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

Getting started with your Ledger® hardware wallet using Ledger Live is the most secure and user-friendly way to manage your crypto. Whether you're brand new to crypto or upgrading your security, Ledger Live: Login is your first step toward safely accessing and managing digital assets.

This guide will help you understand how to log in, set up, and use Ledger Live for the first time using your Ledger Nano S Plus or Ledger Nano X—all while keeping your funds secure.

🔐 What is Ledger® Live?

Ledger Live is the official software app that allows you to:

  • Safely access your crypto wallets
  • View and track balances
  • Send and receive assets
  • Stake, buy, or swap crypto
  • Install apps on your Ledger device

Ledger Live is available for desktop (Windows, Mac, Linux) and mobile (iOS and Android). This article focuses on the desktop version.

🧰 Before You Begin

Make sure you have the following:

  • A Ledger Nano S Plus or Nano X hardware wallet
  • A computer (Windows/macOS/Linux)
  • A USB cable to connect your Ledger device
  • Your 24-word recovery phrase (if recovering an existing wallet)
  • Access to the official Ledger website: Ledger.com/Start

🖥 Step 1: Download Ledger Live

Go to the official website:
 👉 Ledger.com/Start

Choose the correct download for your operating system:

  • Windows
  • Mac
  • Linux

Click “Download Ledger Live”, install the app, and launch it.

🔒 Important: Only download Ledger Live from the official website. Avoid links from emails, ads, or social media—many phishing scams exist.

👣 Step 2: Open Ledger Live and Choose Setup Type

When you open Ledger Live, it will ask what you want to do:

  • Set up a new device
  • Connect an existing device
  • Restore from recovery phrase

Choose the option that fits your situation:

  • If your device is brand new, click “Set up a new device”
  • If you already use Ledger and want to access your existing wallet, choose “Connect your device”
  • If you’re recovering from a lost or reset device, select “Restore from recovery phrase”

🔐 Step 3: Connect Your Ledger Device and Set Your PIN

Follow the instructions on both your computer screen and Ledger device.

  1. Plug in your Ledger via USB.
  2. Confirm that your device is genuine.
  3. Set a PIN code on your Ledger device (4–8 digits).
  4. If setting up a new device, write down the 24-word recovery phrase as shown on the Ledger device.
🛡️ Never store your recovery phrase on a computer or phone. Write it down and keep it in a safe offline place.

🔁 Step 4: Log In to Ledger Live with Your Device

Once your device is set up:

  1. Open Ledger Live
  2. Plug in your device and enter your PIN
  3. Select your device in Ledger Live (Nano S Plus or Nano X)
  4. Ledger Live will recognize the connected device and unlock your wallet view
⚠️ There is no traditional “username and password login” for Ledger Live. Your Ledger device itself is the login key.

📱 Step 5: Install Crypto Apps

To manage specific cryptocurrencies (like Bitcoin or Ethereum), you must install the relevant apps:

  1. Go to the “Manager” tab in Ledger Live
  2. Confirm access on your device
  3. Install apps for the coins you plan to use

Each app allows Ledger Live to interact with that blockchain.

📁 Step 6: Add Accounts to Ledger Live

Now that your apps are installed, you can add accounts:

  1. Go to the “Accounts” tab
  2. Click “Add account”
  3. Select the cryptocurrency and follow the prompts
  4. Ledger Live will scan the blockchain for wallets tied to your device and add them

This allows you to see balances, transactions, and interact with your funds.

💸 Step 7: Send and Receive Crypto

✅ To Receive:

  1. Click the “Receive” button
  2. Choose the account
  3. Ledger Live shows a wallet address
  4. Verify the address on your Ledger device
  5. Copy and share the address to receive crypto

🚀 To Send:

  1. Click the “Send” button
  2. Enter the recipient’s address and amount
  3. Confirm the transaction on your Ledger device screen

🛡️ Security Tips for Safe Login

  • Always verify addresses on your Ledger device before confirming transactions
  • Never enter your 24-word recovery phrase on your computer or online—only on the Ledger device
  • Use Ledger Live only from Ledger.com/Start
  • Bookmark the official site and avoid clicking on links from emails or messages
  • Use a strong PIN code and keep your recovery phrase offline

🔄 Forgot Your PIN or Reset Device?

If you’ve forgotten your PIN or reset your device:

  1. Choose “Restore from recovery phrase” on the Ledger device
  2. Enter your 24-word phrase carefully
  3. Reinstall Ledger Live and add your accounts again

As long as you have your recovery phrase, your crypto is safe.

❓ FAQs

Q: Do I need to log in every time?
 A: Yes. You’ll need to connect your Ledger device and enter your PIN each time to access Ledger Live.

Q: Is Ledger Live password-protected?
 A: You can enable an optional password lock inside Ledger Live under Settings > Security, but your Ledger device is the main key.

Q: Can I use Ledger Live on multiple computers?
 A: Yes! You can install Ledger Live on multiple devices and log in using the same Ledger hardware wallet.

✅ Final Checklist

TaskStatusDownloaded Ledger Live from official site✅Set up Ledger device & PIN✅Logged in using device (not password)✅Installed crypto apps✅Added accounts✅Sent/received test crypto✅


🎯 Final Thoughts

Using Ledger Live: Login is simple once you understand that your hardware wallet is your login key. There's no username or password—just the highest level of security using your physical Ledger device.

Stay safe, double-check every transaction, and keep your recovery phrase private. With Ledger Live and your Ledger hardware wallet, your crypto is truly under your control.

Need a printable checklist or PDF guide? I’d be happy to provide one!