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

A friendly step-by-step guide to set up Ledger Live, connect your device, and secure your crypto

Introduction

Welcome! This document is a concise, practical walkthrough to get you logged into Ledger® Live and ready to manage your crypto safely. We'll cover the essentials: installing Ledger Live, connecting a Ledger® hardware device, safely unlocking, backing up your recovery phrase, basic troubleshooting, and useful security tips.

Tip: Always download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website. Never share your recovery phrase with anyone — Ledger staff or support will never ask for it.

Requirements & Preparations

What you'll need

Before you start

Make sure you're on a secure network. Avoid public Wi-Fi and do not install third-party modifications. Gather your recovery sheet (if provided) and a pen — if you are initializing a device, you'll record your recovery phrase carefully.

Accessibility

Ledger Live supports multiple languages and accessibility options. Use system-level screen readers if needed and consult Ledger's help docs for specific assistive features.

Step 1 — Install Ledger Live

Download & install

  1. Open your browser and navigate to the official Ledger website. Download the Ledger Live installer for your OS (Windows, macOS, Linux) or app store for mobile.
  2. Run the installer and follow on-screen prompts. Accept required permissions only if you're certain the installer is official.

First-run checklist

Step 2 — Connect & Login

Connect your Ledger device

Use the USB cable for a wired connection or pair via Bluetooth (supported by Nano X). Unlock your device using your PIN. If you haven't set a PIN yet, you'll be prompted during device initialization.

Open Ledger Live and create a profile

When asked, create a local profile in Ledger Live. This profile stores your app preferences and account metadata — your private keys stay on the device only.

Important

The phrase “Login” in Ledger Live is local to the application; you do not create an online account that holds your keys. Ledger Live is an interface to the keys stored on your hardware Ledger device.

Step 3 — Backup & Recovery

Record your recovery phrase

During device setup you will be given a recovery phrase (also called seed phrase or mnemonic). Write it down — do not store it digitally. Store the written recovery in a secure, hidden place.

Recovery best practices

Step 4 — Using Ledger Live

Add accounts

Inside Ledger Live, go to AccountsAdd account. Choose the cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) and follow the guided process. Ledger Live will derive addresses from your device — the device signs transactions locally.

Sending & receiving

Receiving: generate a receiving address inside Ledger Live and verify it on your device's screen. Sending: prepare a transaction in Ledger Live, then confirm & sign on your device.

Verify everything on device

Always verify addresses and amounts on the Ledger device screen before confirming — never blindly trust the computer screen alone.

Troubleshooting & Security

Common issues

Security reminders

FAQ — Quick answers

Can Ledger Live be used without a Ledger device?

No — Ledger Live is designed to work with Ledger hardware devices. The private keys remain on the device.

What if I lose my device?

Use your recovery phrase to restore your accounts on a new Ledger device or a compatible wallet that accepts the same seed format. Always keep the recovery phrase secure.

Need more help?

Consult official Ledger support pages or community resources — but never reveal your seed phrase during support interactions.

Below are 10 quick links for your convenience. Replace or edit href targets as needed.