Ledger Live — secure access guide
This guide explains how to set up and access Ledger Live in a safe, repeatable way. It covers pairing your device, verifying addresses, restoring an account, and troubleshooting common issues. The goal is to make access intuitive while protecting digital assets with well established safety steps.
Initial setup
Begin by installing the official Ledger Live application from the vendor site. Use the latest release and avoid third-party builds. When you first open the application, follow the on-screen prompts to pair your hardware device. The device must be unlocked and, where prompted, confirm any prompts directly on the physical unit.
Pairing and verification
Pairing typically uses USB or Bluetooth depending on your model. During pairing, the application will enumerate available devices and ask you to approve a connection. Always verify the device name and any displayed address fragments on the hardware itself before you accept. Never approve actions that show an unexpected address or unfamiliar prompts.
Recovering an account
If you need to restore an account, only use the original recovery phrase created at setup. Enter the phrase on the hardware when requested — not on a computer — unless the official procedure explicitly requires it. Keep the recovery phrase offline, stored in a physical form in a safe place. If someone gains access to the recovery phrase, they can fully control funds.
Security best practices
- Always confirm transactions and addresses on the hardware screen.
- Keep firmware and the desktop application up to date from official sources.
- Use strong system-level protections: full disk encryption and a secure user account.
- Be cautious with browser extensions or unknown applications that ask to interact with the wallet ecosystem.
Troubleshooting common issues
If the app cannot detect your device, check cables, USB ports, and permissions on your operating system. For Bluetooth models, ensure the device is in pairing mode and that the operating system has location/Bluetooth permissions. Reboot the device and the host if needed. If balances do not display correctly, force a refresh in the application or reindex the account following the official instructions.
Practical tips
Use account labels rather than public addresses to keep the interface user friendly. Keep a small set of frequently used accounts for daily activity and move larger holdings into long-term storage. Periodically export your account public keys for viewing in read-only tools if you need to audit activity without exposing credentials.