Ledger Live Access Handbook — Practical steps for secure usage and recovery
This handbook explains how to reach and use Ledger Live securely and reliably. It focuses on device preparation, recovery phrase protection, authentication best practices, safe transaction handling, and troubleshooting. The guidance below is practical and written so users of any skill level can follow a consistent routine that reduces risk and increases confidence.
1. Use a trusted host environment. Begin on a personal computer you control. Keep the operating system and browser up to date. Avoid public or shared machines for sensitive tasks. If you must use an untrusted network, route traffic through a reputable virtual private network to encrypt communications.
2. Obtain software from official sources and verify. Always download the application from the official distribution page or verified package. When possible, confirm checksums or signatures to ensure the installer hasn’t been tampered with. Avoid links from unknown messages or social posts.
3. Protect the recovery phrase as the ultimate backup. During device setup you receive a recovery phrase. Record it on durable material and store copies in secure, geographically separated locations. Never store the phrase in online drives, notes, or message threads. Consider metal backup plates for fire and water resilience.
4. Confirm everything on-device. The hardware screen provides the authoritative view of transaction details. Before approving any outgoing transfer or permission request, verify the destination address, amount, and contract permissions shown on the device. Only confirm what you can verify.
5. Segment funds to reduce exposure. Maintain separate accounts for long-term holdings, periodic transfers, and active day-to-day operations. Keep a small hot allocation for routine actions and retain larger balances in cold storage. This practice limits the potential impact of a compromise.
6. Test new recipients and third-party flows. When sending funds to an unfamiliar address or interacting with a new application, use a small test amount first. Confirm receipt and expected behavior before sending larger sums. Verify address prefixes and suffixes when possible.
7. Audit connected applications and revoke unused permissions. Periodically review which decentralized applications or browser extensions have access to your accounts. Revoke permissions you no longer use and remove unused apps from the manager. Keep a compact log of device connections and administrative actions.
8. Troubleshooting checklist. If accounts fail to appear or a device isn’t recognized, check USB or Bluetooth connections, unlock the hardware, and restart the app. Ensure system date and time are correct. If hardware is lost or damaged, restore accounts using the recovery phrase on a new device and rotate any credentials or API keys tied to the accounts.
For teams and organizations, require multi-person approvals for high-value actions, keep recovery material under strict custody procedures, and rehearse recovery steps regularly. Security is a continuous process — small, consistent habits around device hygiene, recovery planning, and transaction verification produce durable protection over time.