Ledger® Live — Login & Getting Started | Getting Started Guide

Introduction

Ledger Live (now referred to in Ledger's ecosystem as Ledger Wallet / Ledger Wallet™ in some pages) is the official companion application for Ledger hardware devices. It provides a secure interface for viewing balances, installing apps on your device, sending and receiving assets, and managing portfolio features in one place. This guide shows you how to safely download, install, log in / connect, and get started with Ledger Live while following best security practices.

1. Downloading Ledger Live (Official)

Where to download

Visit Ledger's official "Get started" or "Start" page to download the correct Ledger Live installer for your platform (Windows / macOS / Linux) or use the iOS / Android app stores for mobile. Downloading from third-party websites is risky and has been tied to malware and fake apps that attempt to steal seed phrases. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Step-by-step download

1. Open https://www.ledger.com/start (official Ledger start page) and choose your device and OS. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
2. Or install "Ledger Wallet" / "Ledger Live" from Google Play or the Apple App Store for mobile use. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
3. Verify the download signature if Ledger provides a checksum on the download page, and never run installers that arrived by email or pop-up.

2. Installing & Initial Device Setup

Initial device setup options

When you power on a new Ledger device, you will either:

• Set it up as a new device and receive a new 24-word Secret Recovery Phrase (recommended for new users), or
• Restore an existing wallet using a 24-word Secret Recovery Phrase (only when you already own a backup).

Connecting Ledger Live to your device

Open Ledger Live, choose Get started, select your device model, and follow on-screen prompts. Ledger Live will guide you to install the Ledger Live Manager app on the device and install coin-specific apps to manage different cryptocurrencies. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Best practices for the first time

• Set a device PIN — never share it.
• Write the recovery phrase on the supplied recovery card (or an approved metal backup) and store it offline and offsite.
• Never enter your 24-word phrase into any website, app, or form — Ledger will never request it.
• Use the official Ledger packaging and never buy from an untrusted seller; tampered devices could be compromised.

3. Logging in, Pairing & Authorizing

How Ledger Live authenticates

Ledger Live does not "know" your private keys — the private keys remain inside your Ledger device's secure element. When you "log in" or open Ledger Live, you may be asked to connect your physical device and confirm actions (installing apps, sending a transaction) on the device screen. Transactions must be confirmed physically using the device buttons — this step ensures that even if your computer is compromised, an attacker cannot sign transactions without the physical device.

Pairing steps

1. Open Ledger Live and connect your Ledger device via USB or Bluetooth (if supported by your model — e.g., Ledger Nano X allows Bluetooth pairing for mobile). :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
2. Enter your PIN on the device.
3. Ledger Live will detect the device; follow on-screen instructions to allow access and install apps if needed.
4. When sending crypto, confirm details on the device before approving — verify the destination address on the hardware screen, not only on your computer.

4. Managing Accounts in Ledger Live

Accounts vs. Apps

Ledger Live uses small coin apps that are installed on the device to manage many blockchains. Ledger Live shows "accounts" — each account corresponds to an address set for a specific cryptocurrency. You install the coin app and then create accounts inside Ledger Live to view balances and transact.

Common actions

• Add an account: Use the Accounts tab → Add account → choose the currency → follow prompts.
• Receive: Use the Receive button, select the account, confirm the address on the device screen, and then share the shown address.
• Send: Enter the destination address and amount in Ledger Live; confirm on the device when prompted. Always verify addresses on the device screen.
• Swap/Buy/Stake: Ledger Live integrates third-party providers for purchases, swaps and staking. Always review provider fees and terms. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

5. Firmware & Software Updates

Why firmware matters

Ledger devices receive OS/firmware updates to improve security and add compatibility. Keeping both Ledger Live and your device firmware up to date is essential to maintain security and support for new coins. Ledger provides guided firmware update procedures within Ledger Live. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

Updating safely

1. Only update firmware using prompts from an official Ledger Live session (do not run random update executables).
2. During an update, follow on-screen instructions and never interrupt the device power or connection.
3. If Ledger Live shows a firmware notice, verify it on the official Ledger Support pages if uncertain. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

6. Privacy, Data & Legal

What Ledger collects

Ledger publishes privacy and tracking policies. Some Ledger features may connect to third-party providers; read Ledger's privacy policy and tracking pages to understand what data is collected and how it's used. For legal questions and policies, Ledger's legal center and privacy pages are authoritative. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

Privacy-minded setup tips

• Create accounts in Ledger Live with minimal personal info when possible.
• Prefer connecting to trusted networks, avoid public Wi-Fi when authorizing sensitive activity.

7. Common Troubleshooting & Recovery

If Ledger Live doesn't detect your device

• Try a different cable or USB port (for wired devices).
• Restart Ledger Live and the computer/device.
• Confirm the device is unlocked with PIN entered.

Restoring from a recovery phrase

If you need to restore accounts, Ledger provides step-by-step guides to restore from your 24-word Secret Recovery Phrase using the device and Ledger Live — only restore if you have your secure phrase and do so on a trusted device. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

Support channels

Ledger Support offers knowledge base articles, troubleshooting steps, and contact forms for official help. Use the support portal for verified instructions rather than unofficial forums when possible. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

8. Security Best Practices (Short Checklist)

Do this

• Buy hardware wallets only from official Ledger channels or authorized resellers.
• Backup your 24-word recovery phrase on durable media (paper + metal backup) and keep it offline.
• Use a strong device PIN and never share it.
• Only download Ledger Live from official Ledger pages or from official app stores. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
• Always confirm transaction details on the physical device before approving.

Never

• Never type or paste your 24-word recovery phrase into any website, chat, or app.
• Never respond to emails or DMs that say they can help you recover funds by asking for your seed words.

Official Resources (10 links)

Below are 10 official Ledger pages and resources to bookmark. These are authoritative starting points for downloads, support, privacy, firmware, and legal pages.

9. Conclusion — Getting Started with Confidence

Ledger Live (Ledger Wallet) is powerful and secure when used properly — the private keys remain on the hardware device, and Ledger Live provides a friendly interface to manage accounts and transactions. Follow the official download channels, protect your 24-word Secret Recovery Phrase, confirm every transaction on the device, and keep firmware/software up to date. Use the official support and legal pages above for authoritative instructions. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}

Go to Ledger Official Start Page