Ledger Live — Login Guide

Simple, clear steps and safety tips for accessing Ledger Live
This is an informational guide — never share your recovery phrase.

What is Ledger Live login?

Ledger Live is the desktop/mobile app used to manage a Ledger hardware wallet. The login is a local unlocking step; Ledger Live never asks for your recovery phrase. Use your device (hardware wallet) to confirm sensitive operations.

Quick facts

1

Device-based authentication

Your Ledger device (e.g., Nano S/X) signs transactions — the app is a companion UI that never holds your seed phrase.

2

PIN vs Recovery Phrase

The PIN unlocks your Ledger device. The recovery phrase is used only to restore the device — never enter it into Ledger Live or a website.

3

Local password option

Ledger Live can use a local password to lock the app on your machine — this is separate from the device PIN.

How to safely open Ledger Live (summary)

  1. Install from official source

    Download Ledger Live only from the official Ledger website or verified app stores. Check the URL and code-signing certificate if on desktop.

  2. Open the app and connect your device

    Connect your Ledger hardware wallet via USB or Bluetooth (if supported). Enter your device PIN on the device — not in the app.

  3. Unlock in-app (optional password)

    You may set a local password to lock Ledger Live. This password protects access to the app UI on that computer but does not replace the device PIN.

  4. Approve transactions on-device

    All transaction signing requires manual confirmation on the Ledger device screen — verify the amount and recipient before accepting.

Security — things to never do

Never enter your 24-word recovery phrase into any app, website, form, or chat. Ledger (the company) will never ask for your recovery phrase.
Avoid downloading Ledger Live from third-party sites or links sent over email. Phishing copies of Ledger Live exist — always verify the domain.

Extra safety tips

  • Keep your recovery phrase physically secure and offline — consider a metal backup.
  • Use a strong local password for Ledger Live and keep your OS up to date.
  • Verify software checksums or signatures on desktop installers when possible.
  • Confirm transaction details on the device screen every time.

FAQ

Can Ledger Live be hacked?

Ledger Live itself is software; risks primarily come from phishing, compromised machines, or leakage of your recovery phrase. Using a hardware wallet reduces many attack vectors because approvals happen on the device.

What if I lose my device?

If you lose your Ledger device, you can recover funds on a new device using your 24-word recovery phrase — so keep that phrase safe and offline.

Does Ledger Live store my private keys?

No. Private keys are generated and stored only on the hardware device. Ledger Live communicates with the device to retrieve public addresses and to request signatures.