Ledger Live — Login & Security Guide

A safe, informational one-page guide explaining how Ledger Live login works and how to keep your assets secure. No login or credential collection is included.

Overview

Ledger Live is Ledger's desktop and mobile app for managing hardware wallet accounts. This page explains the typical login / access flow, security considerations, and how to spot phishing attempts.

How access normally works

  • Device-first model: Ledger Live pairs with a physical Ledger device. The device (Nano S, Nano X, etc.) holds private keys — the app does not.
  • Passphrase / PIN: The device is protected by a PIN. Optionally users may use a passphrase (25th word) for an extra hidden account layer.
  • Connection: Desktop: USB or Bluetooth (model-dependent). Mobile: Bluetooth pairing is used for Ledger Nano X and some devices.
  • App pairing: Ledger Live asks you to approve actions on the device screen — transactions must be verified physically on the hardware.

What Ledger Live does not do

  • It does not store your private keys on Ledger's servers.
  • Ledger Live will never ask for your 24-word recovery phrase in the app or by email.
  • Ledger support will not ask you to enter your private keys or recovery phrase remotely.

Security best practices

Essential: Your 24-word recovery phrase is the ultimate secret. Keep it offline and never share it.
  • Keep your recovery phrase offline, on paper, in a safe place. Consider a steel backup.
  • Always verify the device screen before approving transactions.
  • Use a strong PIN and, if you need extra privacy, a passphrase (understand recovery implications first).
  • Download Ledger Live only from the official Ledger website or verified app stores.
  • Enable OS-level security (disk encryption, firewall, antivirus updates) and keep Ledger Live app up to date.

Spotting phishing & scams

  • Fake websites often copy logos and UI. Always check the domain and TLS lock; don't trust links from unsolicited messages.
  • Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase or full private keys — if asked, treat it as a scam.
  • Be cautious of browser extensions that claim to "unlock" or "boost" Ledger Live.
  • When in doubt, contact official Ledger support channels (do not use links from random messages).

Developer / advanced notes

For developers integrating with Ledger or building dApps, Ledger uses APDUs (smartcard protocol) and specific libraries (ledgerjs, etc.) to talk to devices. Always follow the official docs and keep security audits in place.

Example (non-sensitive) snippet: detecting a Ledger device (pseudocode) 
// Pseudocode: do not send private data
// const Transport = await TransportNodeHid.create();
// const app = new App(Transport);
// const account = await app.getPublicKey(path);

FAQ

Q: Will Ledger Live ask for my 24 words?
A: No — never.

Q: I lost my device, what now?
A: If you have your recovery phrase, you can restore funds on a new Ledger or compatible wallet. If not, funds are unrecoverable.