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

Start here • Quick 5‑minute read

Set up once. Sign in safely. Manage assets with clarity.

Ledger® Live is the control panel for your Ledger hardware wallet. With it, you install apps, create and manage accounts, track balances, and approve transactions with your device. This page walks you through a safe installation, first‑time setup, and daily login habits that protect your keys. No hype—just practical steps inside easy, scannable boxes.

Important: only download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website. Avoid links from ads, messages, or random videos. When in doubt, type the URL manually in your browser.

Hardware‑secured approvalsEvery transaction

Portfolio at a glanceReal‑time view

Supported networksMulti‑chain ready

Install

1) Install Ledger Live the right way

Go to the official site. Navigate directly by typing the address yourself. Verify the padlock in the address bar and the domain spelling before downloading.
Choose your OS. Ledger Live supports Windows, macOS, and Linux. Download the latest stable release. Avoid mirrors or file‑sharing sites.
Verify the file. Check file signatures or hashes if you know how. At minimum, compare file size and publisher details shown by your operating system.
Run the installer. Keep default settings unless you have specific needs. Let the installer place the app in the standard Applications or Program Files folder.

Tip: Update your OS before installing. System updates often include security patches that reduce risk.

Quick View

What Ledger Live does

Add and manage crypto accounts
Install coin apps to your Ledger device
Send, receive, and stake supported assets
Track portfolio performance
Enable updates, notifications, and services

First run

2) Initial setup with your Ledger device

Connect & unlock. Plug in your Ledger hardware wallet and enter your PIN on the device. Never share the PIN or recovery phrase with anyone.

Pair with Ledger Live. Open the app and follow on‑screen prompts to pair and allow Ledger Manager. Approve requests on the device itself.

Install apps. From My Ledger, add coin apps needed for the networks you use. Each installed app enables account management for that chain.

Create or import accounts. In Accounts, add your first account. For existing wallets, you can import addresses to monitor balances.

Security

Essential security habits

Recovery phrase stays offline. Write it on paper or a metal backup. Store in two separate, secure locations.
Verify on device. Always match destination addresses on your Ledger screen before approving.
Use a dedicated computer profile. Create a separate OS user for crypto tasks to limit exposure.
Update regularly. Keep Ledger Live, firmware, and coin apps current to benefit from fixes and features.
Beware support scams. Ledger staff will never ask for your 24‑word phrase. If asked, it’s a scam—stop immediately.

Daily use

3) Ledger Live login & daily flow

While Ledger Live itself does not use a cloud‑style username/password login for your wallet, you can enable an optional app lock with a passcode on your computer. Your true authentication is your Ledger device: actions in Ledger Live require physical confirmation. A smooth daily routine looks like this:

Launch the app and unlock it (if you set an app lock code).
Connect and unlock your Ledger device with its PIN.
Open the relevant coin app on the device when prompted.
Review your portfolio or head to Accounts to send/receive.
When sending, double‑check the address and amount on your device screen before approving.

Pro move: Enable advanced logs only when troubleshooting; turn them off afterwards to reduce noise.

Speed run

3‑step recap

Open Ledger Live & unlock.

Connect your device & open the needed coin app.

Confirm all actions on the hardware screen.

Features

Portfolio, accounts, and services

Your Portfolio page consolidates balances and historical performance. Under Accounts, each network gets its own entry with recent activity, receiving addresses, and token lists. Many networks support staking or DeFi integrations accessible from within the app. Always confirm yield terms and lockups before delegating or staking.

Track total value, per‑asset distribution, and changes over time.
Label accounts clearly (e.g., “Main BTC”, “Ops ETH”) to avoid mistakes.
Use Receive to generate verified addresses; compare on device.
Export transaction histories for taxes or accounting when needed.

Good practices

Naming, backups, and hygiene

Consistent labels: Keep a naming scheme across chains to reduce confusion.
Address books: For frequent recipients, save verified addresses after testing with small amounts.
Backups: Protect your recovery phrase and consider a metal plate. Never type it into any website or app.
Separation of duties: Keep speculative accounts separate from long‑term holds.
Network awareness: Verify the correct chain (e.g., ETH vs. L2) before sending.

Help

Troubleshooting common issues

Device not recognized: Try another USB cable/port, unlock the device first, and ensure no other wallet apps are open.
Can’t install coin app: Free space by removing unused coin apps (keys remain safe). Update firmware if prompted.
Transactions stuck: Check network status and fees. Consider increasing the fee or using provided speed‑up/replace features.
App feels slow: Close background apps, disable heavy visuals, and confirm your OS is up to date.
Lost device: Your funds are on‑chain. Use the 24‑word recovery phrase on a new Ledger device. If the phrase is lost too, funds cannot be recovered.

Never share screenshots of your recovery phrase or addresses with QR codes unless you fully trust the context. Treat visuals like sensitive data.

Checklist

Before every send

Right network? (e.g., ETH vs. Polygon)
Correct address, verified on device
Reasonable fee & priority
Memo/tag added if required
Small test first for new recipients

FAQ

Quick answers about Ledger Live login & setup

Is there a normal “account & password” login?

Ledger Live protects actions with your hardware wallet. You may enable an app lock code on your computer, but your private keys remain on the device and are never stored in the app or cloud.

Do I need my recovery phrase during setup?

No. You only need the recovery phrase if you are recovering a wallet onto a new device. Keep it offline and never type it on your computer or phone.

Can I use Ledger Live on multiple computers?

Yes. Install Ledger Live anywhere you control. When you connect your Ledger device, your accounts and balances sync from the blockchain. Your keys never leave the device.

How do updates affect my funds?

Updating Ledger Live, firmware, or coin apps does not move funds. Updates improve compatibility and security. Review release notes and keep backups of your labels/exports if needed.

Ready to get started?

Install Ledger® Live from the official website, connect your Ledger device, and follow the guided steps inside the app. Use the boxes on this page as your quick companion: install cleanly, confirm on device, and practice disciplined sends. With those habits, your day‑to‑day management becomes simple and resilient.