Logging into Ledger Live
Ledger Live is the official companion application for Ledger hardware wallets. Logging in requires a connected Ledger device and your device PIN. There is no cloud-stored master password — authentication is handled by the device itself. This design ensures that private keys remain on the secure element and are never exposed to the host computer.
First-time login
On first launch, download Ledger Live from the official Ledger site and install it on your machine or mobile. Open the app and choose whether to create a new device or restore an existing one. If you create a new wallet, follow the on-screen instructions to initialize the device, set a PIN, and write down your recovery phrase. If you already have a recovery phrase, select 'Restore' and follow the guided flow to recover your accounts.
Connect your Ledger device
- Connect your Ledger device via USB (or Bluetooth for Nano X).
- Open Ledger Live and choose 'Connect device'.
- Enter your PIN on the device when prompted — this unlocks the secure element.
- Ledger Live will enumerate available apps and prompt you to install necessary coin apps if they are missing.
Restore vs. Create
If you already have a recovery phrase, choose the restore option and enter your seed words on the device as instructed. Restoring on-device reduces the risk of exposing your recovery phrase to the host computer. Creating a new wallet on-device generates a fresh seed and guides you through backing it up. Whether restoring or creating, always verify prompts on the physical device screen.
Using a password manager?
Ledger Live does not require a traditional password for core device access, but it supports an app-level password for additional local convenience. Avoid storing recovery seeds in password managers or cloud services — keep seeds offline. If you choose to use an app password for local access, ensure it complements—not replaces—device-level protections.
Accounts, apps & portfolio
Ledger Live organizes your assets into accounts. Each account maps to a specific cryptocurrency and derives addresses from your device's seed. Use Ledger Live to install coin-specific apps onto your device — these apps enable account derivation and transaction signing for each supported asset.
Adding accounts
- Open Ledger Live and navigate to the 'Accounts' tab.
- Click 'Add account' and select the cryptocurrency.
- Follow prompts to ensure the corresponding app is installed on your Ledger device.
- Confirm the receive address on the device screen before sharing it.
Receiving funds
When you receive funds, always verify the address on your Ledger device. Malware on a compromised computer can alter the address shown on screen; device-side verification prevents this attack. Ledger Live lets you copy and verify addresses, and you should compare the device display to the address you intend to use.
Sending & signing transactions
To send, create the transaction in Ledger Live, review the amount and fee, and confirm on your Ledger device. The device will display the destination address, amount, and fee; only approve if everything matches. Ledger Live broadcasts the signed transaction; the private key never leaves the secure element.
Portfolio & history
Ledger Live aggregates your accounts into a portfolio view, showing balances and recent activity. You can switch the display between fiat and crypto denominations, export your transaction history for accounting, and set up price alerts. Ledger Live also offers portfolio analytics and breakdowns to help you track your holdings over time.
Advanced features & integrations
Ledger Live integrates several advanced features to enhance your crypto experience:
- Swap integrations: On-demand swaps through trusted partners with transparent fees and rate comparisons.
- Staking: Stake supported assets directly in Ledger Live to earn rewards while keeping keys on-device.
- Manager: Install and remove coin apps from your device using the Manager tab.
- Connect to third-party apps: Use Ledger to sign transactions for compatible DeFi and wallet apps that support hardware wallets.
Security options
Ledger devices provide extra security options such as passphrase-protected hidden wallets and advanced multisig integrations through third-party tools. Passphrases act as an additional word appended to your seed and are not stored anywhere by Ledger; losing a passphrase means losing access to funds in that hidden wallet, so manage them carefully.
Keeping Ledger Live secure
- Download Ledger Live only from the official Ledger website.
- Keep both Ledger Live and device firmware up to date.
- Enable OS-level protections (firewall, antivirus) and avoid unknown browser extensions when using companion web apps.
- Backup your recovery phrase offline and test restoring on a spare device if possible.