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

Ledger Live is the official app that lets you manage your Ledger hardware device(s), access accounts, send and receive crypto, and interact with Web3. This guide walks you through logging in, initial setup, essential security practices, and where to find official Ledger resources. Whether you are brand new or returning, this walkthrough gives you confidence to set up Ledger Live correctly and safely.

What is Ledger Live?

Ledger Live is a desktop and mobile application developed by Ledger that provides a single interface for managing multiple blockchains and accounts tied to your Ledger hardware wallet. It is not the hardware wallet itself; instead, it communicates with your Ledger device (Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, etc.) to sign transactions securely. Because keys never leave the device, Ledger Live acts as an interface while cryptographic operations remain protected.

Before you begin: checklist

Have your Ledger device (Nano S Plus or Nano X) and original USB cable or Bluetooth pairing method ready.
Create and store your recovery phrase offline in a safe place — never share it or enter it into a website or app.
Download Ledger Live only from the official Ledger website (links below).
Make sure your computer and phone OS are updated and free of suspicious software.

Official download links (quick access)

Ledger Live — Overview Ledger Live — Download Ledger Support Center Getting started with Ledger Buy Ledger Device Ledger Blog Ledger Developer Ledger Academy Ledger Status Secure Installation Guide

Step 1 — Install Ledger Live

Visit the official Ledger Live download page and grab the version for your operating system. Ledger Live is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. After downloading, follow the installer prompt to install the application. On mobile, install Ledger Live from the official App Store or Google Play.

Security tip

Only download Ledger Live from the official Ledger domain (ledger.com) and verify installer signatures if prompted. Avoid downloading from search results that lead to third-party mirrors, and never download an app that is not the official Ledger release.

Step 2 — Open Ledger Live and add your device

When you first open Ledger Live you’ll see an onboarding flow. Choose whether you are setting up a new device or already have a recovery phrase and device to restore. To use Ledger Live with a physical device, select Connect device and follow the prompts to pair your Ledger hardware using USB or Bluetooth (Nano X).

Follow the on-device prompts

Your Ledger device will display short instructions during setup. Confirm the operations on the device screen. Ledger Live will never ask you to type your recovery phrase into the computer or phone — if an app asks for that, stop immediately.

Step 3 — Add accounts

After pairing, add accounts for the cryptocurrencies you want to manage. Ledger Live supports many blockchains including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and many ERC-20 tokens. Use the Accounts tab to add, view balances, and check transaction history. Ledger Live communicates with nodes and indexers to fetch your balances — your private keys remain on the device.

Step 4 — Sending and receiving crypto

To receive crypto, open the account in Ledger Live and click Receive. Always verify the receiving address on your Ledger device's screen matches the on-screen address before sharing. To send crypto, create a transaction in Ledger Live, confirm details, and approve the transaction by physically confirming on your Ledger device — this is where on-device security protects your funds.

Gas fees and advanced options

Ledger Live displays fee suggestions; you can often choose between slow, medium, and fast priorties. For advanced users, change gas limits or fees when necessary, but always double-check values before approving the transaction on your device.

Security best practices

Ledger Live is secure when used with best practices. Here are essential security steps to follow:

Never share your 24‑word recovery phrase. Ledger staff will never ask for it. Store it offline (metal backups are recommended).
Keep your device firmware up to date. Ledger releases firmware updates that may include security improvements and new features; update only via the app when the update is official.
Beware of phishing. Verify URLs and be cautious of links on social media and emails. Use bookmarks to reach official sites.
Use a passphrase thoughtfully. Ledger allows you to add an optional passphrase (25th word). This can create hidden accounts — but if you forget the passphrase you will lose access to those accounts. Understand the trade-offs before enabling it.

Troubleshooting tips

If Ledger Live does not detect your device, try the following:

Reconnect the USB cable or re-pair Bluetooth (Nano X).
Use a different USB port or cable; avoid USB hubs.
Restart Ledger Live and your computer or phone.
Make sure Ledger Live is up to date and the Ledger device firmware is current.
Consult the official support knowledge base if you encounter errors.

When to contact Ledger support

Contact official Ledger Support if you suspect device malfunction, a supply-chain compromise, or a lost/stolen device. Never share your recovery phrase when seeking help—Ledger support will never request it.

Ledger Live features beyond basic management

Ledger Live includes integrated features such as portfolio tracking, staking on supported assets, NFT management, and access to third-party apps through the Manager. It can also connect to decentralized applications (dApps) via WalletConnect or browser integration, while requiring physical confirmation on your Ledger device for sensitive actions.

Privacy and data

Ledger Live connects to external services to display market prices and balances; consider the privacy trade-offs and consult Ledger’s privacy policy for details. Your private keys remain on the hardware device at all times.