Ledger® Live: Login | Getting Started™ with Ledger®
A short, practical 500-word guide: download Ledger Live, initialize your device, understand "login", and follow basic security steps.
Download & Install
Get Ledger Live from the official source (type ledger.com/start into your browser). Choose the correct installer for your OS (Windows, macOS, Linux) or install the mobile app from the App Store / Google Play. Always verify HTTPS and avoid links from unsolicited messages.
What "Login" Means
Ledger Live is a local app — it does not hold your private keys. "Logging in" typically means connecting and unlocking your Ledger hardware with its device PIN. Optionally you can enable an app-level passcode for local privacy, but signing transactions always requires the physical device and device PIN.
Initialize Your Device (Create or Restore)
- Create new: follow Ledger Live prompts, set a PIN on the device, and write down the recovery phrase shown on the device. Store it offline.
- Restore: choose restore in Ledger Live and enter your seed words on the device when prompted.
Do not store your recovery phrase digitally or share it. Ledger support will never ask for your seed.
Send & Receive — Safe Flow
To receive: use Ledger Live → Receive, then verify the address on your device screen before sharing it. To send: construct the transaction in Ledger Live, then verify recipient, amount and fee on the device screen and physically confirm to sign.
Quick Security Tips
- Download only from official sources and keep Ledger Live updated.
- Verify addresses and transaction details on the hardware display every time.
- Keep your recovery phrase offline and use a durable backup (paper/metal).
- Avoid public/shared machines for signing high-value transactions.
Troubleshooting
If Ledger Live can’t detect the device: try a different USB cable/port, unlock the device, restart the app, or reinstall drivers on your OS. For web flows that need Bridge, install the Bridge helper when prompted by the official site.