Overview — What this guide covers
This guide walks you through logging into Ledger® Live for the first time, connecting a Ledger hardware wallet, setting up security basics, and troubleshooting the most common login issues. It’s written with clear headings (H1–H5), step blocks, and short code-like snippets where useful — and the page is intentionally colorful to help important parts stand out.
Quick summary (TL;DR)
- Install Ledger Live from the official Ledger website.
- Open the app and choose "Get Started".
- Connect your Ledger hardware device and enter your PIN on the device.
- Restore or create an account using your recovery phrase only on the device.
- Set up a password for the app (optional) and enable device verification + 2FA where supported.
Pre-login checklist (what you need)
Before you begin, make sure you have the following:
- A Ledger hardware device (Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, or similar).
- Your recovery phrase stored safely and never typed into a website or phone.
- A computer with a supported OS (Windows, macOS, Linux) and the latest Ledger Live installer.
- A USB cable or Bluetooth (for Nano X) to connect the device.
- A secure location where you can follow onboarding steps privately.
Step 1 — Download & Install Ledger® Live
Where to get Ledger® Live
Always download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website. Avoid third-party links, and verify the URL carefully in your browser. If in doubt, search the Ledger homepage for the “Ledger Live” page and click the official download button.
Installation hints
After downloading: run the installer, follow the prompts, and allow any driver it needs. On macOS you may have to allow the app in System Preferences → Security & Privacy the first time you open it.
Minimal safe command for advanced users (macOS/Linux)
shasum -a 256 ledger-live-installer.dmg
Step 2 — First launch & login flow
When you open Ledger Live the first time, you'll be guided through a "Get started" flow. Ledger Live never asks for your 24-word recovery phrase — that phrase must remain offline and only entered on the hardware device during recovery.
Detailed login steps
- Open Ledger Live and choose “Get started”.
- Choose whether you are setting up a new device or restoring an existing one.
- Connect your Ledger device via USB (or Bluetooth for Nano X).
- Follow on-device prompts to set your PIN (if new) or enter your existing PIN (if restoring).
- Open the Manager in Ledger Live and install necessary apps for the coins you want to use.
- Create or import accounts inside Ledger Live — the private keys remain on the device.
Why the device PIN matters
The PIN protects access to the device itself. If your computer is compromised, the attacker cannot move funds without the device and its PIN. The recovery phrase is the final backup — store it offline and never share it.
Security best practices (must-read)
Security is the whole point of using a hardware wallet. Keep this checklist close:
- Only install Ledger Live from the official source.
- Never type your 24-word recovery phrase into a browser, app, or phone.
- Store your recovery phrase offline in multiple secure locations if possible.
- Consider a metal backup plate for fire/water resistance.
- Enable firmware updates only through Ledger Live after validating the release notes.
Using a password manager
Use a password manager for any passphrases or optional Ledger Live passwords. That keeps your secrets much safer than storing them in notes or emails.
Troubleshooting: common login & connection issues
Issue: Ledger device not detected
Check cable/port, ensure device is unlocked (enter PIN), and confirm Ledger Live has permission to access the device. On Windows, try different USB ports and reinstall the driver if needed.
Issue: Ledger Live asks for recovery phrase
If any software asks you for your 24-word recovery phrase, STOP. That is a phishing attempt. Ledger Live will never ask for your recovery phrase. Close the app and verify downloads.
Issue: Firmware update fails
Reboot your device, try another USB cable/port, and make sure no browser extension is interacting with USB (rare). If update repeatedly fails, contact Ledger support and open a ticket from the official support page.
Advanced: managing multiple accounts
Ledger Live allows multiple accounts for the same currency and for many different blockchains. Use the Manager in Ledger Live to install coin-specific apps on your device — these apps enable account detection and operations.
Adding and syncing accounts
To add an account in Ledger Live: connect your device, open the relevant app on the device (example: Ethereum app for ETH), and follow the “Add account” flow in Ledger Live. The application reads public keys only — your private keys never leave the device.
Tip: Keep apps minimal
Only install apps you need. Each installed app takes a small amount of space on the device; modularity helps reduce attack surface and complexity.
UX tips — make Ledger Live feel like yours
- Customize the portfolio dashboard to surface assets you care about first.
- Pin commonly used accounts to the sidebar for fast access.
- Use the 'receive' flow to generate an address and verify it on-device before sharing.
FAQ (fast answers)
Can I use Ledger Live on multiple computers?
Yes — Ledger Live is installable on multiple machines. The device (and your recovery phrase) remain the central security anchor.
What if I lose my Ledger device?
Use your 24-word recovery phrase on a compatible hardware wallet to restore access. If you don't have the recovery phrase, those funds are irrecoverable.
Is Ledger Live open-source?
Parts of Ledger Live and Ledger’s firmware are published as open-source; check Ledger's official repositories for details.
Final checklist before you finish
- Downloaded Ledger Live from the official site.
- Set a secure PIN on your device.
- Stored your recovery phrase offline and secured it.
- Installed only required apps inside the device Manager.
- Verified addresses on the device before sending funds.
Ready? Open Ledger Live