Ledger Live — Secure Login & Access

Welcome back. Log in safely to access your crypto portfolio.

Ledger Live is the gateway to your hardware wallet assets. The login process blends convenience with security: it confirms your identity to the desktop or mobile application and pairs the app to your physical Ledger device. This guide explains the exact steps for logging in, the protections that preserve your seed and PIN, and practical troubleshooting when access fails.

1. Prepare your Ledger device

Before opening Ledger Live, make sure your Ledger device is updated and physically connected. If using a desktop, connect via USB-C or USB-A with a genuine Ledger cable. For Bluetooth-enabled devices connect via the Ledger Live mobile pairing screen.

2. Open Ledger Live and choose your profile

When Ledger Live opens, select your user profile. New or returning users will be prompted to pair or unlock. If you already have a profile, choose it — Ledger Live stores local configuration data but never stores your secret seed.

3. Unlock your device with your PIN

When prompted, enter your device PIN on the hardware device’s screen — always enter the PIN directly on the device and never on your computer or phone keyboard. Ledger devices are designed so the PIN is confirmed inside the secure element.

4. Approve the connection

Ledger Live will ask you to approve the application connection on the device. Physically confirm; this step prevents remote apps from silently reading public account data. For Bluetooth pairing, confirm the code displayed on the device matches the app.

Security features explained

Ledger Live never asks for your recovery phrase or private keys. Your seed and private keys remain inside the Ledger device's secure element. Ledger Live only handles public account data and broadcasts signed transactions after you explicitly approve them on your device. Additional protections include:

PIN protection: Device PIN prevents local physical access to keys.
Implicit consent: All transaction signatures require manual approval on the device screen.
App isolation: Ledger apps are isolated; installing or opening an app for one currency does not expose other apps' keys.
No backups in cloud: Ledger Live never stores private seeds — only encrypted metadata on your machine for convenience.

Troubleshooting common login issues

Device not recognized? Try a different cable, USB port, or reboot the computer. Ensure the Ledger device is unlocked and showing the dashboard.

Bluetooth pairing failed? Turn off and on Bluetooth, remove existing pairing on your phone, and re-run the pairing flow. For iOS, grant Bluetooth permissions and ensure Low Energy is available.

PIN forgotten? If you cannot recall your PIN, you must reset the device to factory and recover using your 24/12-word recovery phrase — only if you have securely stored it elsewhere. If you don’t have your recovery phrase, funds are unrecoverable.

Best practices for safe login

Keep your recovery phrase physically secure; never type it online or photograph it.
Use a dedicated trusted device — avoid public computers when accessing crypto apps.
Enable system-level disk encryption and a strong OS login password.
Keep Ledger Live up-to-date and download only from Ledger’s official sources.

Advanced options

Ledger Live offers profiles and multiple accounts. You can create separate local profiles for different risk profiles (e.g., trading vs. long-term holding). For team environments or custodial setups, consider hardware security recommendations such as company-managed devices and strict physical policies.

Quick notes:

Never share your recovery phrase or type it into any app or web page. Ledger Live is a management interface — the hardware device is the single source of truth for your private keys.