Quick, practical guidance to log in safely, protect your recovery credentials, and troubleshoot Ledger Live access.
Ledger Live is the official desktop and mobile companion app for Ledger hardware wallets. It allows you to view balances, send/receive crypto, install app updates, and manage multiple accounts from a single interface. Because Ledger Live is the gateway to your hardware wallet’s operations, logging in safely and following best practices prevents theft, phishing, and malware risks.
Important: never enter your 12/24-word recovery phrase into Ledger Live or any software — the recovery phrase must remain offline and private. If any interface requests your seed phrase, it's a scam. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Only download Ledger Live from Ledger’s official site (ledger.com) or official mobile stores. Avoid third-party sites or search-engine links that look like Ledger but are fake. Once downloaded, verify the app’s signature/installer if Ledger provides checksums or signatures for that release.
On desktop, the typical flow is: visit the Ledger Live download page, choose your OS, download the installer, and follow the onboarding prompts. On mobile, install via the Apple App Store or Google Play entries maintained by Ledger. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Connect your Ledger hardware device via USB/Bluetooth (Nano X) and unlock it with your PIN. Ledger Live will detect the device and request device confirmation for critical actions. Always confirm transactions on the device screen — never via your computer alone.
Choose a strong PIN that you can remember but is not easily guessable; do not write your PIN on the same paper as your recovery phrase.
Ledger supports an optional passphrase (a “25th word”) which effectively creates an additional hidden account. This is advanced: treat the passphrase with extreme care; losing it means losing access to that wallet. Only use passphrases if you understand the risks and backup methods. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
If a dialog requests your seed phrase, private key, or asks you to “confirm” your recovery words — do not comply. Instead disconnect immediately and consult official Ledger support pages. Ledger Live never asks for your seed phrase to function. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
If Ledger Live won’t detect your device: check the USB cable and port, try another computer, disable interfering VPN or security software temporarily, and ensure Ledger Live is up-to-date. If Ledger Live prompts for an update, follow the official firmware and app update workflow — updating keeps your device protected by the latest security patches. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Your 12/24-word recovery phrase is the single point of access to your funds. Store it offline in a safe, tamper-resistant way (steel plates, safety deposit box, or secure home safe). Do not photograph, email, or store it in cloud storage. Consider splitting and using trusted physical redundancy strategies (e.g., two geographically separated copies).
Ledger provides official guidance on recovery phrase best practices and strongly warns against digital storage. If you suspect your recovery phrase has been exposed, move assets to a new wallet with a newly generated recovery phrase using a brand-new device. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Update Ledger Live and device firmware promptly. Updates patch vulnerabilities and add protections; Ledger documents the update steps in its support center.
Attackers distribute fake Ledger installers and phishing pages. Only use ledger.com and official support pages. If in doubt, contact Ledger support directly via the official support portal. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Make a legal or practical plan so your heirs can access assets if needed — do not store instructions and seed phrase together in one vulnerable place. Use trusted third parties or legal instruments for high-value estates when appropriate.