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

Introduction

Ledger Live is the official companion application for Ledger hardware wallets. It provides a user-friendly interface to manage cryptocurrencies, track portfolio value, install blockchain apps on your device, stake assets, and interact with decentralized services while keeping private keys secure on your Ledger device. This guide focuses on the login and initial getting-started experience: how to obtain Ledger Live, perform a secure install, pair your hardware wallet, log in or create a local profile, and adopt basic security practices before sending or receiving crypto.

Prerequisites & safety checklist

Before you begin, gather the following and follow these safety steps. Preparation reduces mistakes and prevents permanent loss of funds.

• A genuine Ledger hardware wallet (e.g., Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X) purchased through trusted channels.
• A desktop or laptop running a supported OS (Windows, macOS, or Linux) or a mobile device for Ledger Live mobile.
• A USB cable (included with the device) and a reliable internet connection for Ledger Live.
• Pen and the recovery sheet provided with your device — you will record the recovery phrase during setup.
• A private, distraction-free space to perform setup and write down backups securely.

Important: never enter your recovery phrase into a computer or phone. Never share it with anyone. Official support will never ask for your seed words or your full recovery phrase.

Download & Install Ledger Live

Get Ledger Live and install it on your device. Ledger Live is available for desktop and mobile; choose the platform that fits your needs. The installation flow is standard but always verify the authenticity of the source where possible and use official installers.

1. Download the appropriate installer for your operating system and open the file to begin installation.
2. Follow the installer prompts. On first launch, Ledger Live will perform initial setup routines and may request permission to access system resources to run updates and interact with hardware.
3. Optionally enable automatic updates so Ledger Live keeps itself current with security fixes and new features.

Use official channels to acquire the installer. Avoid third-party sites and unsolicited links to avoid fake or malicious installers.

First Run: Creating a Local Profile & Login

Ledger Live does not create a cloud account by default; instead it creates a local profile that stores non-sensitive application settings on your machine. There are a few key concepts:

• Local profile: Stores UI preferences, account labels, and non-sensitive metadata. This is kept on your device and not in the cloud unless you explicitly export or back it up.
• Login options: Ledger Live may prompt you to set up a local password or use your operating system user account to protect access to the application. This is optional but recommended on shared machines.
• Device pairing: Ledger Live works only when your Ledger hardware wallet is connected and unlocked for sensitive operations.

Typical first-run flow:

1. Open Ledger Live and accept the terms of use if prompted.
2. Create a local profile — choose a name and a strong local password if desired. This password only protects app settings and stored metadata; it does not replace the device PIN or recovery phrase.
3. Allow Ledger Live to check for updates and install recommended software components (e.g., drivers or bridge services) needed to communicate with the hardware wallet.

If you prefer, you can run Ledger Live without setting a local password on a personal machine, but on multi-user or public machines a local password or OS account is essential.

Pairing Your Ledger Device & Initial Device Setup

After installing Ledger Live and creating a local profile, the next step is to pair your physical Ledger device and either initialize it as a new wallet or restore from an existing recovery phrase.

Initialize as a new device

1. Connect the Ledger device to your computer and power it on.
2. On the device, select "Set up as new device" following the on-device prompts.
3. Create a PIN code directly on the hardware device. The device randomizes the PIN entry layout to protect against input capture; memorize the PIN and do not store it digitally.
4. The device will generate a recovery phrase (typically 24 words). Carefully write each word in the exact order on the recovery sheet provided. Confirm the words when prompted to ensure accuracy.

Restoring from a recovery phrase

1. Select "Restore from recovery phrase" on the device when prompted.
2. Enter the recovery words on the device using the secure interface. Never enter the words into a computer or phone keyboard.
3. After successful restore, pair the device with Ledger Live to see your accounts and balances.

If you ever suspect that your recovery phrase has been exposed or compromised, move funds to a new wallet created with a new device and securely store the new recovery phrase.

Security Fundamentals: PIN, Recovery, Passphrase

Ledger employs a layered security model. Understand these three pillars:

PIN code

The PIN protects the device from unauthorized use. It is entered directly on the device; typing it into the computer is not required. The device will lock after repeated wrong attempts, and you may need to reset and restore the device with your recovery phrase if you forget the PIN.

Recovery phrase

This is the master backup. It can recover all keys and accounts on a compatible device. Always keep it offline and physically secure. Treat it like a legal document: store copies in secure, geographically separated locations if necessary.

Optional passphrase

A passphrase acts like an additional word appended to the recovery phrase to create hidden wallets. Use this feature only if you understand the risks: loss of the passphrase means permanent loss of associated funds. Never write the passphrase on the same paper as the recovery seed.

Add Accounts & Install Blockchain Apps

Ledger devices use small blockchain-specific apps that must be installed to manage certain coins and tokens. Ledger Live manages app installation and account creation.

1. Open the Manager section in Ledger Live and authorize the action by unlocking the device and approving the connection.
2. Install the required blockchain app (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) on the device. If storage is limited, uninstalling an app later will not affect the funds; keys are derived from the seed.
3. After app installation, add accounts in Ledger Live for the chains you use. Ledger Live will scan the blockchain for addresses and balances tied to your seed.

Ledger Live supports thousands of tokens and coins. Always ensure you are interacting with the correct token contract and verify addresses on-device before sending funds.

Receive Funds: Address Verification

Receiving funds starts with generating an address in Ledger Live and verifying it on your device.

1. In Ledger Live, choose "Receive", select the account, and request an address.
2. Ledger Live will display an address and ask you to verify it on the hardware device.
3. Check that the address shown on the computer matches exactly the address displayed on the physical device screen before sharing it with senders.

This step prevents host-based malware from swapping addresses. The device screen is the single source of truth; only use addresses confirmed on-device.

Send Funds: Signing & Approvals

Sending funds is a two-step, secure process:

1. Create the transaction in Ledger Live by pasting the recipient address and amount.
2. Ledger Live will compose an unsigned transaction and display the summary.
3. Connect and unlock your Ledger device; the transaction is pushed to the device for verification.
4. Carefully review the displayed destination address, amount, and network fee on the device screen. Confirm only if every detail is correct.
5. Approve the transaction on-device to sign and broadcast it to the network via Ledger Live.

Do not approve transactions that show unexpected amounts or destination addresses. Cancel and investigate immediately if anything differs.

Staking, DeFi & NFTs

Ledger Live also offers features beyond sending and receiving, including staking, basic DeFi integrations, and NFT viewing for supported chains. Important considerations:

• When staking, read the network rules carefully (lock-up periods, unstaking delays, validator risks).
• For DeFi interactions, the device will present contract calls for approval. Complex contract interactions can be difficult to display on a small screen; proceed with caution and test with small amounts first.
• NFT viewing is supported for certain chains; transfers follow the same signing and verification model as normal token transactions.

Smart contract interactions carry additional risk. Double-check contract addresses and avoid approving unlimited allowances unless you understand the implications.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Backup & Recovery Best Practices

Backups and recovery are the single most important part of long-term self-custody. Recommended approach:

• Write your recovery phrase clearly and exactly as provided; double-check spelling and order immediately.
• Store copies of the recovery phrase in physically secure, geographically separated locations.
• Use durable materials (metal plates) for long-term storage if possible.
• Consider Shamir Secret Sharing or splitting seeds among trusted parties for high-value holdings, but be aware of the complexity and operational risk.

Practice a benign recovery on a spare device if possible. This validates your seed and the restoration process so you're confident in a real emergency.

Privacy & Data Handling

Ledger Live communicates with third-party services to fetch price data and network information. If privacy is a concern, consider reducing third-party integrations and using local verification or running your own node for maximum privacy. Remember that on-chain activity is public; addresses and transaction flows can be linked through chain analysis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I install Ledger Live on many devices?
A: Yes. Ledger Live can be installed on multiple trusted devices; the hardware device and recovery phrase are the source of truth for keys.

Q: Does uninstalling device apps delete funds?
A: No. Removing an app only frees device storage. Funds remain recoverable through the recovery phrase and the corresponding blockchain derivation.

Q: Is Ledger Live required to use my Ledger device?
A: Ledger Live is the official and recommended interface, but other compatible wallets can also operate with Ledger devices. Always verify third-party wallet compatibility and security before use.

Final Checklist Before Your First High-Value Transfer

1. Device authenticity and packaging verified.
2. Ledger Live installed from a verified installer and updated.
3. Device initialized, PIN set, and recovery phrase recorded securely.
4. Small test transaction completed successfully between wallets.
5. Backup copies stored and restoration rehearsal documented.

Perform the checklist thoroughly. Small mistakes at the beginning can cause large, irreversible losses later.