Overview. Ledger Live, the official companion software for Ledger hardware wallets, allows you to access Web3 capabilities, send and receive cryptocurrency, stake, and manage accounts while preserving your private keys offline. Ledger purposefully created the experience to eliminate the need for the conventional cloud "email + password" private key login; instead, authentication is based on your actual Ledger device and the PIN you establish on it.
How the login works
Connect your hardware device (Nano S, Nano X, etc.) to the desktop or mobile Ledger Live app in order to "log in" to Ledger Live. Critical signature procedures take place on the hardware wallet itself, even if the app maintains account metadata locally. This means an attacker cannot sign transactions without having physical access to your device and your PIN. Ledger will never require you to enter your recovery phrase (seed) into an app or website, therefore keep it offline at all times.
Secure setup & best practices
- Download Ledger Live only from the official Ledger site and verified app stores (Ledger.com, Apple App Store, Google Play). Verify signatures if offered on the download page.
- Never enter or upload your 24-word recovery phrase. Any interface that asks for it is a scam.
- Keep your device firmware up to date via Ledger Live’s Manager tab and enable a strong PIN on the device.
- Use only trusted on-ramps, swap and staking providers listed in Ledger Live; avoid third-party copies of the app.
Why this matters
Private keys are stored in a secure location separate from your computer in hardware wallets. The hardware wallet verifies and signs transactions, thus your actual "login" is the physical device plus your PIN. Ledger Live serves as a safe, practical user interface for viewing balances and preparing transactions. Wallet apps are sometimes impersonated by scammers; always make sure you downloaded the authentic Ledger Live and watch out for phoney installers and phishing websites that attempt to fool you into disclosing your seed phrase..
Quick official resources
Below are direct, official Ledger links (open in new tabs). Links are styled for clarity so you can quickly verify downloads, support articles, and app pages.
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