This guide explains how to securely install Ledger Live, connect your Ledger hardware device, and log in safely. It focuses on protecting your recovery phrase, avoiding phishing, and keeping your computer and device up to date. Follow these steps to reduce risk and maintain full control of your crypto assets.
Quick safety summary
Only download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website.
Your recovery phrase is the single most critical secret — never share it.
Use a hardware PIN and, optionally, a passphrase for extra security.
Keep firmware and app software up to date; apply updates from official sources only.
1. Downloading and installing Ledger Live
Open your browser and go to ledger.com/ledger-live (type the address manually — do not follow search engine ads or links in emails).
Choose the correct platform (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android or iOS) and download the official installer.
Verify the installer when possible: Ledger publishes package signatures and checksum fingerprints — check them against the site copy if you are familiar with verification. If you're not, rely on the official download page and avoid third-party mirrors.
Run the installer and follow on-screen instructions. Ledger Live will prompt you to connect a Ledger device in later steps.
If any dialog or software asks for your 24‑word recovery phrase or device PIN outside the Ledger device screen, treat it as malicious and close the application immediately.
2. Setting up your Ledger hardware device (if not already done)
Setting up the physical Ledger device (Nano S / Nano S Plus / Nano X) should be done in a private space. If you already set up your device before, skip to section 3.
Power on the device and choose to initialize as a new device.
Create a PIN on the device. Use a PIN you can remember but that others cannot guess. Avoid common patterns (e.g., 0000, 1234).
Write down the 24-word recovery phrase exactly, in order, on the recovery sheet provided — never in a screenshot, digital note, photo or on cloud storage.
Store the recovery sheet in a safe physical location (e.g., safe deposit box or home safe). Consider geographic redundancy: keep copies in multiple secure locations but avoid storing multiple copies in the same place to reduce theft risk.
Consider a metal seed backup (stamped or engraved) for fire and water resistance. These are more durable than paper and reduce the risk of loss due to environmental damage.
3. Pairing your Ledger device with Ledger Live — secure login steps
Open Ledger Live on your computer or phone.
When prompted, choose Get started and select the correct Ledger device model.
Connect the Ledger device via USB (or Bluetooth for Ledger Nano X). Always initiate the connection from Ledger Live, not from the device alone.
Follow the in-app instructions to confirm the device name and firmware. Ledger Live will detect whether your device's firmware is up to date; accept official updates only when prompted by Ledger Live and confirm on the device screen.
Create or restore an account in Ledger Live by following the app prompts and confirming actions on the hardware device screen. The device itself is the only place the PIN and recovery phrase should be entered or displayed.
4. Best practices for daily login and use
Always check the device screen. Any transaction or critical action must be reviewed and approved on the Ledger device — never accept a transaction only from Ledger Live without confirming it visually on the device.
Use a strong OS user account password on the computer. If others use the same machine, create separate user accounts to isolate Ledger Live data.
Enable your operating system’s built-in security: automatic updates, firewall, and anti-malware software. Keep these tools updated.
For mobile users, only install Ledger Live from the official app store (Apple App Store or Google Play) and avoid downloading APKs from unknown sources.
5. Protecting against phishing and scams
Phishing remains the most common attack vector. Attackers impersonate Ledger, create fake Ledger Live downloads, or send emails asking for recovery phrases.
Never click links in unsolicited emails that claim to be from Ledger — go to the official website manually.
Ledger will never ask for your 24-word recovery phrase or device PIN via email, chat, or phone. If anyone asks, it’s a scam.
Verify domain names carefully. Scammers often use domains that look similar to "ledger.com" — double-check the URL for typos before entering any information.
6. Advanced protections
Passphrase (25th word): Advanced users can enable an extra passphrase on top of the 24-word seed. This creates hidden wallets. Use this only if you understand the risks and store the passphrase securely — if you forget it, funds are unreachable.
Use a dedicated device / air-gapped computer: For very large holdings, consider signing transactions on an air‑gapped machine or using a dedicated, minimal‑use computer to reduce exposure to malware.
Multi‑signature wallets: For institutional or high-value setups, use multi‑sig schemes to split control between devices or parties.
7. Updating and maintenance
Regularly open Ledger Live and check for firmware and app updates. Only apply updates when Ledger Live explicitly prompts you and the device prompts you to confirm on-screen.
Before updating, ensure you have access to your recovery phrase in case a restore is needed.
Periodically review connected applications and remove unused apps from the Ledger device to minimize attack surface.
8. Troubleshooting login problems
If Ledger Live fails to detect your device: try a different cable/USB port, and ensure the device is unlocked with the PIN.
If Ledger Live shows an unexpected error, restart Ledger Live and your computer. If the problem persists, consult official Ledger support pages — avoid third-party forums for sensitive recovery steps.
Never enter your recovery phrase into Ledger Live or any website. Restores must be performed only on a Ledger device or a trusted, offline process you fully control.