Overview

What is Ledger Live?

Ledger Live is the desktop and mobile application that allows you to manage your crypto assets with your Ledger hardware wallet. It connects to your Ledger device to display balances, send and receive crypto, install apps, and perform firmware updates. This presentation focuses on the login process — safely connecting your Ledger device and accessing Ledger Live.

Why the login step matters

Logging in securely ensures that only you — the holder of the physical Ledger device and PIN — can access private keys and perform transactions. Ledger Live never stores your recovery phrase; it only communicates with the hardware device to sign operations locally.

Who this guide is for
  • New Ledger users installing Ledger Live for the first time.
  • Users returning after an update or device reset.
  • Support staff or educators preparing quick onboarding materials.

Requirements

Before you begin

  1. A Ledger hardware wallet (Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, etc.) with a charged battery if applicable.
  2. A computer or compatible mobile device with internet access.
  3. Ledger Live installed from an official source (links below).
  4. Your device PIN (4-8 digits) — do not share this.

Device and software checks

Ensure your device firmware and Ledger Live versions are up to date before attempting sensitive operations like sending funds or firmware updates. Use official sources only.

Quick compatibility
  • Windows 10+ / macOS 11+ / recent Linux distributions
  • iOS and Android apps are available — mobile pairing requires Bluetooth for Ledger Nano X.

First steps: install & prepare

1. Download Ledger Live

Download Ledger Live from an official Ledger domain. After download, verify checksums if provided by Ledger and install the app.

2. Connect your device

Use the supplied USB cable or Bluetooth pairing (Nano X). Unlock the device by entering your PIN on the device itself (Enter PIN).

3. Open Ledger Live

On first run, Ledger Live will prompt you to choose between creating a new device or restoring an existing one. If you already have a device that is initialized, choose the option to connect your device and open Ledger Live.

Tips
  • Never enter your recovery phrase into Ledger Live or any computer.
  • Always verify the device screen when asked to confirm actions.

Login flow — step-by-step

Step 1 — Open Ledger Live

Launch the application on your desktop or mobile device. On desktop, you may be asked for permission to use USB. Approve the prompt from your operating system.

Step 2 — Connect & unlock device

Plug-in or pair your Ledger device, then enter your PIN directly on the device screen. Ledger Live shows a confirmation when the device is connected successfully.

Step 3 — App and account selection

In Ledger Live, choose the apps (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) that correspond to the accounts you want to access. Ledger Live reads account data from the device; it does not access your private keys.

Step 4 — Approve actions on-device

Any transaction, permission, or firmware change requires your manual approval on the physical device. Validate details displayed (amount, address, network) before confirming.

Step 5 — Stay updated

Ledger Live will suggest firmware or app updates when available. Read release notes and only install updates after confirming they come from Ledger.

Example: Sending crypto

When you send crypto, Ledger Live creates the transaction, sends it to the device for signing, the device signs locally, and Ledger Live broadcasts it — the private key never leaves the device.

Troubleshooting common login issues

Cannot connect to device

  1. Check the USB cable and port — try a different cable or USB port.
  2. Restart Ledger Live and reconnect the device.
  3. Confirm permissions for USB access in your OS settings.

Device not recognized after update

Sometimes an OS or firmware update requires reinstalling device drivers or restarting the machine. If necessary, consult official support links below before attempting advanced recovery.

Forgotten PIN

If you forget your PIN, your device will reset after repeated incorrect attempts. You must restore your wallet from your recovery phrase. This is why secure backup of the recovery phrase is crucial.

Advanced help

When unsure, use official Ledger support channels. Avoid third-party tools that request your recovery phrase or private keys.

Security best practices

Protect your recovery phrase

Your recovery phrase is the ultimate backup. Store it offline, in a secure place, and never share it. Ledger will never ask for your full recovery phrase.

Phishing awareness

Only use Ledger Live downloaded from official sources. Phishing sites and fake support pages are common — verify domain names, use bookmarks for Ledger pages, and never follow suspicious links.

Device handling

  • Keep firmware updated from official Ledger releases.
  • Inspect the device for tampering when receiving from a retailer.
Family & sharing

Do not share your device PIN or recovery phrase with family members, caregivers, or friends. If you need shared access, consider custody/legal arrangements instead of sharing secrets.

FAQ

Q: Can Ledger Live be used without a Ledger device?

A: Some Ledger Live features (like portfolio tracking) may show read-only information, but signing transactions requires a Ledger hardware device.

Q: Is my Ledger Live login tied to an email?

No — Ledger Live identifies accounts and signs operations via the device and cryptographic keys; it does not rely on a central login email for access to keys.

Q: Where can I get help?

Use official support documentation and the links in the next section. For urgent issues, open a support ticket via Ledger's official support site.