Ledger® Live: Login | Getting started

This guide covers everything you need to know about the Ledger Live Login experience — from first-time setup to everyday access and security best practices. Follow these steps to get started safely and confidently.

What is Ledger Live and why the login matters

The Ledger Live application is Ledger’s official desktop and mobile interface for managing your hardware wallet assets. The Ledger Live Login process is not just an entrypoint — it’s the gateway to viewing balances, sending and receiving crypto, and installing apps on your Ledger device. While Ledger Live itself does not store your private keys, logging in correctly and pairing the app with your Ledger device is critical to maintaining a secure workflow.

Before you login: what you need

1. A genuine Ledger device

Make sure you have a genuine Ledger hardware wallet (such as Ledger Nano S Plus or Ledger Nano X). Do not use a device that came pre-initialized from an unknown seller. If buying new, prefer official store or trusted resellers.

2. Your recovery phrase (seed)

Keep your 24-word recovery phrase safe and offline. Ledger Live will never ask you to share it. If you’ve lost it, do not proceed with operations that require restoring — recovery phrases are the only way to regain funds if a device is lost or damaged.

3. Ledger Live app installed

Download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website and verify its checksum if you want extra assurance. Install the desktop or mobile app that matches your device.

4. USB cable or Bluetooth

Depending on your Ledger model, you may need a USB cable (Nano S Plus) or Bluetooth pairing (Nano X) to connect to Ledger Live. Ensure your connection method is secure and uninterrupted.

Step-by-step: how to perform Ledger Live Login

Below is a concise step-by-step login flow that works for both new and returning users. Follow these actions carefully to pair your Ledger device and access your portfolio.

1. Open Ledger Live

Launch the Ledger Live application on your desktop or mobile. If this is the first time, select "Get started" and choose whether you own a Ledger device or want to restore.

2. Connect your device

Connect via USB or Bluetooth. Approve the connection on the device display when prompted. Your device may show a request such as "Allow Ledger Manager" — confirm it directly on the device to proceed.

3. Enter PIN and unlock

On your Ledger device, enter your PIN to unlock it. Never type your PIN into Ledger Live — the PIN entry is always on the device itself to protect against host compromise.

4. Open the Ledger Live dashboard

Once unlocked and connected, Ledger Live will detect your device and display the dashboard. From here you can add accounts for specific blockchains and view balances.

5. Add accounts

Click "Add account" to choose a cryptocurrency and synchronize addresses. Ledger Live will query the network and display balances associated with your Ledger's public addresses.

Troubleshooting common login issues

Encountering trouble? Here are common problems and how to fix them quickly:

  • Device not detected: Try a different USB cable or port, disable any intermediary USB hubs, and ensure the Ledger firmware is up to date.
  • Ledger Live shows an outdated firmware warning: Update firmware via Ledger Live only when you're confident in the source and have your recovery phrase securely stored offline.
  • Bluetooth pairing failures: Toggle Bluetooth, ensure the device is nearby, and remove previous pairings from your phone's Bluetooth settings before retrying.
  • Slow account sync: Ledger Live synchronizes addresses from the network; if it's slow, check your internet connection and try again later.

Security: best practices for Ledger Live Login

Security should be your top priority. These best practices reduce risk while using Ledger Live:

  1. Never reveal your 24-word recovery phrase to anyone or type it into a computer or website.
  2. Always confirm transactions on your Ledger device screen before approving them in Ledger Live.
  3. Keep your Ledger firmware and Ledger Live app up to date to benefit from the latest security fixes.
  4. Use a strong PIN and consider an additional passphrase if you understand how it works and accept the responsibility for recovery complexity.
  5. Download Ledger Live only from the official Ledger domain and verify installers when possible.

When you should restore from your recovery phrase

Restore only if your device is lost, damaged, or you're migrating to a new Ledger. Restoration requires entering the recovery phrase into a trusted hardware device (not into Ledger Live directly). If you are unsure, seek official support and do not share your seed.

Final tips for a smooth Ledger Live Login experience

Keep these final tips in mind to make daily use easy and secure:

  • Label accounts inside Ledger Live so you quickly identify funds.
  • Regularly back up and verify your recovery phrase in a secure location.
  • Consider using multiple accounts and spreading funds across addresses to reduce single-point risk.
  • Use the official community and documentation for advanced setups like passphrases and multisig.