Ledger® Live — Login & Getting Started | Getting Started Guide

Welcome to Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the official companion app for Ledger hardware wallets. It provides a secure, user-friendly interface to manage your crypto assets, check balances, and send or receive transactions. Before logging in, make sure you have your Ledger device (Nano S, Nano S Plus, Nano X, or compatible model), the recovery phrase secured in a private place, and the latest version of Ledger Live downloaded from the official Ledger website. This short guide helps you move from setup to your first secure login.

Install and update

Download Ledger Live from the official source only — avoid third‑party mirrors. Install the app on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, or Android and allow any system updates Ledger recommends. Once installed, open Ledger Live and check the settings > About section to confirm you have the latest release. Keeping Ledger Live and your device firmware up to date reduces risks and brings improved features and performance.

Connect your device

Plug your Ledger device into your computer or pair it with your mobile via Bluetooth (for supported models). Unlock the device with your PIN. Ledger Live will detect the device and ask you to open the Ledger Live app on the device when necessary. If you are prompted to allow a connection, confirm directly on the hardware — never confirm a connection on a computer you don't trust. Physical confirmation on the device is the final safety check.

Create or restore a wallet

If this is a new device, follow the on‑device steps to create a wallet and write down your recovery phrase on the provided recovery sheet. If you already have a recovery phrase from a previous Ledger device, use the restore mode. Never store the recovery phrase on a computer, phone, or in cloud storage — treat it as the single source of truth to recover your funds.

Login flow in Ledger Live

Ledger Live doesn’t use passwords tied to online accounts — your ledger device is the authority. "Logging in" means connecting your hardware and opening the apps for the coins you want to manage. In practice: open Ledger Live, connect and unlock the device, and open the corresponding coin app on the hardware. Ledger Live will synchronize account balances and recent transactions automatically once the device is connected and authenticated.

Adding accounts

Inside Ledger Live, go to the Accounts tab and click Add account. Choose the cryptocurrency and follow the prompts to open the matching app on your device. Ledger Live will discover derived addresses and import the account view — you can add multiple accounts for the same coin with different derivation paths if needed. This read‑only view lets you inspect balances without exposing your private keys.

Send and receive safely

To receive, generate an address in Ledger Live and verify it directly on your hardware device before sharing. To send, enter the recipient address and amount, then confirm the transaction details on your device. The hardware display verifies the address and amount independently of your computer — always check this on the device screen. If anything looks off, cancel and double‑check the destination and fees.

Security tips

Never reveal your recovery phrase, PIN, or allow remote access to your computer while transacting. Use a passphrase for extra account privacy if you understand its risks and backup implications. Regularly verify firmware and app authenticity through Ledger Live and avoid browser extensions or software that claim to "enhance" Ledger functionality unless they are officially supported.

Troubleshooting

If Ledger Live doesn’t detect your device, try a different cable or USB port, ensure Bluetooth permissions are granted for mobile, and restart the app. Firmware update prompts should be followed carefully and only initiated when you trust the machine you are using. If you lose access or suspect compromise, use your recovery phrase on a trusted Ledger device or compatible wallet that supports your seed standard to regain control.

Final checklist

Before you finish: confirm your recovery phrase is written down and stored safely, enable any optional security features you want to use, add the accounts you need in Ledger Live, and practice sending a small test transaction if it's your first time. Ledger Live plus your Ledger device together form a powerful, secure combination to manage crypto with confidence.

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