Overview
Ledger Live is the desktop and mobile companion app for Ledger hardware wallets. The login process connects your local application to the keys stored on your Ledger device (Ledger Nano S, Nano S Plus, Nano X). Unlike cloud wallets, Ledger Live does not store private keys — authentication is done locally and all sensitive signing happens on your hardware device.
Quick login steps
1. Start Ledger Live
Open the Ledger Live application (desktop or mobile). If this is your first time, ensure you downloaded Ledger Live from the official Ledger website and your OS shows a legitimate publisher signature.
2. Connect your device
Use a USB cable (or Bluetooth for Nano X) to connect your Ledger. Unlock the device with your PIN. Ledger Live will typically detect the device and prompt you to open the Ledger Live app on the device if a connection is required.
3. Authorize the connection
When Ledger Live asks for permission to communicate, approve the connection on the device. For any transaction or account signature, the device will show the details to confirm before signing — this prevents remote manipulation.
4. Access accounts
Once connected and authorized, Ledger Live lists the cryptocurrency accounts linked to the device. You can view balances, send/receive, and manage apps installed on the device.
Security best practices (must-read)
- Never share your 24-word recovery phrase. Ledger staff will never ask for it. Store it offline in a secure location.
- Verify addresses on your device. Always confirm receiving addresses on the Ledger screen when receiving funds.
- Keep firmware up to date. Update Ledger device firmware through Ledger Live when prompted — only when connected to the official app.
- Use a secure PIN. Choose a PIN that’s easy to remember but not predictable; avoid birthdays or repeating digits.
- Beware of phishing. Check URLs carefully. Only download Ledger Live from the official Ledger domain and avoid clicking unknown links in emails or chats.
Common troubleshooting
Device not detected
Try a different USB cable or port. On desktop, ensure the operating system recognizes the device and that any required drivers are installed. Rebooting the app or machine often resolves transient issues.
App shows \"Wrong app\" or \"App not open\"
Open the specific cryptocurrency app within the Ledger device (e.g., Bitcoin app) before attempting the action in Ledger Live. The Ledger device requires the app to be open to sign specific currencies.
Forgot PIN
If you forget the PIN you must reset the device and restore from your recovery phrase. This is why securely storing the recovery phrase is critical.
Privacy & privacy-preserving tips
Ledger Live communicates with remote nodes for price and blockchain data, but private keys never leave the device. Consider using third-party node options or a self-hosted node for maximum privacy if you are concerned about metadata leakage.
FAQ
Can Ledger Live be used without the device?
You can install Ledger Live and browse features, but to access funds or sign transactions you always need the physical hardware device.
Is my seed phrase stored in Ledger Live?
No — recovery phrases are never stored in Ledger Live. They should only exist in the secure recovery backup you created offline.