

Download and install Ledger Live

Always verify the download source. The safest route is to visit Ledger's official website and choose the correct package for your OS.

1. Go to the official Ledger website and find the Ledger Live download page.
2. Choose the correct installer for your OS: Windows (.exe), macOS (.dmg), or Linux (AppImage / package).
3. Open the downloaded file and follow the system prompts to install Ledger Live.
4. On first run, Ledger Live will prompt you for updates; allow these to ensure the app is current.

If your browser warns about downloads, double-check the URL. Phishing sites can mimic Ledger's design — confirm the domain and SSL certificate before proceeding.

First run — create or restore a device

When launching Ledger Live for the first time you'll be offered two main choices: Create a new device or Restore a device. Choose the correct option depending on whether your hardware device is brand-new (never initialized) or already has a recovery phrase.

Initialize a brand-new device

1. Choose Set up as new device in Ledger Live.
2. Connect your Ledger device via USB (or Bluetooth for Nano X) and follow on-screen device prompts.
3. On the device, choose a PIN code — pick 4–8 digits you can remember but that are not easily guessable.
4. Write down your recovery phrase (24 words for most Ledger devices) on the supplied recovery sheet. Verify the words in the order presented. Store this sheet securely (preferably in a safe or another physically secure location).

Restore an existing device

1. Choose Restore device and connect your Ledger.
2. Enter the existing recovery phrase exactly as written. Ledger devices will confirm the restored accounts after the phrase is accepted.

Never enter your recovery phrase into a computer, phone, or any online form. The only device that should ever receive the recovery phrase is your Ledger device during the initial setup (or restore) process.

Creating accounts in Ledger Live

Ledger Live organizes holdings by accounts. Each account maps to a blockchain address (or set of addresses) derived from your device's seed.

1. Open Ledger Live and choose Accounts in the left sidebar.
2. Click Add account, then select the cryptocurrency (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum).
3. Follow the instructions to open the corresponding app on your Ledger device and let Ledger Live synchronize addresses.
4. Repeat for each cryptocurrency you want to manage.

Accounts are read-only until you confirm transactions using your Ledger device — this is the core security model: private keys never leave the hardware wallet.

Sending and receiving cryptocurrency

Receive

1. Select the account in Ledger Live and click Receive.
2. Open the corresponding app on your Ledger device and verify the address shown on both your computer and the device screen. Only send funds to an address you have verified on your Ledger device.

Send

1. Click Send, enter recipient address and amount.
2. Review fees and transaction details in Ledger Live.
3. Confirm the transaction on your Ledger device by checking the recipient address, amount, and fee on the device's display before approving.

Always verify the full recipient address on the hardware device — malware or clipboard hijackers can alter addresses on the computer.

Software updates & firmware

Keeping Ledger firmware and Ledger Live up to date is essential. Ledger Live will notify you when a firmware update is available.

1. Make sure your computer is connected to the internet and your Ledger device has sufficient battery (for Nano X).
2. Follow Ledger Live instructions to update firmware — the update process typically requires you to confirm actions directly on the device.

Only update firmware through Ledger Live or official Ledger instructions. Never accept firmware prompts from unsolicited emails or websites.

Security best practices

• Never share your recovery phrase. Ledger staff will never ask for it.
• Write your recovery phrase on paper and keep multiple secure backups (not digital photographs or cloud storage).
• Use a strong, unique PIN for your Ledger device. Consider using a passphrase (optional advanced feature) for extra security — understand the trade-offs before enabling it.
• Beware of phishing. Always check URLs, and never install suspicious browser extensions that request wallet access.
• Use the official Ledger Live app — do not download third-party forks or installers claiming to be Ledger Live.

Troubleshooting common issues

Ledger Live doesn't detect my device

1. Try a different USB cable and port. Some cables are power-only and do not transmit data.
2. Restart Ledger Live and your computer.
3. Ensure the device is unlocked and the correct app is open (e.g., Bitcoin app for Bitcoin accounts).
4. On Windows, check drivers if the device is not recognized. On macOS, allow system permissions if prompted.

Accounts not showing balanced amounts

1. Synchronize the account by refreshing Accounts in Ledger Live.
2. Ensure Ledger Live is fully up to date, and the blockchain index is synchronized (some chains take longer).

Forgotten PIN or wiped device

If you forget your PIN or the device is wiped, restore from your recovery phrase during the device setup process. If you lose the recovery phrase, funds cannot be recovered.

Advanced features

• Staking: Certain cryptocurrencies support staking directly in Ledger Live.
• Apps & Integrations: Ledger Live supports third-party integrations and app installations on the device for networks like Solana, Polkadot, and more. Only install apps you trust.
• Portfolio & Analytics: Ledger Live provides portfolio tracking and performance metrics across your accounts.

FAQs

Quick reference table

Additional resources

• Official Ledger Support pages and documentation
• Community forums for troubleshooting (verify community recommendations)
• Guides on safe cold storage and multisig for high-value holdings