Ledger® Login — Getting started

Official Ledger® Support — step-by-step instructions, safety tips and troubleshooting for logging in to Ledger Live and Ledger devices.

Overview

This guide walks you through logging into Ledger® services safely — whether you're using Ledger Live (desktop / mobile) or signing into a web-based dApp with your Ledger hardware. We'll cover prerequisites, step-by-step login flows, security best practices, common errors and how to resolve them.

Who this is for

  • New Ledger users setting up Ledger Live for the first time.
  • People who already have a Ledger hardware wallet and need help signing into apps securely.
  • Anyone who wants to understand the safe way to authenticate using a hardware wallet.

What you’ll need

  1. A Ledger hardware device (Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, or other Ledger model).
  2. Ledger Live installed on your computer or mobile device (download from the official Ledger website).
  3. Your Ledger PIN code and physical access to your device.
  4. For web sign-ins: a supported browser (Chrome, Edge, Brave, or Firefox) and any required browser extension if instructed by the website.
Important: Ledger never asks for your 24-word recovery phrase. If any website, email or pop-up asks for your recovery phrase — this is a scam. Never share it.

Login to Ledger Live — Desktop

Follow these steps to open and unlock Ledger Live on your computer.

  1. Open Ledger Live on your computer.
  2. If this is your first time, choose Get started then follow the setup instructions to add an account and install apps on your device. If you already have Ledger Live configured, choose Open or your profile.
  3. Connect your Ledger device to your computer with the supplied USB cable and unlock it by entering your PIN on the device screen.
  4. On the device, navigate to the appropriate app (for example, Bitcoin or Ethereum) if Ledger Live requires it.
  5. Ledger Live will detect the device and allow you to access your accounts. If prompted to allow a connection, verify the prompt on your device and approve.

Troubleshooting

  • Device not detected: Try a different USB cable or port, and ensure the device is unlocked before opening Ledger Live.
  • App missing on device: Open Manager in Ledger Live and install the required app for the cryptocurrency you want to use.

Login to Ledger Live — Mobile

Ledger Live Mobile connects to Ledger devices via Bluetooth (Ledger Nano X) or by using your mobile device as a companion app for accounts previously set up on desktop.

  1. Install Ledger Live from the official app store.
  2. Open the app and follow the prompts to Restore or Connect to your Ledger device.
  3. For Bluetooth pairing, enable Bluetooth on your phone and confirm the pairing code shown on your Ledger device.
  4. Enter your PIN on the device to unlock and approve the connection.

Security tip

Always confirm the device model and pairing request on the hardware device itself before approving — do not rely on the phone screen alone.

Signing into websites / dApps using your Ledger

Many decentralized applications allow wallet-based authentication. When authenticating with Ledger, the Ledger device is used only to sign messages or transactions — your private keys never leave the device.

  1. Visit the dApp or service and choose Connect wallet > Hardware wallet or Ledger.
  2. Follow the on-screen steps to connect; a browser popup may request permission to use your Ledger.
    • Open the relevant app on your Ledger device (for example, Ethereum for ERC-20 and many web3 apps).
    • Approve the connection on both the website and your device when asked.
  3. When the site requests a signature, carefully read the message. If it looks suspicious or unexpected, decline and investigate.
Ledger will only sign the exact message or transaction shown on the device display. Verify amounts, addresses, and requested permissions before approving.

Common errors and fixes

"Connection refused" or "No device found"

Often caused by browser permissions, disconnected cable, or outdated Ledger Live. Try these quick fixes:

  1. Reconnect the USB cable and unlock your device.
  2. Close and reopen Ledger Live or the browser, and grant USB permissions when prompted.
  3. Update Ledger Live and the firmware on your Ledger device if updates are available.

"Invalid signature" or unexpected signature request

Do not approve. This can happen when a malicious site requests a signature to take control of assets or permissions. Cancel and verify the website's reputation.

Firmware mismatch

If Ledger Live reports an incompatible firmware version, follow the suggested update procedure in Ledger Live's Manager — only update from the official Ledger Live application and when advised. Do not apply firmware files downloaded from unknown sources.

Security Best Practices

  • Never share your 24-word recovery phrase with anyone or enter it on a website.
  • Keep Ledger Live and device firmware up to date, using only official Ledger downloads.
  • Use a strong, memorable PIN; if your device has passphrase support and you understand it, consider using it carefully as an additional layer.
  • Always verify connection prompts, addresses and amounts directly on the Ledger device display.
  • Store your recovery sheet in a secure, offline location. Consider using fireproof and waterproof storage.

Advanced: Using Passphrases and Multiple Profiles

Ledger devices support optional passphrase (BIP39 passphrase) functionality. This effectively creates hidden wallets derived from the same recovery phrase + passphrase. Use this only if you:

  • Understand the risk and the fact that losing the passphrase means losing access to those hidden accounts permanently.
  • Have a secure, separate method of storing the passphrase.

FAQ

Q — Can Ledger Live be hacked?

A — Ledger Live itself is an app used to interact with your device. The security model relies on your hardware device keeping private keys offline. Attackers can try to trick you via phishing sites or malicious software; follow security best practices to minimize risk.

Q — I lost my PIN, what now?

A — After three incorrect PIN attempts the device will wipe. You can restore your wallet using your 24-word recovery phrase on the same model or a compatible wallet. If you lost both device and recovery phrase, you cannot recover funds.

Quick checklist before logging in

  • Download Ledger Live only from the official Ledger website.
  • Confirm the web address of any site you sign into and look for obvious signs of phishing (strange domain names, poor grammar, unusual popups).
  • Keep your recovery phrase offline at all times.
  • Verify any signature requests on the device screen before approving.

Sample troubleshooting commands (for advanced users)

-- On Linux: check USB devices
lsusb

-- On macOS: view system report > USB
-- Update Ledger Live from the app: Help → Check for updates

Step-by-step: first-time setup & login (concise)

  1. Unbox your Ledger device and power it on.
  2. Create a new device PIN when prompted and write down the 24-word recovery phrase on the provided recovery sheet.
  3. Install Ledger Live from the official ledger.com website and open the app.
  4. Follow Get started → choose I have a device or I want to set up a new device, then proceed with the on-screen instructions.
  5. Connect your Ledger to Ledger Live and add accounts to manage your assets.

When to contact Ledger Support

Contact Ledger Support if you encounter firmware update failures, lost device issues, or suspected compromise. Provide only non-sensitive information — never share your recovery phrase or private keys when contacting support.