Everything you need to sign in safely, protect your recovery phrase, and troubleshoot common connection or device issues. Read the FAQ for step-by-step guidance.
To sign in, open Ledger Live on your computer or mobile device and connect your Ledger hardware wallet when prompted. Use the official Ledger Live app downloaded from the official website (never from third-party mirrors). Unlock your device by entering your PIN on the hardware wallet, then follow the on-screen prompts in Ledger Live to pair the device. Never enter your 24-word recovery phrase into the app or any website — Ledger Live only asks for device confirmation using the physical device buttons.
If you forget your device PIN, the only secure option is to perform a factory reset and restore from your recovery phrase. Resetting will erase all keys stored on the device. After reset, choose the "Restore device" option in the setup flow and carefully enter your 24-word recovery phrase to recover accounts. Only restore using your original recovery phrase — do not use phrases offered by others.
Your recovery phrase (24 words) was generated and displayed on your Ledger device during onboarding. It is the single backup of your private keys and is required only to restore a device — not to sign in daily. Keep it offline, stored in a safe and private place (metal backup recommended). Never photograph, type into a computer, or share the recovery phrase. Ledger or any legitimate app will never ask you for these words directly.
Ledger Live manages blockchain-specific applications that run on your device. When you add an account for a specific coin, Ledger Live may prompt you to install the corresponding app on the device to enable transaction signing. This process is safe and happens locally; the app is small code that helps the device construct and sign transactions for that cryptocurrency.
You can open Ledger Live in "portfolio view" to see previously cached balances or receive addresses, but to sign transactions, send funds, or access private keys you must connect your hardware device and confirm actions on-device. Treat Ledger Live as a companion to your hardware wallet; it never holds your private keys.
First, try a different USB cable and port; use the cable that came with your device if possible. Ensure the device is powered and unlocked. On desktop, close other wallet apps that might block the USB connection. Update Ledger Live to the latest version and allow any driver prompts on your computer. If problems persist, consult the official support steps: reconnect, reboot your computer, and try again. Do not plug your device into public or untrusted computers.
Ledger Live uses secure encrypted connections for network activity, but public Wi‑Fi can expose metadata and man‑in‑the‑middle risks. Avoid signing sensitive transactions on public networks and consider using a trusted mobile data connection or a secure home/office network when possible. Always confirm transaction details on the device screen before approving.
Only accept firmware updates that are signed and delivered through the official Ledger Live update flow. If you see unexpected prompts or unfamiliar messages, do not confirm them on the device. Disconnect the device and verify the Ledger Live app version and official announcements from the vendor. If in doubt, reach out to official support with device model and firmware version — never disclose your recovery phrase.
In Ledger Live, go to Accounts > Add account, choose the currency, and follow the on-screen steps to open the app on your device so the account can be synchronized. To remove an account from the interface, choose the account, then the settings icon and remove it — this only removes the view in the app; it does not delete the accounts from the blockchain. You can re-add it anytime with the same recovery phrase.
Keep your recovery phrase offline and in multiple secure locations (metal backup plates, safe deposit box). Use a PIN that is memorable but not guessable; do not reuse passwords across unrelated services. Keep Ledger Live and your device firmware up to date, verify downloads from the official website, and enable passphrase features only if you fully understand how they work — a passphrase increases security but also the complexity of recovery.