Clear, practical steps to install Ledger Live, connect your Ledger device, create or restore a wallet, add accounts, and follow security best practices. This guide is written for new and returning users.
Ledger Live is the official desktop and mobile companion app for Ledger hardware wallets. It connects to your Ledger device (Nano S, Nano S Plus, Nano X, and later models) and provides a secure interface for managing crypto accounts, installing apps on your device, sending and receiving assets, and monitoring portfolio activity. Ledger Live itself does not store your private keys — those remain secured inside the hardware device.
What you'll need before you begin
A supported Ledger hardware device (Ledger Nano S, Nano S Plus, Nano X, or later).
A computer (Windows, macOS, or Linux) or a smartphone with Ledger Live mobile installed.
A USB cable for desktop connection, or Bluetooth-capable device when using Nano X with a mobile phone.
Your 24-word recovery phrase only if you plan to restore an existing wallet. Keep this offline and private.
Download and install Ledger Live safely
Always download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website or your device’s official app store. Avoid third-party download sites and email links that claim to be official — phishing attempts are common. When possible, verify the installer with checksums provided by the official source.
Quick safety tip: If an email or message asks you to enter your recovery phrase or to open a link to update your Ledger, treat it as suspicious. Ledger support will never ask for your recovery phrase.
Initial setup: create a new device
When you power on a new Ledger device for the first time, follow the on-device prompts to:
Choose Create a new device during the setup flow.
Set a secure PIN code directly on the device screen. This PIN protects local access to the device.
Write down the 24-word recovery phrase exactly as displayed. Store it offline — never photograph it or store it in the cloud.
Confirm the recovery words when prompted to ensure you recorded them correctly.
Restore an existing wallet from a recovery phrase
If you already own a wallet and possess its recovery phrase, you can restore it to a Ledger device:
Choose Restore from recovery phrase on the device during setup.
Enter your recovery words in the exact order shown originally. Devices commonly accept 12-, 18-, or 24-word phrases depending on how your previous wallet was configured; follow the device prompts exactly.
After restoration, set a new PIN on the device to complete the process.
Logging into Ledger Live (how the app works)
Ledger Live itself doesn’t have a cloud account to log into with an email/password. Instead, the app communicates with your Ledger hardware device. To access and manage accounts in Ledger Live:
Open Ledger Live on your computer or phone.
Connect and unlock your Ledger device using the PIN you created.
Allow Ledger Live to access the device when prompted (permissions appear differently on desktop vs mobile).
Ledger Live will then scan the device and derive accounts based on the recovery phrase secured in the device.
Adding accounts and synchronizing
To view balances and manage assets, add accounts for the blockchains you use:
Go to the Accounts tab and click Add account.
Select the cryptocurrency (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana). Some coins require installing a small app on your Ledger device via the Ledger Live Manager.
Follow prompts and allow Ledger Live to scan the blockchain. Scanning may take a few minutes depending on account history and network speed.
Receiving and verifying addresses
Always verify receive addresses on your Ledger device screen before sharing them. Malware on a computer can alter addresses displayed in applications, so the device’s physical display is the single source of truth.
In Ledger Live, open the account and click Receive.
Connect and unlock your device. Ledger Live will show an address and the device will show the same address for manual confirmation.
Only use the address displayed on the device screen; copy/paste from the app only after confirming the device view.
Sending transactions and on-device approvals
When sending funds, Ledger Live constructs the transaction but the digital signature is produced inside your Ledger device. You must physically approve each transaction on the device before it is broadcast.
Click Send in the account, enter recipient address and amount, and review fees.
Ledger Live will ask you to confirm the transaction on your device. Check the details and approve on-device to sign securely.
Security best practices (must-read)
Never disclose your 24-word recovery phrase. Ledger support or any legitimate service will never request it.
Keep your recovery phrase physically offline and in a safe place — consider a fireproof or bank safety option for long-term holdings.
Use a strong, unique PIN and protect your devices from physical tampering.
Only install Ledger Live from the official Ledger website or trusted app stores and keep it updated.
Beware of phishing websites and fake installers. When in doubt, manually type the official URL into your browser rather than following links.
Troubleshooting common login and connection issues
Device not detected: Try a different USB cable and port, ensure the device is unlocked, and check Ledger Live permissions. If using a phone with Nano X over Bluetooth, confirm Bluetooth is enabled and the device is in pairing mode.
Need to install a coin app on device: Some assets require you to install a dedicated app on the Ledger device via the Manager tab inside Ledger Live.
Syncing/scanning delays: Ensure you have a stable internet connection and avoid running heavy network tasks simultaneously. Ledger Live completes scans automatically.
Forgot PIN: If the PIN is forgotten, reset the device and restore using your recovery phrase. This erases local secrets; restore to regain account access.
Advanced usage
For power users:
Use multiple accounts and BIP32 derivation paths to segregate funds by purpose.
Connect Ledger to third-party dApps via WalletConnect or supported browser integrations for DeFi or NFTs, but always verify transactions on-device.
Create watch-only setups by exporting extended public keys to monitor addresses without exposing signing capability to the host machine.
FAQ — quick answers
Do I need internet to use Ledger Live?
Yes — Ledger Live needs internet to fetch blockchain balances and transaction history. Private keys remain stored on the device offline.
Can Ledger Live be used on multiple devices?
Yes. You may install Ledger Live on multiple computers and phones. Your funds remain secured by the Ledger device and your recovery phrase, not by the application installations.
What if my device is lost or damaged?
If you have the recovery phrase, you can restore your wallet to a new Ledger device or any compatible wallet. Without the recovery phrase, funds cannot be recovered.
This guide is intended as a practical walkthrough and not a replacement for official Ledger documentation. Software, features, and security guidance change over time. Always consult the official Ledger resources for the most current instructions.