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

Ledger® Live is the official desktop and mobile application that allows you to manage your crypto assets with a Ledger hardware wallet. It provides a secure interface to view balances, manage multiple accounts, and perform operations like sending and receiving tokens. Ledger Live never stores your private keys — those stay on your Ledger device — the app acts as a safe bridge between your hardware and the blockchain.

Why this matters

Using Ledger® Live keeps your interaction simple while preserving the security of an offline private key. It's the recommended starting point for new and returning users.

• Only download Ledger® Live from the official Ledger website or official app stores.
• Write down your recovery phrase on the provided card — never store it digitally.
• Keep your device's firmware updated and verify any firmware prompts on the device screen.
• Never share your recovery phrase or PIN with anyone — Ledger support never asks for them.

Quick tip

Treat your recovery phrase like the combination to a safe — if it's lost, access to funds can be permanently lost; if shared, funds can be stolen.

1. Go to the official Ledger website and download Ledger® Live for your OS (Windows/macOS/Linux) or install the mobile app from your store.
2. Install and launch the app, then follow the on-screen setup wizard.
3. When prompted, connect your Ledger hardware device using a USB cable or Bluetooth (if supported).

Device handshake

After connection, confirm the device prompts directly on your Ledger hardware — this verifies authenticity.

If you're setting up a new Ledger: choose "Initialize as new device" in the on-device menu, and create a PIN. The device will generate a recovery phrase — write it down carefully and store it securely offline.

Restore from recovery

If you're restoring an existing wallet, choose "Restore device" and enter your recovery phrase using the Ledger device buttons. Ledger® Live will then synchronize accounts.

Ledger® Live supports many blockchains and tokens via native apps you install on the device. To add an account:

• Open Ledger® Live → Accounts → Add account
• Select the cryptocurrency and follow the prompts while keeping the device connected
• The app will discover addresses associated with your device and show balances

Organization tip

Create separate accounts for different purposes (savings, trading, staking) to keep tidy records and reduce mistakes.

To receive funds, select an account in Ledger® Live, click "Receive", and verify the address displayed in the app matches the address shown on your Ledger device. Only use addresses you verified on-device.

Send

To send, click "Send", enter the destination address and amount, and confirm the transaction on your Ledger device. The device shows the transaction details — verify before approving.

Ledger® Live includes integrations such as staking (for supported coins), a built-in swap feature, and companion apps. You can also connect Ledger to third-party dApps through secure bridges — always check the dApp's reputation and verify the transaction on-device.

Developer note

Power users can use Ledger with advanced tools and explorers; however, always maintain the device's role as the single source of truth for private key confirmations.

If Ledger® Live can't connect to your device, try:

• Restart the app and reconnect the cable
• Try a different USB port or cable
• Ensure device firmware latest and Ledger® Live updated

Sync Problems

If balances don't show correctly, re-open the account or use "Repair" in account settings. For unresolved problems, consult Ledger support resources.

• Keep firmware and Ledger® Live updated — updates often include security improvements.
• Never type your recovery phrase into a phone or computer.
• For large holdings, consider using multiple devices and geographic backups of recovery phrases.
• Use password managers for Ledger® Live passwords, but not for recovery phrases.

Share carefully

When consulting with support, only provide non-sensitive information (app versions, error codes). Never divulge your PIN or recovery phrase.

Ledger® Live is designed to make asset management safer and more accessible. Start small, verify every transaction on-device, and keep your recovery phrase offline. The Ledger support center and community guides are excellent next steps. If you ever have doubts, pause and verify — safety beats speed.

Further reading

- Official Ledger documentation
- Ledger community forums and FAQs
- Basic blockchain/crypto primer for newcomers