Ledger® Live: Login - Getting Started™

A concise, secure walkthrough for installing Ledger Live, connecting your Ledger hardware device, signing in, and establishing strong operational and security habits.

1. Quick overview

Ledger Live is the official desktop and mobile application for managing accounts, balances, sending and receiving crypto, and interacting with DeFi and Web3 services via Ledger hardware wallets. Always download Ledger Live from Ledger’s official site or official app stores to avoid counterfeit apps. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

2. Before you begin (prerequisites)

2.1 Items you’ll need

2.2 Safety checklist

Important: Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase via an app or email. If any interface asks for it, it’s a scam. Only use official downloads. Recent attacks have included fake Ledger apps — stay vigilant. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

3. Install & open Ledger Live

3.1 Download

  1. Go to the official Ledger download page and choose Desktop or Mobile. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
  2. Install like any standard app. On desktop, allow the app through your firewall only if you downloaded from the official site.

3.2 First launch

On first launch, Ledger Live offers a “Get started” flow for either setting up a new device or connecting an existing one. Follow the on-screen instructions carefully; Ledger Live will guide you step-by-step. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

4. Connect and unlock your Ledger device

4.1 Physical connection

Use the USB cable (or Bluetooth for supported devices) to connect the hardware wallet to your computer or phone. Unlock your device with your PIN directly on the device.

4.2 Allow Ledger Live to access the device

When prompted, confirm device actions on the hardware wallet screen. Never confirm an operation that you did not initiate.

5. Adding accounts & basic operations

5.1 Add accounts

  1. Open Ledger Live → Accounts → Add account.
  2. Select the cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.). Ledger Live will scan and add the accounts available on your device.

5.2 Send & receive

To receive: use the Receive flow, verify the receiving address on your hardware device before sharing. To send: use the Send flow in Ledger Live and verify the transaction details (amount & address) on the device screen before approving.

6. Security best practices (must-read)

6.1 Never share your recovery phrase

Your 24-word phrase is the master key to your funds. Keep it offline, in a secure location. Ledger never requests this phrase.

6.2 Keep software up to date

Update Ledger Live and your device firmware promptly — updates include security hardening and new coin support. For network/troubleshooting tools built into Ledger Live, consult official support guides. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

6.3 Beware of fake apps & phishing

Only install Ledger Live from ledger.com, the App Store, or Google Play. Scammers sometimes distribute fake apps that mimic Ledger — these may ask for your seed phrase. If anything requests your recovery phrase, it's a scam. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

7. Troubleshooting & common fixes

7.1 Device not recognized

Try a different USB cable/port, disable VPN/firewall temporarily, reboot device and computer. Ledger support articles offer step-by-step diagnostics. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

7.2 App errors or network issues

Clear Ledger Live cache, ensure the app is the official release, and use the built-in Help → Troubleshoot tools. For persistent issues consult support. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

8. Advanced features

8.1 Passphrase (optional)

A passphrase is an optional extra word you can add to your recovery phrase to create a hidden wallet. It is powerful but risky if lost — only use it if you understand the implications. See Ledger Academy for details. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

8.2 Third-party integrations

Ledger Live supports integrations (swap, stake, partner wallets). Review permissions before granting access and prefer well-known, audited services.

9. Short checklist (ready-to-use)

  1. Download Ledger Live only from official sources. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
  2. Set up or restore your Ledger device using device buttons (never type seed into a website).
  3. Add accounts in Ledger Live and verify addresses on your device before sharing.
  4. Keep firmware and app updated; store recovery phrase offline and secure.
  5. If something asks for your recovery phrase — stop and report (scam). :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

10. Resources — 10 official links

  1. Ledger Live — Official overview. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
  2. Download Ledger Live — official. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
  3. Getting started with Ledger Live (Support). :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
  4. Ledger Support Center. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
  5. How to set up your Ledger hardware wallet. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
  6. Ledger Academy — tutorials & videos. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
  7. Fix USB connection issues (Support article). :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
  8. Troubleshooting network issues (Ledger Live). :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
  9. Ledger Live on the App Store. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
  10. Ledger Live on Google Play. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}