Ledger Live — Login & Access Guide

Ledger Live is the companion application for Ledger hardware wallets. “Logging in” to Ledger Live is different from a traditional username/password web login — access is tied to your physical Ledger device and the PIN you set on it. This guide explains how to open Ledger Live, connect and unlock your Ledger device, common login steps for desktop and mobile, plus security and troubleshooting tips.

Before you begin

Make sure you have your Ledger hardware wallet (for example Ledger Nano X, Ledger Nano S Plus) and the PIN code you created during device setup. Also have your 24-word recovery phrase stored securely offline — you should never enter that phrase into Ledger Live or any app. Ensure your device has sufficient battery (if it’s a Bluetooth model) and that your computer or phone is updated to a supported operating system.

Desktop — How to access Ledger Live

1. Open the Ledger Live application. Launch the installed Ledger Live program on your computer.
2. Connect your Ledger device. Plug the device into your computer using the USB cable. If you have a Bluetooth-compatible model, you can pair it via Bluetooth from the mobile app instead of USB on desktop.
3. Unlock the device with your PIN. On the Ledger device screen, enter your PIN using the device buttons. Ledger Live will detect the unlocked device.
4. Open the Accounts view. If you already added accounts, Ledger Live will show balances and recent transactions. If this is the first time, use “Add account” to import accounts from the device; this does not expose your private keys — they remain on the device.
5. Confirm operations on the device. Any send, exchange, staking setup, or other sensitive operations initiated in Ledger Live must be confirmed physically on the Ledger device, ensuring transactions are authorized by you.

Mobile — How to access Ledger Live on phone

1. Install and open Ledger Live Mobile. Launch the Ledger Live app on your smartphone.
2. Pair your Ledger device (if using Bluetooth). For Bluetooth-enabled devices, follow the pairing flow from the app. For non-Bluetooth devices, use a compatible OTG cable if your phone supports it.
3. Unlock the device with your PIN. Enter your PIN on the device itself — never type your PIN or recovery phrase into the mobile app.
4. Use the app to view accounts and request operations. As with desktop, any transaction must be confirmed on the device.

Security best practices

• Never type or upload your 24-word recovery phrase into Ledger Live or any website/app. Ledger Live never asks for your recovery phrase as part of normal operation.
• Always confirm transaction details on the physical device screen before approving.
• Keep your device firmware and Ledger Live application updated to the latest stable releases provided by Ledger.
• Store your recovery phrase offline in a secure, fire- and water-resistant place. Consider metal backup solutions for long-term durability.
• If someone asks you for your recovery phrase or PIN, treat it as a scam and refuse to share.

Troubleshooting common login issues

If Ledger Live does not detect your device, try these steps:

• Make sure the device is unlocked (PIN entered) and the screen is on.
• Try a different USB cable or port — some cables are power-only and won’t transmit data.
• Restart Ledger Live and your computer or phone, then reconnect the device.
• Ensure no other application is blocking USB access to the device.
• For Bluetooth pairing issues, turn device Bluetooth off and on, and remove any old pairings from your phone.
• If Ledger Live prompts for an update, apply it — sometimes compatibility requires the latest app or firmware.

What to do if you forget your PIN

If you forget the PIN, the only safe recovery method is to reset the device and restore from your 24-word recovery phrase. Resetting erases the device; restoring from the recovery phrase recovers your accounts and private keys. Only restore using your physical recovery phrase and the device itself — never restore on untrusted devices or software.

Final notes

Access to Ledger Live depends on possession of your Ledger device and its PIN — this hardware-first model provides strong protection for private keys. Always treat your recovery phrase and PIN as highly sensitive information. When in doubt about any prompt or page, stop and verify — security-first thinking will keep your crypto assets safe.