A friendly, step-by-step getting started guide and FAQ to help you login to Ledger® Live, set up accounts, secure your device, and start managing your crypto. This guide includes clear headings (H1–H5), an FAQ section, and handy colorful official links to Ledger resources.
What is Ledger® Live? (H2)
Ledger® Live is the official desktop and mobile application from Ledger that lets you manage your cryptocurrency portfolio, send and receive assets, view balances, and install apps to your Ledger hardware wallet. It's the central hub for interacting with your Ledger hardware device (Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, etc.).
Before you begin, make sure you have your Ledger hardware device and your 24-word recovery phrase safely stored. Never share the recovery phrase with anyone.
Secure location for your 24-word recovery phrase (do not store digitally).
Security reminder (H3)
Ledger will never ask for your 24-word recovery phrase. If anyone asks for it (email, chat, social media), it is a scam. For more official security tips, visit Official Ledger Security.
Step-by-step: Download & Install Ledger® Live (H2)
1
Download the app (H3)
Go to the official Ledger downloads page and choose your platform (Windows / macOS / Linux / iOS / Android). Always download from the official site.
Install the application and open it. On first run, Ledger® Live will present options to set up a new device or to restore from a recovery phrase.
3
Connect your Ledger device (H3)
Connect via USB (or Bluetooth for Nano X) and follow on-screen prompts. Create a PIN on your device if it's new, and write down the 24-word recovery phrase provided by the device — this is your last resort to recover funds.
4
Pairing & Firmware (H3)
Ledger® Live may ask to update your device firmware. Follow the official instructions carefully. Do not interrupt firmware updates.
Ledger® Live uses a local password to protect the app on your device. Important: the password in Ledger Live is not the same as your 24-word recovery phrase or device PIN. It encrypts the app data on your computer or phone.
Login / Unlock steps (H3)
Open Ledger® Live and enter your password (if you set one during installation).
Connect your Ledger hardware device and enter your device PIN on the device itself.
Approve connection prompts on the device to allow Ledger® Live to read public keys and display accounts.
Troubleshooting login (H4)
If Ledger® Live doesn't recognize your device, try another USB port, a different cable, or restart the app. Ensure the device firmware and Ledger® Live app are up to date.
Adding & Managing Accounts (H2)
After login, add accounts in Ledger® Live for the coins and tokens you own. Each account corresponds to a cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) and shows balances coming from the blockchain.
Steps to add an account (H3)
Open Ledger® Live → Accounts → Add account.
Choose the crypto (e.g., Bitcoin), connect your Ledger device and open the corresponding app on the device.
Ledger® Live will scan the blockchain and display the account balance and receive addresses.
Receive & Send (H4)
To receive funds, generate a receive address in Ledger® Live and confirm it on your device. To send, prepare the transaction in Ledger® Live and confirm details on the hardware device before finalizing.
Security Best Practices (H2)
Protect your recovery phrase (H3)
Store it offline in a secure place (e.g., steel backup, safe). Never type it into websites, never photograph it, and never share it.
Beware of phishing (H3)
Only use links from the official Ledger site. Example: https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live. Verify URLs and check browser TLS lock icon for authenticity.
Keep software updated (H4)
Regularly update Ledger® Live and your device firmware. Back up your recovery phrase after any device reset or replacement.
Q2: I forgot my Ledger® Live password — can I recover it?
A2: Ledger® Live app password is stored locally; if you forget it you may need to reinstall Ledger® Live. Your funds are still recoverable with your 24-word recovery phrase using any compatible wallet or by restoring your Ledger device.
Q3: What happens if I lose my Ledger device?
A3: You can restore your wallet on a new Ledger device or any compatible wallet using your 24-word recovery phrase. Protect that phrase above all.
Q4: Can Ledger® Live be used without a hardware device?
A4: Ledger® Live pairs with Ledger hardware devices to manage private keys. Some read-only features may be available, but signing transactions requires the device.
Q5: Is Ledger® Live open-source?
A5: Ledger publishes some components and documentation. For the latest technical details, consult Ledger's developer and security pages on their official site.
Q6: How do I contact Ledger support?
A6: Use the official Ledger website Support section; beware of impostor support channels on social media.
Q7: Are there fees for using Ledger® Live?
A7: Ledger® Live itself is free — you only pay blockchain network fees when sending transactions (miners/validators fees), and optional service fees for third-party integrations like exchanges.
Q8: Can I install third-party apps via Ledger® Live?
A8: Yes — use the Manager in Ledger® Live to install blockchain apps (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) on your device. Follow the prompts carefully.
Q9: How many accounts can I add?
A9: You can add multiple accounts for the same currency. Practical limits depend on device storage for installed apps; use Ledger Live's Manager to uninstall/reinstall apps as needed.