Ledger Live is the official desktop and mobile companion app for Ledger hardware wallets. It lets you manage multiple cryptocurrencies, check balances, update firmware, and authorize transactions. Because Ledger Live interacts with real funds, securing access to the app and protecting your recovery phrase is essential. This guide covers safe login practices, how Ledger’s authentication flows work at a high level, and concrete steps to identify phishing or malicious sites and apps.
Understanding authentication vs. device authorization
Ledger Live does not rely solely on a username/password for custody — the hardware device itself (your Ledger device) is the primary security boundary. Ledger Live often pairs with the hardware device and uses the device to sign transactions. In other words, a “login” to Ledger Live is typically a convenience layer: the real control remains on the device. That said, attackers frequently target the software layer and user workflows — for that reason, protect both your device and the environment (computer, network, and software).
Top practical safety tips
How to spot phishing & scams
Phishing attempts targeting crypto users commonly use fake websites, cloned social accounts, or malicious browser extensions. Key red flags:
Recommended defensive practices
Make defensive habits standard: enable OS-level updates, run reputable anti-malware software, and consider using a dedicated machine (or virtual machine) for high-value crypto operations. For accounts tied to exchanges or services, enable strong multi-factor authentication using hardware tokens or authenticator apps rather than SMS when possible.
If you think you’ve been targeted
If you suspect a phishing attempt or that a recovery phrase was exposed, move quickly. If your phrase is compromised, the only safe action is to move funds to a brand-new wallet with a new seed that was generated offline on a secure device. Do not attempt to “patch” an exposed phrase by changing passwords — assume it is fully compromised.
Learn more & official resources
For official guidance, firmware updates, and authentic downloads, always consult the vendor’s support pages. Bookmark the official support link and refer to it rather than relying on search results that may include malicious copies. Finally, consider following general hardware wallet safety best practices: air-gapped key generation, cold storage for large sums, and splitting backups using secure methods.