Getting started — Ledger: Account Login & Setup

Introduction

Ledger devices (Nano S, Nano S Plus, Nano X) are hardware wallets that securely hold your private keys offline. Ledger Live is the companion app (desktop & mobile) used to manage accounts, check balances, send/receive crypto, install device apps, and interact with some services such as staking and swaps. This guide will walk you through the login and setup experience, explain what "login" means in Ledger's context, and show step-by-step how to use Ledger Live safely.

Understanding "login" with Ledger

Unlike centralized exchanges, Ledger does not use a username/password login that controls your funds. Instead, access is protected by the physical Ledger device and a PIN you set on that device. "Logging in" to Ledger Live typically means opening the app and connecting/unlocking your Ledger device so it can sign transactions. Your recovery phrase (12/24 words) is the ultimate backup — never enter it into Ledger Live or any website.

Ledger Live will never ask you for your recovery phrase. If any site or person asks for it, stop immediately — it’s a scam.

Before you begin: what you’ll need

• A Ledger hardware device (Nano S family or Nano X).
• Laptop/desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux) or a mobile device (iOS/Android).
• USB cable or Bluetooth (for Nano X) to connect the device.
• A pen and secure place to store your recovery phrase (paper or metal backup).

Step 1 — Download & verify Ledger Live

1. Go to the official Ledger website and download Ledger Live for your platform. Always verify the URL and checksum when possible.
2. Install the app and open it. The first-run experience will guide you to choose "Get started" and whether you already have a device or need to set up a new one.

Tip: If you’re unsure about the site you landed on, use the official link from Ledger’s social media profiles or trusted sources. Avoid downloading from third-party mirrors.

Step 2 — Initialize or restore your Ledger device

If your device is brand new, choose Set up as new device. If you already have a recovery phrase from another hardware wallet, choose Restore device.

1. On a new device: pick a PIN. Reboot to confirm the PIN.
2. Write down the recovery phrase exactly as shown — Ledger will display 24 words (or 12 on some older models). Confirm the phrase when prompted.
3. For restoring: enter your recovery phrase carefully using the device buttons.

Never store the recovery phrase on a computer, phone, cloud storage, or online photo. Use a dedicated metal backup for maximum durability.

Step 3 — Connecting Ledger Live & adding accounts

1. Open Ledger Live and choose Get started.
2. Select your Ledger model and choose whether to install firmware updates if prompted.
3. Go to Manager in Ledger Live, connect/unlock your device, and allow Ledger Live to manage apps.
4. Install the blockchain apps you need (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) on the device via the Manager.
5. Go to Accounts > Add account and follow prompts to add your first account. Ledger Live will scan the blockchain to find your addresses.

Accounts in Ledger Live are watch-only interfaces that pair with apps on the device. Transactions are always signed on-device — Ledger Live only displays balances and transaction history.

Step 4 — Receiving funds (verify on device)

1. In Ledger Live, click Receive and select the account.
2. Connect and unlock your Ledger device and open the corresponding app (e.g., Bitcoin app).
3. Ledger Live shows an address — check that the address displayed in Ledger Live matches the one shown on your device screen before sharing it.
4. Copy the address and use it to receive funds. Always confirm on-device to avoid malware substitution.

Never trust an address only shown on your computer. Always confirm the address on the physical Ledger device.

Step 5 — Sending funds (sign on-device)

1. Click Send in Ledger Live, pick the account, and enter destination and amount.
2. Connect and unlock your device, open the correct app, and review transaction details shown on-device.
3. Confirm the transaction on your device by pressing the physical buttons — this signs the transaction with your private key stored on the device.

For smart contract interactions or DeFi, double-check contract addresses, approvals, and gas fees. Ledger shows some contract details on-device but not always every element — use trusted interfaces and review on-chain data where possible.

Account management: multiple accounts, tokens & NFTs

You can add multiple accounts for the same blockchain (e.g., multiple Ethereum addresses). Ledger Live supports many tokens automatically, and it has NFT viewing features for some chains. For advanced token management, third-party wallets (that support Ledger signing) may be used while still requiring on-device confirmation.

Security: PINs, passphrases, and recovery

• PIN: Required to unlock the device. Use a PIN you can remember but not easily guessable.
• Passphrase (optional): An extra word you can add to your recovery phrase to create a hidden wallet. Powerful but risky if forgotten.
• Recovery phrase: Your ultimate backup. Store it offline and in multiple secure locations if needed.

If you use a passphrase, losing it means losing access to the accounts derived from that passphrase. Treat it like a second recovery phrase.

Common issues & quick fixes

1. Device not detected: Try a different USB cable/port, enable Bluetooth (Nano X), or restart Ledger Live. Ensure the device is unlocked and on the correct app.
2. App installation fails: Free up device storage by uninstalling unused apps (this does not delete funds).
3. Stuck transactions: Low fees can delay confirmations. For advanced users, use replace-by-fee or nonce management where available.

Best practices & final checklist

• Buy Ledger devices only from official stores or authorized resellers.
• Never share your recovery phrase or enter it into any app or website.
• Confirm addresses on-device for every receive and confirm every transaction on-device before approving.
• Keep Ledger Live and device firmware updated from official sources.

If someone offers to help you recover funds and asks for your recovery phrase or to move funds through their account, it is a scam. Always retain control of your recovery phrase.