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Ledger® Live: Login | Getting started™ with Ledger®

Ledger® Live: Login | Getting started™ with Ledger®

This guide explains how Ledger® Live "login" works on desktop and mobile, how to access your accounts securely, and what to do if you run into common issues. Ledger Live is a local, hardware-first interface — there is no central Ledger username/password account. Your Ledger device and PIN are the keys to your crypto.

Overview — how Ledger Live handles access

Ledger Live is the official companion app for Ledger hardware wallets (e.g., Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, Ledger Stax). Unlike web-based custodial platforms, Ledger Live does not create or store an online account for you. Instead, access and transaction approvals are secured by three main components:

  • The Ledger device — private keys remain isolated on the hardware wallet at all times.
  • Device PIN — entered directly on the hardware device to unlock and authorize actions.
  • Optional app-level lock — a Ledger Live password or mobile biometric lock protects the local app interface.

This model keeps your private keys offline and requires physical possession of the device for any fund movement. Ledger Live is only an interface: it reads blockchain data and requests signatures from the device when needed.

Download & install Ledger Live

  1. Always start at the official page: Ledger.com/Start.
  2. Choose the correct version for your OS (Windows, macOS, Linux) or download the mobile app from official stores.
  3. Install and launch the app; allow updates when prompted to ensure you have the latest security fixes.

Tip: On mobile, confirm the publisher is Ledger SAS in the App Store or Google Play.

What “login” means in Ledger Live (desktop)

There is no cloud login. On desktop, “logging in” commonly refers to opening the app and preparing it to use with your hardware wallet. The typical flow:

  1. Open Ledger Live and enter the app password if you enabled it (Settings → Security).
  2. Connect your Ledger device via USB.
  3. Unlock the device by entering your device PIN on the hardware wallet.
  4. Open the relevant blockchain app on the device (for example, Bitcoin app for BTC) to manage that asset.

You may view portfolio data while the device is disconnected if app password protection is disabled, but you cannot sign or send transactions without the physical device and PIN.

Mobile access & pairing

Ledger Live Mobile supports secure pairing with compatible devices. Typical steps:

  1. Install Ledger Live from the App Store or Google Play.
  2. Unlock the app with password or biometrics (Face ID / fingerprint) if enabled.
  3. Pair your Ledger device:
    • Nano X: Bluetooth pairing via Ledger Live.
    • Nano S Plus: USB OTG cable (on supported Android devices).
  4. Enter the device PIN on the hardware wallet to confirm connection and sign transactions.

Tip: Keep Bluetooth off when not pairing to reduce attack surface on mobile devices.

App password vs device PIN — which protects what?

The app password encrypts local Ledger Live metadata and prevents casual access to the app on your computer or phone. The device PIN secures the hardware wallet itself and is required for every signature. If you forget the app password, you can reset Ledger Live and reconnect the device; if you forget the device PIN, you must reset the device and restore from your 24-word recovery phrase.

Signing transactions securely

All transaction approvals must be confirmed on the physical Ledger device. When sending funds:

  1. Enter recipient and amount in Ledger Live.
  2. Ledger Live sends the prepared transaction to the device for signing.
  3. The device displays the exact address, amount, and fees — verify every field on-screen.
  4. Approve on the device to sign and broadcast the transaction to the network.

Warning: Never trust an address only shown in the desktop or mobile app. Only approve if the device screen matches exactly.

Common login problems & how to fix them

Device not recognized

Try another USB cable or port, avoid USB hubs, restart the app and device, and ensure Ledger Live is up to date.

Bluetooth pairing issues (Nano X)

Forget the device in phone Bluetooth settings, re-pair from Ledger Live, and keep devices close while pairing.

App won’t open or crashes

Clear the app cache (Settings → Help → Clear cache), reinstall Ledger Live from the official site, and restart your computer.

Forgot app password

Reset Ledger Live and reconnect your hardware wallet — your crypto is safe because keys remain on-device.

Lost device or restoring access

If your Ledger device is lost, damaged, or stolen, you can restore your wallet on a new Ledger device using your 24-word recovery phrase. If you lose the recovery phrase, funds cannot be recovered. Keep the phrase secure and offline at all times.

Security best practices

  • Always download Ledger Live from Ledger.com/Start or official app stores.
  • Never enter your 24-word recovery phrase into any app, website, email, or chat — Ledger will never ask for it.
  • Verify every address and amount on your Ledger device screen before approving transactions.
  • Keep firmware and Ledger Live updated for security patches and new features.
  • Use an app password or biometric lock on shared systems for additional privacy.

Getting help & official support

If problems persist after basic troubleshooting, consult the official Ledger Help Center at support.ledger.com or use the in-app help widget. Be wary of unsolicited messages claiming to be Ledger support — official support will never ask for your recovery phrase.

Start every session safely: visit Ledger.com/Start, connect your Ledger device, verify on-device prompts, and follow Ledger Support guidance when needed. Your Ledger device and recovery phrase are the keys to your crypto — protect them accordingly.

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