Ledger Live — Login Guide

Why this guide?

Ledger Live is the desktop and mobile application Ledger provides to manage your hardware wallet and crypto assets. Logging in to Ledger Live is usually straightforward, but of all the user journeys — login, update, and connect — is the one where small mistakes can lock you out or expose you. This guide walks you through the full login flow, security best practices, and fixes to the most frequent problems. Follow along and bookmark the official links above for reference.

Before you begin — checklist

Step-by-step: Logging into Ledger Live

1. Open Ledger Live

Launch the Ledger Live application on your computer or open the Ledger Live app on your mobile device. If you don’t have Ledger Live yet, download the official installer from Ledger's site and follow installation instructions. Avoid third-party download mirrors.

2. Select Manager or Get Started

If this is your first time, choose Get Started. If you have used Ledger Live before, it opens to your dashboard. To add or re-add a device, use the Manager section and follow the prompts to connect your Ledger device.

3. Connect your Ledger device

Use the official USB cable or Bluetooth for Nano X. Enter your PIN on the device when prompted. Ledger Live will communicate with the device to confirm the connection.

4. Unlock and verify

Once the device is unlocked, Ledger Live will display your accounts if already configured. If it’s a new device or reset device, you may need to restore from your recovery phrase. Never reveal your 24-word recovery phrase to any app, person, or website.

5. Complete two-factor checks

Ledger Live may request permissions, firmware checks, or app installation on the device. Approve actions only on the physical device screen. Ledger Live never asks for your recovery phrase — that’s always a red flag.

Troubleshooting: common login problems and fixes

Problem: Ledger Live won’t open or crashes

Fixes:

• Reboot your computer or device and reopen Ledger Live.
• Check for available Ledger Live updates in the Settings → About menu and install the latest version from the official site.
• If persistent, uninstall Ledger Live, download the latest installer from Ledger Live, and reinstall.

Problem: Device not recognized

Fixes:

• Try a different USB port and cable. Prefer the cable that came with your Ledger device.
• Make sure the device is unlocked (enter your PIN) before opening Ledger Live.
• On macOS, allow Ledger Live to access the USB device if prompted in system settings.

Problem: I forgot my PIN or lost device

If you forget your PIN and have the recovery phrase, you can restore your wallet on a new Ledger device or compatible wallet that supports BIP39/BIP44 (follow Ledger's official restore instructions). If you lost both the device and recovery phrase, there is no way to recover your funds — this is why storing the 24-word phrase securely is critical.

Security best practices

Protect your recovery phrase

Write the 24 words on a durable, offline backup (metal seed storage is recommended) and store copies in secure, separate locations. Never take photos or type the phrase into cloud-synced notes.

Only use official Ledger resources

Always download Ledger Live and firmware updates from ledger.com or links inside the official app. Beware of phishing pages, social media DMs, and emailed instructions that ask for your recovery phrase.

Firmware and app updates

Regularly update your Ledger device firmware and the Ledger Live app. Updates patch vulnerabilities and add new features. Perform updates only with the device connected and verify update prompts on the device screen.

Advanced tips

Use passphrase feature with caution

Ledger supports an optional passphrase (25th word) to create additional hidden wallets. This adds security but also complexity: forgetting the passphrase will permanently lock access to those hidden accounts. Use passphrases only if you understand their consequences and store them safely.

Multiple accounts and accounts recovery

Ledger Live supports many account types and networks. Restoring a recovery phrase on a fresh Ledger Live instance will re-detect supported accounts (you may need to re-add some networks manually). Keep a simple inventory of which accounts you control, and label them clearly in Ledger Live.

When to contact support

Contact Ledger Support if you suspect your device or recovery phrase has been compromised, if Ledger Live shows unexpected transactions, or if you experience hardware failures. Use the official support page to submit a ticket: Ledger Support.

Quick reference (summary)

Further reading

Explore Ledger Academy for step-by-step tutorials and deep-dive articles, check the official blog for announcements, and keep the FAQ bookmarked for quick answers to common questions. Official resources are linked at the top of this page.