Ledger® Live: Login - Getting Started™

Overview — what this guide covers

This guide walks through everything from where to safely download Ledger Live, how to set up an account profile, connecting and initializing Ledger devices (Nano S, Nano S Plus, Nano X), securely handling your recovery phrase, and performing common tasks: receive, send, swap, stake, and use third‑party integrations. Security and verification steps are emphasized throughout — always confirm critical details on your hardware device.

Step 1 — Download and install Ledger Live

1. Open a browser and type https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live to reach the official download page.
2. Select the platform — Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, or Android — and download the installer or open the app store link.
3. Verify the authenticity of the site: check the URL, the TLS certificate, and avoid clicking links from unsolicited emails or search results.
4. Run the installer and follow the on‑screen prompts to install Ledger Live.

For extra assurance, some advanced users verify the installer checksums when Ledger publishes them. If you're unfamiliar with checksum verification, follow the simple on‑screen checks instead and only use the canonical site.

Step 2 — Create a Ledger Live profile (Login)

Ledger Live uses a local profile to store preferences and settings. This profile is not an account in the traditional online sense — it does not control your funds.

1. Open Ledger Live and click Get Started.
2. Choose whether you are setting up a new device or already have a recovery phrase (for restoring an existing wallet).
3. Create a username (profile name) for display and choose whether to enable optional features like crash reporting or telemetry (you can opt out).
4. Ledger Live may offer to check for updates — allow it to download the latest app version for best compatibility.

Important: The Ledger Live profile is not a cloud login. Your device's seed controls funds, not the profile.

Step 3 — Connect your Ledger device

Depending on your device model and platform:

1. Connect via USB (Ledger Nano S / S Plus / Nano X in wired mode) or pair via Bluetooth (Nano X on mobile).
2. Unlock your device by entering the PIN on the physical device screen.
3. Ledger Live will detect the device and show model details. Approve any connection prompts on the device.

If the device is new, follow the device's on‑screen prompts to set up a PIN and generate a recovery phrase. If restoring, choose "Restore device" and enter your recovery phrase on the device when prompted.

Step 4 — Initialize or restore your Ledger device

During setup, the device will guide you through initialization:

1. Choose Create a new device to generate a fresh recovery phrase and PIN, or Restore to use an existing recovery phrase.
2. When creating a new device, carefully write down the recovery phrase exactly as shown (24 words for Ledger devices by default). Double‑check order and spelling.
3. The device will ask you to confirm some words to ensure accuracy. Complete the verification steps to finalize setup.

Store your recovery sheet in a secure offline location — a safe, fireproof box, or consider a metal backup for long‑term durability.

Step 5 — Install apps on the device via Ledger Live Manager

Ledger devices use small blockchain-specific applications to support different coins. Install them through Ledger Live Manager:

1. Open Ledger Live and navigate to Manager.
2. Connect and unlock your device, and allow the manager connection on the device if prompted.
3. Search for the required blockchain apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.) and click Install for each one you need.

Note: Device storage is limited on some models — uninstall apps you don't use and reinstall them later; accounts are derived from your seed and are not deleted by uninstalling apps.

Step 6 — Add accounts in Ledger Live

1. Go to the Accounts tab and click Add account.
2. Select the coin (e.g., Bitcoin) and follow prompts to sync the account. Ledger Live will scan the blockchain for addresses derived from your seed and show balances.
3. Repeat for multiple coins and accounts as needed.

You can tag and group accounts for easier portfolio management. Ledger Live aggregates fiat values and provides historical performance charts for each account.

Step 7 — Receive crypto

1. Select the account and click Receive.
2. Ledger Live will display an address and the device will show the same address. Confirm the address on the device before sharing it.
3. Share the address or QR code with the sender. For privacy, generate a new address for each incoming transfer when possible.

Confirming the address on the device prevents malware or clipboard hijacking from replacing addresses on your computer.

Step 8 — Send crypto securely

1. Open the account and click Send.
2. Enter the recipient address, the amount, and choose a fee level (low/medium/high) based on confirmation urgency.
3. Click Continue. Review the transaction details in Ledger Live and then on the device; approve the transaction on the hardware device to sign it.

Always verify recipient addresses and amounts on the device screen — the device display is the single source of truth.

Step 9 — Swap & Buy features

Ledger Live integrates partners for buying crypto with fiat and swapping tokens:

• Buy: Use integrated on‑ramps to purchase crypto via card or bank transfer — availability depends on region and partner.
• Swap: Exchange tokens via liquidity providers; Ledger Live shows quotes, estimated slippage and fees prior to signing.

Fees and KYC requirements vary by partner — review partner terms before completing transactions.

Step 10 — Staking and Earn

Ledger Live supports staking for several proof‑of‑stake networks. To stake:

1. Navigate to Earn or Staking and select the supported asset.
2. Choose a validator and enter the amount to delegate. Review validator performance and commission if available.
3. Confirm and sign the delegation on your Ledger device.

Staking rules (unbonding periods, minimums, reward schedules) vary by chain — read the network-specific notes in Ledger Live.

Security best practices

• Buy hardware only from authorized sellers and avoid second‑hand devices.
• Write your recovery phrase on the provided card and store it securely offline (consider metal backups for fire/water resistance).
• Never share your recovery phrase. Ledger support will never ask for it.
• Always verify addresses and transaction details on your Ledger device before approving.
• Keep Ledger Live and device firmware up to date to receive security patches.
• Consider using a passphrase (advanced feature) — understand the risks and backup requirements before enabling it.

Troubleshooting common issues

Device not recognized

Try a different USB cable or port, ensure the device is unlocked, update Ledger Live, and approve the manager access on the device if required. On mobile, ensure Bluetooth is enabled and permissions granted for Nano X pairing.

Apps won’t install

Device storage can be limited — uninstall unused apps if necessary. Update device firmware and Ledger Live, then try again.

Missing balances

Ensure you added the correct account type and let Ledger Live finish syncing. If balances still don’t appear, verify derivation paths or use recovery on another Ledger-compatible wallet as a last resort.

Privacy & data handling

Ledger Live requests minimal personal information. Price feeds, blockchain queries, and swap partners are external services — review privacy settings to control telemetry and optional features. On‑chain transactions are public by design; use best practices to protect privacy if required.

Enterprise & Developer options

Ledger offers business and developer tools for integrations, multi‑user custody, and compliance workflows. Explore Ledger's enterprise products and SDKs for programmatic signing and hardware integration in institutional contexts.

FAQ

Is Ledger Live free?

Yes. Ledger Live is free to download and use. Blockchain network fees and third‑party partner fees may apply for transactions, swaps, or purchases.

Can I use Ledger Live without a Ledger device?

Ledger Live can offer read‑only portfolio views for some features, but signing transactions requires a Ledger hardware device for full functionality and security.

What if I lose my device?

If you lose your Ledger device, recover funds using your recovery phrase on a new Ledger or compatible wallet. If you lose both device and recovery phrase, funds are irrecoverable — keep the seed safe.

Getting help & official resources

Visit Ledger's official support center and knowledge base for step‑by‑step articles, firmware release notes, and troubleshooting guides. For critical security concerns, use official channels only and never share your recovery phrase.