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

What is Ledger Live?

Ledger Live is the official companion app for Ledger hardware wallets. It lets you manage multiple cryptocurrencies, view portfolio balances, send and receive assets, install apps on your device, and access decentralized applications (dApps) via integrations. Ledger Live comes in desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux) and mobile (iOS, Android) versions.

This guide focuses on the login process — connecting your Ledger device to Ledger Live so you can view and manage accounts. Important: Ledger Live itself does not store your private keys; your keys remain on the Ledger hardware device. Logging in is the process of unlocking access to account data and initiating transactions that the device will sign.

Before you start: checklist

Have your Ledger hardware device (Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, or compatible model) and its PIN ready.
Make sure your recovery phrase (24-word) is safely stored and never shared. Ledger will never ask for your full recovery phrase in Ledger Live.
Download Ledger Live from the official site: ledger.com/start or use the official app store for mobile devices.
Use a trusted computer or phone — avoid public or shared devices for managing crypto.
If possible, update your device firmware and Ledger Live to the latest versions before logging in.

Logging in: Desktop (Windows/macOS/Linux)

Follow these steps to open Ledger Live on desktop and connect your Ledger device.

Install Ledger Live. Download the app from the official Ledger site and follow the installer instructions for your operating system.
Open Ledger Live. When you first open the app, you will be presented with onboarding options (Set up as new device, Restore device, or Connect a device already set up). Choose the option that matches your situation.
Connect your Ledger device. Use the supplied USB cable to connect your Ledger device to your computer. For Ledger Nano X you may also use Bluetooth (mobile primarily), but on desktop prefer a cable for stability and security.
Enter your PIN. Unlock the device using the hardware buttons. Your PIN is only entered on the device screen — never type it into the computer.
Allow Ledger Live to access the device. The device will request you to confirm the connection. Follow on-device instructions and allow the manager or app access as requested.
Add accounts. In Ledger Live go to Accounts > Add account and select the cryptocurrency. Ledger Live will scan the device and display your accounts — add the ones you want to see in the app.

If this is your first time setting up the device, choose Set up as new device and follow the device prompts to create a PIN and write down your recovery phrase. Never store the recovery phrase digitally.

Logging in: Mobile (iOS and Android)

Ledger Live mobile mirrors many desktop features and is convenient for on-the-go management.

Install Ledger Live. Download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Verify the publisher is Ledger.
Pair via Bluetooth (Ledger Nano X) or cable. If you have a Ledger Nano X, tap Bluetooth pairing in the app and follow the on-device confirmation prompts. For other devices you may need an OTG cable for Android or a cable adapter for iOS.
Unlock the device. Enter your PIN directly on your Ledger device.
Grant access in the app. The mobile app will display detected accounts — add them to your portfolio to begin viewing balances and making transactions.
Set up app-level security. On mobile, consider enabling biometric unlocking (Face ID, Touch ID) for quick access — this is optional and only secures the app, not your device’s private keys.

Common login flows & scenarios

New device setup: Choose "Set up as new device" and create a PIN and recovery phrase. Add accounts in Ledger Live after the device is initialized.
Restoring a device: Use "Restore device" in Ledger Live only if you have a recovery phrase from a previous Ledger (or compatible) wallet. Follow on-device prompts to restore.
Existing device, new computer: Connect your device and open Ledger Live. You don’t need to re-enter your recovery phrase — your accounts and keys remain on the device.
Firmware update during login: Occasionally Ledger Live will prompt to update device firmware. Follow the instructions — firmware updates are signed and necessary for security and compatibility. Ensure your recovery phrase is available before updating (it should not be entered into the computer but have it written down in case of device reset).

Security best practices for logging in

Security is the single most important aspect of managing crypto. The following practices protect you while using Ledger Live:

Never share your recovery phrase. Ledger employees, support, or legitimate apps never ask for your 24-word recovery phrase. If anyone asks — it’s a scam.
Only download Ledger Live from official sources. The official site is ledger.com/start. Check the domain and verify the installer’s signature when possible.
Enter PIN on the device only. Your PIN should always be typed using the hardware device buttons, not the computer or phone keyboard.
Use a trusted computer and network. Avoid public Wi‑Fi and unknown USB hubs when connecting your hardware wallet.
Enable software and OS updates. Keep Ledger Live and your operating system up to date to receive security improvements.
Back up your recovery phrase offline. Store the recovery device in a secure, fireproof location. Consider multiple physical backups stored separately.

Troubleshooting: cannot connect or Ledger Live not recognizing device

If Ledger Live fails to detect your device or the login flow stalls, try these steps in order:

Check cable and ports. Use the original cable and try a different USB port. Avoid USB hubs when possible.
Restart Ledger Live and your device. Close and reopen the app, unplug the device, then reconnect and enter the PIN.
Ensure device is unlocked and on the correct app. For some coins Ledger requires the corresponding coin app to be open on the device (e.g., Ethereum app for ETH accounts).
Update Ledger Live. If you’re on an older version, update to the latest release from the official site.
Check OS permissions (mobile). Ensure Ledger Live has Bluetooth permissions (iOS/Android) or the required USB privileges (Android OTG).
Try another computer or phone. This will help isolate whether the problem is the device or the host machine.
Consult logs & support. Ledger Live has a built-in Help > Troubleshoot area and can generate logs you may share with Ledger support (never share your recovery phrase or PIN in support tickets).

What Ledger Live asks for — and what it never will

Legitimate Ledger Live prompts are focused on device access and permissions. Things Ledger Live may legitimately request include:

Permission to access the device (via USB or Bluetooth).
Confirmation of firmware updates on-device.
Device app permissions to view account data (still signed on-device).

Ledger Live will never ask you to reveal your full recovery phrase, type your recovery phrase into the app, or share your private keys. If an application or service asks for those, stop and verify the source immediately.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Do I need Ledger Live to use my Ledger device?

No — but Ledger Live provides an easy, secure interface to manage multiple assets and update firmware. Advanced users can use other compatible wallet software, but firmware updates must be performed with official tools for maximum security.

My device asks for a firmware update during login. Is it safe?

Official firmware updates are signed by Ledger and improve security. Use Ledger Live to perform updates and never install firmware from unverified sources. Have your recovery phrase available offline before updating as a general precaution.

I forgot my PIN — can I still log in?

If you forget your PIN, the device will lock after a number of incorrect attempts, and you'll need to recover the wallet using your recovery phrase on a reset device or a compatible wallet. Because the PIN protects local access, forgetting it requires a device reset and restore with the recovery phrase.

Can I log in to Ledger Live from multiple devices at once?

Yes. Ledger Live on multiple hosts can connect to the same Ledger device in turn. The private keys remain on your Ledger device; each host uses the device to view accounts and initiate signing requests.

Advanced tips

Use a passphrase (optional). Ledger devices support an optional passphrase in addition to the 24-word recovery phrase. This creates hidden wallets but adds complexity—only use it if you fully understand the implications.
Manage apps selectively. Install only the currency apps you actively use to conserve device memory and reduce attack surface.
Regularly export and verify your account addresses. Use the device to display addresses on-device and verify them carefully before sending funds.

Support & resources

If you need more help, consult the following:

Ledger official support site for articles and troubleshooting guides.
Ledger Live’s built-in Help section and diagnostics.
Community forums and tutorials for advanced workflows — be careful to validate advice from third parties.