Ledger® Live: Login - Getting Started™

1. Introduction

Ledger Live is the official desktop & mobile companion application for Ledger hardware wallets. It helps you manage accounts, monitor portfolio value, buy/sell/swap assets, and interact with DeFi — while keeping your private keys offline on the Ledger device.

Why use Ledger Live?

Ledger Live is designed to provide a secure bridge between your hardware wallet and the internet — transactions are signed on-device while account metadata, balances, and market data appear in the app for convenience.

Quick reassurance

Always download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website (or the official app stores) and never disclose your recovery phrase to anyone or any interface that asks for it.

2. Before you begin (prerequisites)

Required items

• A Ledger hardware wallet (Nano X, Nano S Plus, Nano S, etc.)
• A computer or mobile device running a supported OS
• Access to the official Ledger Live download page

Security checklist

• Download Ledger Live from ledger.com only.
• Verify the downloaded binary signature if you want an extra level of authenticity check.
• Never enter your 24-word recovery phrase into software, web pages, or apps.

3. Download & install

Steps (desktop)

1. Visit the Ledger Live download page and choose your OS (Windows / macOS / Linux).
2. Download the installer and, optionally, verify the installer signature for extra safety.
3. Run the installer and follow on-screen prompts to install Ledger Live.

Steps (mobile)

Install Ledger Live from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store on your device; then open and follow the getting-started prompts.

4. First-time setup & login

Open Ledger Live and choose “Get Started”

Select your device model and follow initialization instructions. If you already have a Ledger device initialized, connect it and unlock it with your PIN.

App password vs. recovery phrase

Ledger Live lets you set an app password for the application on that device — this is not the same as the recovery phrase. Never disclose your recovery phrase; Ledger support will never ask for it.

Typical login flow

1. Launch Ledger Live → click Get Started or Open.
2. Connect your Ledger device via USB (or Bluetooth for Nano X) and enter your device PIN.
3. When prompted, open the appropriate app on your Ledger device (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) to allow account access.
4. Ledger Live will then read account data and display balances; confirm connection and finish setup.

5. Post-login: basic tasks

Install apps & add accounts

Use the Manager in Ledger Live to install blockchain apps on the device and add accounts (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.).

Send, receive and portfolio view

Receive addresses are generated by the device. When sending, transaction previews appear in Ledger Live but must be confirmed and signed physically on your Ledger device.

6. Troubleshooting & common issues

App not recognizing device

• Ensure cable/Bluetooth is functional and device unlocked.
• Try reinstalling Ledger Live from the official download page.

Security incident awareness

Recently, counterfeit/fake Ledger apps and other scams have been reported targeting users — only ever download Ledger Live from Ledger’s official site or verified app store pages, and never enter your recovery phrase when prompted by any app or site. If anything asks for your seed phrase, it’s a scam.

7. Best practices & safety tips

• Keep your recovery phrase offline and in a safe place; consider using a metal backup solution.
• Enable OS-level security on your devices and keep Ledger Live updated.
• Verify downloads and official signatures for extra peace of mind when using desktop installers.