Ledger® Live: Login — Getting Started

What this guide covers: download & verify Ledger® Live, how the login/connection works, step-by-step getting-started flow, and essential security checks you must perform before using your Ledger device.

1. Quick summary — how Ledger® Live “login” works

Ledger® Live does not use an email/password “login” to access your wallet. Instead, the app connects to your physical Ledger hardware device (your security key). All transaction approvals and private-key operations happen on the device itself — Ledger® Live is the companion app that reads and displays account data while the device signs operations. This reduces remote credential risk and keeps private keys offline. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

2. Download & verify the correct Ledger® Live installer

Always download Ledger® Live from the official Ledger website and the official app stores. Use the Ledger-provided checksum/signature to verify the installer before opening it on your computer — verifying the file prevents supply-chain and fake-app attacks. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Download checklist

Go to the official Ledger Live download page (Ledger.com) and choose your OS. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Compare the installer’s SHA512 hash with Ledger’s published signature file to confirm authenticity. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Only install the app after successful verification.

3. Getting started: first-run flow (desktop & mobile)

After installing Ledger® Live, open the app and follow the guided onboarding:

Choose Get started and select your Ledger device model. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Follow steps to either Set up as new device (create PIN + recovery phrase) or Restore from recovery phrase (24/12 words) if you already have a wallet. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Install the companion apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) from the My Ledger / Manager section as prompted.

Important: Ledger® Live will prompt you to confirm actions on your physical device. Always verify the displayed address or transaction details directly on the device screen before approving.

4. Mobile vs Desktop nuances

Ledger® Live is available for desktop and mobile (iOS / Android). The mobile app provides the same safety model: the Ledger device signs operations and the app provides the interface. On mobile, pairing uses Bluetooth for Ledger Nano X or a direct cable for other supported models — follow the prompts exactly. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

5. Security best practices — must-read

Urgent warning: Fake Ledger apps and tampered installers have been used by attackers to steal seed phrases — always download Ledger® Live from the official domain and verify installer signatures. Never enter your recovery phrase into any app or website. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

Never share your recovery phrase. Ledger support will never ask for it.
Verify installers: check SHA512 signature files published on Ledger’s site before installing. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
Confirm on-device: every transaction/address must be reviewed and approved on your physical device screen.
Keep firmware & app updated: install firmware updates only when prompted by Ledger® Live and verify prompts on-device. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
Use a passphrase (optional): for an additional layer of security, advanced users may enable an additional passphrase — treat it like a separate secret.

6. Common issues & quick fixes

Device not detected: check cable/USB port, try a different port, and ensure Ledger Live and device firmware are up-to-date. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
Installer blocked or flagged: re-download from Ledger.com and verify file signature before running. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
Scam alerts: if anything asks for your seed phrase or to type words into an app/website, stop and assume it’s malicious. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}

7. Short example flow — sign & send (what to expect)

Open Ledger® Live, go to Accounts, select an account and choose Send.
Enter recipient address and amount in the app; Ledger® Live will show an overview.
Your Ledger device will display the exact address and amount — verify every character and approve on-device to sign the transaction.
Transaction is broadcast by Ledger® Live; the private key never leaves the device.

8. Final notes & official resources

For step-by-step visuals, official downloads, and verification files, always consult Ledger’s official documentation and support pages. Official resources and download pages provide the most accurate, up-to-date instructions. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}

Download Ledger® Live (official)