Ledger® Live: Login - Getting Started™
A concise, secure walkthrough for new users — login, setup, recovery, and best practices.
What is Ledger Live?
Overview (h3)
Ledger Live is the official companion app for Ledger hardware wallets. It lets you manage accounts, send & receive crypto, install apps on your device, and access DeFi and staking features through a single, secure interface.
Why use it? (h4)
Ledger Live pairs local hardware security (the device & Secure Element) with an app interface that keeps private keys offline. This reduces attack surface compared to software-only wallets.
Download & Install (h2)
Where to download (h3)
Always download Ledger Live from the official Ledger site or official app stores. Avoid third-party websites and phishing links.
Login & First Run
Connect your device (h3)
Use the USB cable or Bluetooth (if supported) to connect your Ledger device. Unlock it using your PIN and then open Ledger Live. The app will detect your device and guide you through device initialization or restore.
App flow (h3)
- Install Ledger Live → Create/Restore a device → Install apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) → Add accounts → Sync balances.
- Set a device PIN — choose something memorable but not obvious; do not store the PIN with the recovery phrase.
Security: PIN & Recovery Phrase
PIN code (h3)
The PIN protects local access to the hardware device. After several failed attempts, the device may wipe — memorize the PIN and store it separately from your recovery sheet.
Recovery phrase (h3)
Your 24-word recovery phrase is the only backup of your private keys. Write it down on the provided recovery sheet and store it offline in a secure, fireproof place. Do not photograph or upload it anywhere.
Additional checks (h4)
Use Ledger's Recovery Check and other official tools to confirm the phrase is recorded correctly — this minimizes the risk of losing access later.
Restore & Troubleshooting
Restoring accounts (h3)
If you reset or replace your device, you can restore accounts using the 24-word recovery phrase. Ledger Live walks you through the restore process when you select 'Restore device'.
Troubleshooting (h3)
- App not detecting device: check cable/ports, try a different USB socket or reinstall Ledger Live.
- Missing accounts: ensure you added the correct coin app and account in Ledger Live (accounts are added per coin).
- Lost recovery phrase: follow official support guidance — without the phrase, funds cannot be recovered except under special Ledger Recover service conditions (if opted in).
Best Practices (h3)
- Download only from ledger.com or official app stores.
- Never disclose your PIN or recovery phrase to anyone.
- Keep device firmware and Ledger Live updated.
- Consider a hardware-backed safe or split-storage for recovery words.
10 Official Ledger Links (h3)
Below are quick links to official Ledger pages & support articles (open in a new tab):
- Ledger Live — product page
- Get started — setup guide
- Ledger Live — download
- Ledger Support home
- Restore accounts with recovery phrase
- Recovery Check tool
- What is Ledger Recover?
- Ledger Live signatures & verification
- Ledger — company & security overview
- Download & install Ledger Live (support)
Closing notes & resources
Ledger Live is powerful but requires discipline: secure your recovery phrase, update firmware only from official sources, and never share secrets. Use official support pages for recovery or suspicious activity.
Open Official Ledger Live