Ledger® Live — Login & Getting Started | Getting Started Guide
A clear, friendly walkthrough to get Ledger Live installed, log in, secure your seed, add your first accounts, and protect your crypto safely. Includes official resources and troubleshooting tips.
Why choose Ledger Live?
Ledger Live is the desktop and mobile application that lets you manage your Ledger hardware wallet and cryptocurrencies in one place. It combines private key storage on-device with a simple interface to send, receive, and monitor assets.
Key benefits
- Private keys never leave your Ledger device.
- Built-in app store and account management.
- Frequent security updates and official support.
1 — Download & install Ledger Live
Start by downloading Ledger Live from Ledger’s official site to avoid phishing. Use one of the official links below (colorful buttons).
Quick installation steps
- Download Ledger Live from the official link above for your OS (Windows / macOS / Linux / iOS / Android).
- Install and open Ledger Live.
- Choose "Get started" and connect your Ledger hardware device when prompted.
2 — Login & initial setup
Ledger Live uses a combination of your device PIN and the recovery seed to secure access. There is no central password saved by Ledger for your funds — your device and seed are your safety net.
Setting up a new Ledger device
- Power on the device and follow prompts to create a new wallet or restore an existing one.
- Set a PIN (4–8 digits), chosen on-device.
- Write down the 24-word recovery phrase on the provided recovery sheet and store it offline in a secure place.
Important security note
Never type your recovery phrase into a website or digital file. Ledger will never ask for your full 24-word seed via email or chat.
3 — Add accounts & manage assets
After setup, you can add cryptocurrency accounts inside Ledger Live. Each account represents a blockchain address managed by your hardware device.
How to add an account
- Open Ledger Live → Accounts → Add account.
- Select the currency (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) and follow the on-screen prompts while your device is connected and unlocked.
Tip
Install only the apps you need on your Ledger device to avoid using limited device space. You can install/uninstall apps at any time without losing funds.
4 — Sending & receiving crypto
Ledger Live helps you create transactions that must be confirmed on your hardware device. This ensures the private keys never touch your computer.
Receive
- Select an account → Receive → Verify the address on your device.
- Use only addresses displayed and verified on your Ledger device.
Send
- Choose Send → enter recipient address and amount → confirm on your device.
- Double-check addresses and fees before final confirmation.
5 — Troubleshooting & security resources
If you run into issues, Ledger’s support resources and community help are the first stop. Below are additional official help links.
Common fixes
- Device not recognized: update Ledger Live and reconnect via original USB cable.
- App installation fails: ensure firmware is current and you have free app space.
- Forgot PIN: use the recovery phrase to restore on a new device.
6 — Advanced tips & best practices
Backup & redundancy
Keep your 24-word recovery phrase in a fireproof safe, ideally split between two secure locations. Consider using a metal backup solution for long-term durability.
Watch-only & companion tools
Use Ledger Live’s portfolio view for watch-only accounts, and connect third-party apps via Ledger’s supported integrations for DeFi with care.