Ledger® Live — Login First | Complete Getting Started Guide

Ledger® Live is the official companion app for Ledger hardware wallets, designed to securely manage your cryptocurrency assets. Whether you are new to Ledger or an experienced crypto holder, this guide will walk you through logging in to Ledger Live, setting it up safely, and getting started with managing your digital assets.

  1. What is Ledger® Live?

Ledger® Live is a desktop and mobile application that allows users to:

Monitor cryptocurrency balances in real time

Send and receive digital assets securely

Install and manage apps on Ledger hardware wallets

Track portfolio performance

Ledger Live communicates with your Ledger device to ensure that all sensitive operations, such as signing transactions, happen securely on your device, keeping your private keys offline.

  1. Preparing to Login to Ledger® Live

Before logging in, ensure you have the following:

Ledger Hardware Wallet (Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, etc.)

Ledger® Live Desktop App – Download from ledger.com/start to ensure authenticity.

Secure USB Cable (if using a Nano S or Nano S Plus) or Bluetooth (for Nano X).

Recovery Phrase – The 24-word phrase generated during device setup. Keep it offline and private.

⚠️ Security Tip: Never share your recovery phrase. Ledger will never ask for it online.

  1. Download and Install Ledger® Live

Go to ledger.com/start and select your device.

Choose your operating system (Windows, Mac, Linux) and download Ledger Live Desktop.

Install the application following the on-screen instructions.

Launch Ledger Live.

Once installed, Ledger Live will automatically check for updates to ensure you have the latest security features.

  1. Opening Ledger® Live for the First Time

When you first open Ledger Live, you will see two options:

Set up a new device – Choose this if your Ledger is new and uninitialized.

Already have a device – Choose this if you already have a Ledger wallet and want to login to Ledger Live.

To login to Ledger Live:

Select “Already have a device”

Connect your Ledger hardware wallet to your computer using USB or Bluetooth

Enter your device PIN when prompted

Ledger Live will never ask for your recovery phrase during login. It only verifies your PIN on the device.

  1. Add Your Accounts in Ledger Live

After logging in, you can add cryptocurrency accounts:

Navigate to “Accounts” in Ledger Live.

Click “Add account”.

Choose the cryptocurrency you want to manage (BTC, ETH, etc.)

Follow the on-device instructions to synchronize your account.

Your balances and transaction history will now appear in Ledger Live.

✅ Ledger Live supports over 5,500 assets, including major coins and ERC-20 tokens.

  1. Sending and Receiving Cryptocurrency

Once logged in and accounts are added:

To Receive Funds:

Go to the Accounts tab.

Select the cryptocurrency account.

Click Receive.

Verify the address on your Ledger device and share it.

To Send Funds:

Go to the Accounts tab.

Select the cryptocurrency account.

Click Send, enter the recipient address and amount.

Confirm the transaction on your Ledger device.

🔐 All signing is done on your hardware wallet, ensuring private keys never leave the device.

  1. Security Best Practices

Always download Ledger Live from ledger.com/start .

Keep your recovery phrase offline and never store it digitally.

Use a strong PIN on your Ledger device.

Enable passphrase protection for additional security.

Regularly update Ledger Live and your device firmware.

  1. Using Ledger® Live Desktop vs Mobile

Ledger Live Desktop – Ideal for full management, portfolio tracking, and firmware updates.

Ledger Live Mobile – Convenient for on-the-go balance checks and small transactions.

Both versions sync seamlessly when using the same Ledger hardware wallet.

  1. Troubleshooting Login Issues

If you face problems logging in:

Ensure your Ledger device is connected and unlocked.

Update Ledger Live and your device firmware.

Restart your computer and reconnect the device.

Check for USB cable or Bluetooth issues.

For persistent issues, consult Ledger’s official support at ledger.com/start .

  1. Getting Started Checklist

✅ Download Ledger Live from ledger.com/start

✅ Connect your Ledger hardware wallet

✅ Enter device PIN and login

✅ Add cryptocurrency accounts

✅ Receive, send, and manage your crypto securely

Conclusion

Logging in to Ledger® Live is your first step toward securely managing cryptocurrency. With Ledger Live, your assets remain protected, private keys stay offline, and you can enjoy full control over your digital wealth. By following this guide and the recommended security practices, you can confidently start managing your crypto with Ledger Live Desktop or Mobile.