A clear, secure, step-by-step guide to logging into Ledger® Live, completing the first-time setup, and keeping your crypto safe. Includes handy troubleshooting tips and an FAQ.
Ledger® Live is the official desktop and mobile application from Ledger® that lets you manage your hardware wallet, check balances, send and receive crypto, and install apps on your Ledger® device. Use Ledger® Live as the primary interface for interacting with your Ledger® hardware.
Go to https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live and download the version for your platform (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS).
Run the installer and launch Ledger® Live. You may be asked to allow network access — Ledger® Live requires internet access to sync balances and check app versions.
If you already have a Ledger® device and a recovery phrase, choose Restore device. If you have a brand new device and are creating a new wallet, choose Set up as new device.
Use the supplied USB cable (or Bluetooth for Nano X) and follow the on-screen prompts on both Ledger® Live and your device. Set a PIN on the device when prompted.
Once the device is connected and recognized, use Ledger® Live to add cryptocurrency accounts (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum). Ledger® Live will fetch balances and transaction history.
Ledger® Live uses a local password (optional) to lock the application on your computer or phone. The hardware device uses a PIN you set on the device itself — these are different: the PIN is the gatekeeper to your device, the app password protects the software interface.
Ledger® Live can auto-lock after inactivity — enable this in Settings to reduce risk on shared machines.
The Ledger® Live app password is local to your computer. If you forget it, you can uninstall and reinstall Ledger® Live; this will not affect the funds on your Ledger® device, but you will need to re-add accounts and reconnect your device. Your funds remain secured by your recovery phrase and device PIN.
A: Ledger® Live requires a Ledger® hardware device to perform cryptographic signing for transactions. You can browse the app and read documentation, but to actually manage funds, you need a Ledger® device.
A: If you lose your device, you can recover your wallet (and funds) on a new Ledger® device — or compatible wallet — using your 24-word recovery phrase. Keep that phrase secure and offline.
A: Yes — Ledger® Live is free to download and use. You only pay network fees for transactions on the relevant blockchain.
A: Ledger® Live supports NFTs on certain chains (for example, Ethereum and some L2s). For full NFT features, Ledger® Live may integrate with third-party partners — always verify partner links inside the app.