Ledger® Live: Login — Getting started

What you need

Before you start, assemble these items: (1) a Ledger hardware wallet (Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, or another supported model), (2) the provided USB cable or Bluetooth-enabled device for Nano X, (3) a computer or supported mobile device with Ledger Live installed, and (4) your recovery phrase secured offline.

Step 1 — Install Ledger Live

Download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website and install the desktop app or mobile app. Never download from unofficial sources. During installation, the app will guide you through initial setup steps, permissions, and optional telemetry settings. If you already have the device set up, proceed to connect it.

Step 2 — Connect your Ledger

1. Connect your Ledger device to your computer using the USB cable (or pair via Bluetooth for Nano X when using mobile).
2. Enter your PIN code on the device when prompted. The PIN never leaves the device.
3. Open Ledger Live and allow the app to detect your device. If this is your first time, the app may prompt you to install Manager and update firmware or install apps for specific coins.

Step 3 — Authenticate and open your accounts

When Ledger Live asks to open an account or view wallet details, confirm the action on your Ledger device. Ledger devices display transaction details and addresses on-device so you can verify them independently of your computer. Approve only if the on-device details match what you expect.

Step 4 — Managing apps and firmware

Ledger uses a modular app system: install a specific coin’s app (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) in Ledger Live's Manager to add support on your device. Keep firmware up to date — Ledger releases firmware updates for security and compatibility. Only update firmware via Ledger Live, following on-screen instructions and verifying prompts on the device.

Step 5 — Sending and receiving funds

1. To receive funds, open the account in Ledger Live and click Receive. Confirm the receiving address on your device screen and compare it to the one shown in Ledger Live before sharing it.
2. To send funds, create a new transaction in Ledger Live, enter the recipient address and amount, and review fees. Confirm the transaction details on your device — the recipient address, amount, and fee must match the information shown in Ledger Live.
3. Use small test transactions when sending to a new address for the first time.

Common login problems & solutions

Device not detected: Check the USB cable and port, try another cable, and make sure the device is unlocked (PIN entered). On mobile, ensure Bluetooth is enabled and permissions granted.

Ledger Live shows outdated firmware: Follow the app’s firmware update flow. If an update fails, consult Ledger support and avoid attempting non-official recovery steps.

Corrupted app or unable to open account: Reinstall the coin app through Manager — your accounts are derived from your recovery phrase and will reappear after reinstalling the app and connecting the device.

Security best practices

• Never share your 24-word recovery phrase. Ledger staff or support will never ask for it. Store the recovery phrase offline on paper or a metal backup.
• Use a strong PIN and never enter it where others can see.
• Keep a secure, offline backup of your recovery phrase—multiple physical copies in separate secure locations are recommended if your holdings are substantial.
• Enable device passphrase features only if you fully understand them; losing a passphrase means loss of access to the associated account.
• Only install updates and apps through Ledger Live, and verify update prompts shown on the hardware device itself.

Advanced tips

If you manage many cryptocurrencies, consider segregating funds across multiple hardware wallets or accounts for risk management. For routine checks, view balances in Ledger Live but perform high-value transactions in a secure environment and after confirming device prompts carefully.

Troubleshooting checklist

1. Confirm device is unlocked (PIN entered).
2. Try a different USB port or cable.
3. Restart Ledger Live and reconnect the device.
4. Check for pending firmware updates in Manager and follow official instructions.
5. Temporarily disable browser extensions or security software that might block USB access if using the web interface.

FAQ

Q: Can I recover my Ledger wallet without the device?
A: Yes — use your recovery phrase to restore on another Ledger device or compatible wallet that supports the same derivation paths. Keep in mind that until you restore the seed to a secure device, you lose the protections a hardware wallet provides.

Q: What if I lose my recovery phrase?
A: If you lose your recovery phrase and lose access to the device, the funds cannot be recovered. Ledger cannot recover your recovery phrase for you. Always keep secure backups.