Exact login steps — desktop & mobile
1) Prepare the host
Use a trusted computer or your personal mobile device. Close unnecessary applications (especially remote-access and screen-sharing tools). Ensure your OS, browser (if using web flow), and Ledger Live are up to date. Type ledger.com/start directly to download installers or open trusted bookmarks — avoid search result ads that mimic the site.
2) Install any required helper (Bridge/connector)
On desktop, Ledger Live typically includes any needed connector — but if you use a browser-based flow, the site may instruct you to install a helper service. Download connectors only from the official start page and verify checksums when provided.
3) Connect your Ledger device
Plug a data-capable USB cable directly into your computer. For Bluetooth-enabled devices (Nano X), pair using the Ledger Live mobile flow and confirm pairing codes. Avoid third-party hubs when possible; prefer direct ports for stability.
4) Unlock with PIN and optional passphrase
Enter your PIN only on the Ledger device — never on the host. If you use a passphrase (advanced feature), supply it during the unlock flow. Remember: passphrases create hidden wallets and losing them means losing access to those funds.
5) Approve actions on-device
Every sending operation, firmware update, or export requires physical confirmation on the Ledger screen. Carefully verify recipient addresses, amounts, and fees on the device before approving — the device screen is the authoritative source of truth and protects against host-level tampering.
Verifying installers and connectors
Always verify downloaded installers if Ledger publishes checksums or signatures. Use OS-native tools to compute a SHA256 hash and compare it to the official value. Commands:
macOS/Linux: shasum -a 256 filename
Windows (PowerShell): Get-FileHash -Algorithm SHA256 filename
If values differ, delete the file and re-download from the official site. For signed releases, use GPG and the vendor’s public key when available.
Troubleshooting common connection issues
Device not detected
Try a different USB port and a known data-capable cable. Restart Ledger Live and the device. On Windows, check Device Manager for blocked drivers; on macOS check Security & Privacy for blocked apps. On Linux ensure udev rules are installed.
Bluetooth pairing problems (Nano X)
Remove old pairings, restart Bluetooth on both devices, and re-pair from Ledger Live. Ensure mobile OS permissions for Bluetooth are granted and that batteries are sufficient on the Ledger device.
Bridge/connector conflicts
If you have both a native WebUSB path and a Bridge-like service, close one before using the other to avoid conflicts. Restart services and avoid running multiple wallet apps simultaneously that may lock the USB device.
Security checklist & best practices
- Verify you’re using ledger.com/start for downloads.
- Enter PIN only on the device and approve every operation on-device.
- Keep recovery phrase offline and consider metal backups for durability.
- Use passphrases only if you have a robust, documented storage plan for them.
- Apply firmware updates via Ledger Live; read release notes before updating.
- Avoid public Wi‑Fi and shared machines for sensitive operations.
Recovery & emergency access
If you lose access to your device, restore using your recovery phrase on a new Ledger device or a compatible restore flow. If you used a passphrase originally, that same passphrase will be required to access the same hidden wallet after restore. Never share your seed or passphrase with anyone.
Official link (placeholder): ledger.com/start