Ledger Live is the desktop and mobile app that lets you manage crypto with a Ledger hardware device. Logging in and using Ledger Live safely requires two core principles: always use the official app, and never reveal your recovery seed to any software or person. This guide walks through a safe login flow, quick checks to detect fake apps, and practical safeguards you should enable before interacting with funds.
Before you open Ledger Live
Only download Ledger Live from Ledger’s official site and verified app stores. Avoid third-party mirrors — attackers can distribute fake installers that mimic the real app and ask for your 24-word recovery phrase. Ledger explicitly warns that the real Ledger Live will never request your seed. Always verify download pages and installer signatures when possible. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
- Ledger Live – Overview
- Ledger Live – Download
- Ledger Support Center
- Download & install Ledger Live
- Why Ledger devices are secure
- Recovery Check app
- Restore accounts with recovery phrase
- Ledger Academy – Security
- Best safety practices
- Ledger Live Download Signatures
Secure login flow (quick)
- Confirm you have the hardware device and PIN. Do not proceed if either is missing.
- Open Ledger Live from the installer you downloaded from ledger.com. If the app shows unexpected prompts (asking for the 24 words), close it immediately — it’s malicious. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- Connect your Ledger device by USB or Bluetooth (mobile). Unlock the device with your PIN. Use the device screen to accept any transaction or action — approvals are always physical on-device.
- If you need to restore accounts, use the device’s built-in recovery flow or the Recovery Check app — never type your seed into a computer. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
- Enable optional security features such as passphrase (advanced users) and keep firmware up to date via Ledger Live’s verified updates. Verify update signatures when prompted. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
How to spot fake Ledger prompts & scams
Common red flags: popups or emails asking you to copy/paste your 24 words, unexpected installers named "Ledger Live" from unknown sources, or social-media messages claiming urgent account action. Ledger will never ask for your seed or PIN via email or a website. If you get a suspicious contact, consult Ledger Support (link above) and do not follow instructions that ask for the secret recovery phrase. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Final practical tips
- Backup your 24-word sheet physically; consider Ledger Recovery Key or another secure offline backup if you need redundancy. (Ledger documents recovery options.)
- Keep your OS and antivirus updated; scan new installs before running them.
- Prefer direct downloads from ledger.com and verify digital signatures where Ledger provides them.
- For urgent or unclear incidents, use Ledger Support channels rather than social media or unknown callers.