Why login safety matters
Ledger Live is a desktop and mobile companion for Ledger hardware wallets. Your hardware wallet stores private keys offline, but the steps you take when you open Ledger Live and connect a device determine how safe your keys remain. A careless login sequence — connecting to a compromised computer, approving an unknown operation, or exposing your recovery phrase — can nullify the protections your hardware device provides.
Before you open Ledger Live
Start with these pre-flight checks every time:
- Confirm you downloaded Ledger Live from the official Ledger website or a verified app store. Never follow links sent by unknown people or unsolicited emails.
- Keep your firmware and Ledger Live app updated, but only update after checking official release notes and Ledger’s site for details.
- Make sure the computer or phone you use is reasonably clean: antivirus up-to-date, OS patched, and no obvious malware symptoms (unexpected pop-ups, high CPU usage, unknown apps).
How to open Ledger Live safely — a step-by-step
Follow this order of operations to minimize risk:
- Start Ledger Live from your system interface (do not click links in email messages). If using a mobile device, open the official Ledger Live Mobile app.
- When prompted to connect a Ledger device, plug in your trusted hardware wallet using the original cable or a trusted replacement. Inspect the device screen for tampering or unusual prompts.
- Enter your device PIN on the hardware device only — never type your recovery phrase into any computer or phone. The PIN unlocks the device locally and never leaves it.
- Only approve operations on the device screen. Ledger devices show full transaction details on their built-in screens; review addresses, amounts, and recipients before confirming.
Tip: if anything on the device screen looks truncated or unusual (missing text, unexpected app names), disconnect and investigate — don’t force an approval.
What to never do during login
These mistakes cause most compromises:
- Do not enter your 24-word recovery phrase into a computer, phone, or website. The recovery phrase must remain offline and private at all times.
- Avoid using Ledger Live on public or unmanaged computers (e.g., hotel business centers, public libraries).
- Ignore prompts to “verify” the device by entering the seed into software or by copying it out. Legitimate verification happens on the device itself, not by exposing the seed.
Troubleshooting common login issues
Encounter a problem? Try these safe debugging steps in order:
- Reconnect the device and try a different USB port or cable. Faulty cables are a frequent cause of issues.
- Restart Ledger Live and your computer. Simple restarts often clear temporary connectivity problems.
- Check USB permissions on your operating system. On some platforms you must grant the Ledger Live app permission to access USB devices.
- If Ledger Live reports the device is running outdated firmware, consult Ledger’s official instructions before updating; read the release notes and perform updates when you can confirm the environment is secure.
Advanced checks for cautious users
If you manage significant assets or need extra assurance, consider:
- Using a freshly installed, clean OS on a dedicated computer or a bootable live USB image that you control.
- Maintaining an air-gapped machine for seed generation and using the hardware wallet only for signing transactions on a separate networked system.
- Performing address verification with multiple devices or doing small test transactions before moving large amounts.
Recognizing scams around the login process
Scammers often impersonate support staff claiming you must “log in” or “enter seed” to recover funds. Legitimate support will never ask for your recovery phrase or ask you to install random remote access software. If someone asks for your seed, disconnect immediately.
Quick checklist — every time
Before confirming anything in Ledger Live, run this mental checklist:
- Downloaded from official source? ✔
- Device screen shows the exact transaction/address? ✔
- Recovery phrase not entered anywhere? ✔
- Environment is secure (trusted device/network)? ✔
This page provides general information and best-practice advice for interacting with Ledger Live. It is not official Ledger documentation and does not replace guidance from Ledger. Always consult the official Ledger website and support channels for device-specific instructions and security advisories. This document intentionally does not contain interactive login or credential collection elements to avoid unsafe practices.