Support • How-to

Ledger® Live Login® — A Box-by-Box Guide

This concise presentation walks you through the essentials of signing in to Ledger Live, staying safe, and solving common sign-in issues. It’s written for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS users, and emphasizes security at every step.

Approx. 900 words Beginner–Friendly Security-Focused
Overview

What is Ledger Live?

Ledger Live is the companion application for Ledger hardware wallets. It lets you install apps on your device, manage accounts, view balances, and sign transactions while keeping private keys isolated on the hardware. Logging in to Ledger Live primarily confirms it’s really you using your device and your chosen security layers (PIN, passcode, or password lock).

Key idea: Ledger Live never needs your 24-word recovery phrase to log in. If a page asks for it, stop immediately—this is a red flag.
Concepts

How Ledger Live Login Works

On desktop and mobile, Ledger Live uses a local app lock (password/biometrics) and your hardware device to authenticate actions. The app lock protects the interface on your computer or phone. Critical approvals—like sending crypto or installing apps—are confirmed on the hardware device itself.

  • App lock: A local password or biometrics to open the app.
  • Device verification: Confirm sensitive actions on the Ledger device screen.
  • No seed input: The 24-word phrase stays offline—always.
Step-by-Step

Sign-In Steps (Desktop & Mobile)

  1. Open Ledger Live. If prompted, enter your app password or use biometrics.
  2. Connect and unlock your Ledger device with its PIN.
  3. Launch the required app on the device if prompted (e.g., Ethereum).
  4. Wait for Ledger Live to sync accounts; avoid disconnecting during sync.
  5. Verify that balances and accounts load correctly.
Good practice: If you move to a new computer, treat the first sign-in like a fresh setup—verify downloads, check device integrity, and enable the app lock right away.
Security

Security Best Practices During Login

  • Download authenticity: Only install Ledger Live from the official source. Bookmark it to avoid look-alikes.
  • Never type the 24 words: No website or support agent needs your recovery phrase—ever.
  • Use the app lock: Set a strong password and enable auto-lock after inactivity.
  • Check device screen: Always confirm addresses and prompts on the Ledger device itself.
  • Network hygiene: Avoid public Wi-Fi for critical operations; consider a trusted VPN.
  • Keep systems updated: OS, firmware, and app updates patch known vulnerabilities.
Help

Troubleshooting Sign-In Issues

App won’t open or keeps crashing

  • Update Ledger Live to the latest version.
  • Restart your device (computer/phone) and try again.
  • Check storage space and system updates.

Device not recognized

  • Use the original cable or a high-quality data cable.
  • Try a different USB port; avoid hubs if possible.
  • Unlock with the correct PIN and open the right app on the device.

App password forgotten

  • You can reset the app lock. Your accounts derive from the seed on your hardware device.
  • After reset, reconnect your Ledger and re-sync accounts.
Quick checks

Fast Diagnostics

  1. Confirm you’re on the official app, not a web clone.
  2. Test a second cable/port and reboot the computer.
  3. Disable conflicting apps (e.g., other wallet bridges) temporarily.
  4. If mobile, toggle airplane mode off/on, then Bluetooth or cable.
  5. Review recent OS updates; some require re-authorizing USB/Bluetooth.
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need internet to log in? You need connectivity for syncing accounts and fetching network data, but key approvals are done on the hardware device.

Can I log in on multiple devices? Yes. Install Ledger Live on each, enable an app lock, then connect your Ledger to sync accounts locally.

What if my computer is compromised? The attacker still cannot access your private keys without your hardware device and approvals, but you should assume all on-screen data could be tampered with. Use a clean machine.

Does Ledger Live store my seed? No. Your 24-word phrase never leaves the hardware wallet.