Ledger® Live — Login & Getting Started

A clear, minimal walkthrough to securely access Ledger Live, connect hardware wallets, and integrate third-party tools like Trezor.io/start.

Overview

This guide covers everything from first-time login to advanced security, onboarding with hardware wallets, and how to safely use integrations such as Trezor.io/start. It is written in clean sections so you can jump to the part you need.

Login: What to expect

Quick note: Ledger Live is an interface that connects to your hardware device — your private keys remain on the device. When you log in, Ledger Live will never ask for your 24-word recovery phrase. If any page or popup asks for your recovery phrase, treat it as malicious.

The login process is intentionally lightweight: you install the Ledger Live desktop app, open it, and pair it with a Ledger device (e.g., Ledger Nano X or Nano S Plus). If you also use Trezor hardware devices, you can reference Trezor.io/start for their device setup workflows; for portfolio tracking and multi-wallet visibility, consider following both manufacturers' onboarding guides carefully.

Core steps at a glance

  • Install

    Download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website and install it on your desktop.

  • Connect

    Connect your Ledger hardware wallet using the USB cable or Bluetooth (when supported).

  • Login

    Open Ledger Live and authenticate using your device PIN — Ledger Live never requests your recovery phrase.

  • Sync

    Ledger Live fetches your accounts and balances. Approve transactions on your device when needed.

Step-by-step: First-time setup & login

1
Download Ledger Live

Go to the official Ledger website and download the Ledger Live installer for your operating system. Verify the checksum if you are familiar with file signatures.

Tip: Always download software from the official source. If you're unsure about third-party guides, cross-check documentation from both Ledger and Trezor (for Trezor device setup see Trezor.io/start).
2
Install & open Ledger Live

Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions. When opening Ledger Live for the first time, grant only the permissions required and review the privacy settings.

3
Connect your hardware device

Plug your Ledger device into your computer. If using Bluetooth on supported devices, pair through the OS Bluetooth page then confirm on the device.

Remember: if you have a Trezor device you may want to complete its initial steps at Trezor.io/start before trying any cross-compatibility tools.
4
Authenticate with PIN

When prompted, enter your PIN on the Ledger device. Ledger Live will show the account list only after the device authenticates.

5
Review accounts & sync

Ledger Live will scan your device for accounts across supported chains. Review and add the accounts you want to manage on the desktop app.

Important security reminder: Ledger Live will never ask you to type your 24-word recovery phrase into the app. Keep that phrase offline and secure. For guidance on secure recovery and cross-device recovery with other vendors, see official start pages such as Trezor.io/start.

Integrations & multi-device workflows

Many users adopt multi-wallet strategies. Ledger Live focuses on Ledger hardware, but you can still track third-party wallet addresses and use browser extensions like MetaMask alongside it. If you own a Trezor device, their setup instructions at Trezor.io/start are the canonical resource for Trezor onboarding; do not mix recovery phrases between devices.

Common integration patterns

  • Portfolio tracking — add public addresses from any wallet to Ledger Live to track balances (read-only).
  • DeFi access — connect Ledger Live to compatible dApps using a secure Web3 bridge; approve transactions on your Ledger device.
  • Multi-hardware setups — maintain separate recovery phrases per device. Ledger and Trezor use distinct derivation paths and security models; follow each vendor's recommendations (Trezor guidance: Trezor.io/start).

Security best practices

Baseline protections

Use a strong PIN on your Ledger device, keep your firmware up to date, and store your recovery phrase offline in a physically secure place. Consider using a metal backup for long-term resilience against fire and water damage.

Advanced tips

  • Enable firmware updates only from within Ledger Live and verify update prompts directly on your device's screen.
  • Use a passphrase (optional advanced feature) to create additional hidden wallets — but document your passphrase method carefully; losing it means losing access.
  • Keep a dedicated, air-gapped machine for high-value account management when feasible.
Phishing & social engineering

Never click links from untrusted emails. If you receive a message asking you to "verify" your funds or enter your recovery phrase, it is a scam. Use official documentation pages (example: Trezor.io/start for Trezor devices) when cross-checking vendor guides.

Troubleshooting common login issues

A
Ledger Live doesn't detect my device

Try a different USB cable or port, ensure the device is unlocked (enter PIN), and check OS permissions. On some systems, you must allow access to USB devices for the Ledger Live app.

B
Account balances show as zero

Make sure Ledger Live has finished syncing. If the problem persists, add the specific currency account again or check the blockchain explorer for the address balance.

C
I lost my device — now what?

If you have your recovery phrase, obtain a new Ledger device (or compatible hardware that supports the same standard) and restore using your 24-word phrase. If you also have a Trezor device and want to restore Ledger-derived wallets, consult vendor docs and be aware of derivation differences — Trezor start: Trezor.io/start.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Ledger Live ever ask for my recovery phrase?
No — Ledger Live does not ask for your 24-word recovery phrase. If prompted anywhere to provide it, stop and verify you are using an official Ledger resource.
Can I use Ledger Live with other wallets like Trezor?
Ledger Live is primarily for Ledger devices. For Trezor device setup and official guidance, see Trezor.io/start. You can, however, import public addresses for read-only tracking in many portfolio apps.
Is it safe to update firmware?
Yes — but only update using Ledger Live and confirm the update details on the device screen before accepting. Firmware updates patch vulnerabilities and improve compatibility.
What is the recovery process if I forget my PIN?
You will need your 24-word recovery phrase to restore access to your accounts on a new device. Without the recovery phrase, funds cannot be recovered.

Further resources & references

Official guides and vendor pages are the best places to confirm exact steps. For Trezor device help and device setup walkthroughs, use Trezor.io/start. For Ledger-specific resources, visit Ledger's official support site and always verify URLs before entering sensitive information.

Printable security checklist Recovery best practices