Ledger® Live: Login | Getting Started™

A comprehensive step-by-step guide to set up your Ledger hardware wallet, install Ledger Live, secure your recovery phrase, manage accounts, update firmware, and troubleshoot common issues.

1. Before you start

Gather the essentials and review safety tips to make setup smooth and secure.

  • Your Ledger device (Nano S Plus / Nano X) and original USB cable.
  • A computer (Windows/macOS/Linux) with internet access or a supported mobile device for Ledger Live Mobile.
  • Quiet, private space to write your recovery phrase without interruptions.
  • Optional: a metal backup kit to protect your recovery phrase from fire and water.

Important: Only download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website. Do not use any installers from third-party sites.

2. Install Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the official app for managing your Ledger hardware wallet and accounts.

Desktop installation

  1. Go to the official Ledger website and download Ledger Live for your operating system.
  2. Install the application and open it. On macOS you may need to allow the app in Security & Privacy.
  3. When opening Ledger Live for the first time, agree to the terms and create a new Ledger Live profile (this is local to your computer).

Mobile (iOS/Android)

Search for "Ledger Live" in the App Store or Google Play and install the official app. Pair your Ledger device via Bluetooth (Nano X) or USB‑OTG (Nano S Plus) when prompted.

3. Device setup — initialize your Ledger

Follow these steps to initialize a new device or restore an existing one.

Initialize as a new device

  1. Connect the device and open Ledger Live → Manager. Ledger Live will guide you to set up your device.
  2. On the device, choose "Set up as new device" and follow the on‑device prompts to choose a PIN code (4–8 digits recommended).
  3. The device will generate a recovery phrase (24 words for most models). Write them down in order on the provided recovery sheet — do not store digitally.

Restore from an existing recovery phrase

  1. Choose "Restore from recovery phrase" on your device and enter the words in sequence using the device buttons or touchscreen if available.
  2. Confirm the device restored successfully, then open Ledger Live to add accounts and manage assets.

Tip: Use a PIN that you can remember but is not easily guessable. Never store your PIN with your recovery phrase.

4. Recovery phrase (seed) — backup & safety

Your recovery phrase is the master key to all accounts on your Ledger. Protect it as carefully as you would physical cash.

Best practices

  • Write the words exactly as shown on the device, in the same order.
  • Store the recovery sheet in a secure location(s) — consider two separate locations for redundancy.
  • Do not photograph or store the phrase on any electronic device, email, or cloud storage.
  • Consider metal backups for long-term durability and disaster protection.
If you lose your recovery phrase and lose access to the device, there is no way to recover your funds. Ledger cannot help you retrieve lost phrases.

5. Accounts, Ledger Manager & apps

Ledger Live uses a Manager to install apps (small blockchain-specific programs) on your Ledger device that enable account support for different cryptocurrencies.

Adding accounts

  1. Open Ledger Live → Manager and allow the device to connect.
  2. Install the app for the cryptocurrency (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) you want to manage.
  3. After installing apps, go to "Accounts" → "Add account" and select the cryptocurrency. Ledger Live will scan the blockchain and show accounts linked to your recovery phrase.

App management

Apps take limited space on your device. You can safely remove and reinstall apps without losing funds (the accounts remain recoverable with your recovery phrase).

Note: Always keep Ledger Live and device firmware up to date before interacting with new tokens or blockchains.

6. Send & receive transactions

Receiving funds

  1. Open Ledger Live → Accounts → Receive.
  2. Select the account and click "Continue". Ledger Live will request you verify the address on your device.
  3. Verify the address matches what Ledger Live displays and share it with the sender.

Sending funds

  1. Open Accounts → Send in Ledger Live.
  2. Paste the recipient address and set the amount. Use the fee options to choose speed vs cost.
  3. Confirm the details on the device and approve the transaction — the device signs the transaction using the private key stored inside the Ledger.

Always verify addresses on the device screen to avoid clipboard malware and host-side address substitution attacks.

7. Firmware updates & device maintenance

Firmware updates include security fixes and improvements. Ledger signs firmware releases cryptographically so the device can verify authenticity.

  1. Ledger Live will notify you when firmware is available. Read release notes before updating.
  2. Follow on-screen instructions in Ledger Live and on the device. Do not disconnect the device during the update.
  3. If an update fails, reconnect and follow Ledger Live recovery steps or consult support.

Keep your device clean and store it safely. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures or strong magnetic fields.

8. Security best practices

  • Buy from official Ledger channels to avoid tampered devices.
  • Keep your recovery phrase offline and secure; never share it.
  • Use strong, unique PINs and change them if compromised.
  • Consider passphrase (advanced) for added security — it acts as a 25th word but must be memorized or stored separately.
  • Use Ledger Live’s built-in verification steps and only approve transactions you expect.
  • For large funds, consider multisig solutions and custody diversification.

If you suspect your recovery phrase is compromised, transfer funds to a new wallet generated on a new device as soon as possible.

9. Troubleshooting & FAQ

Device not detected

  • Try a different USB cable or port; use the original cable when possible.
  • Restart Ledger Live and your computer, disable interfering browser extensions.

App won't install or account not found

Ensure you have the latest Ledger Live and firmware installed. Remove and reinstall the app via Manager; your accounts will remain recoverable by the recovery phrase.

I lost my recovery phrase

Without the recovery phrase you cannot restore your wallet. If you still have device access, move funds to a new wallet with a newly generated recovery phrase and back it up securely.

Short FAQ

Can Ledger Live be used with MetaMask?
Yes — Ledger devices can connect to MetaMask via the "Connect Hardware Wallet" option and sign transactions securely on-device.
Does Ledger support staking?
Ledger Live supports staking for certain cryptocurrencies (e.g., Tezos, Cosmos) directly; for others you may use third-party platforms connected to your Ledger.
What if my device is stolen?
If your PIN and recovery phrase are secure, theft alone doesn't give access. However, if the thief obtains the recovery phrase, move funds immediately from a secure device.