How to Recover Access with Ledger® Live: Desktop | Getting Started Safely

Losing access to your crypto wallet can feel terrifying—but if you’re using a Ledger® hardware wallet with Ledger Live: Desktop, recovering your assets is both safe and straightforward, as long as you have your 24-word recovery phrase.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to safely recover access to your crypto through Ledger Live on your desktop. Whether your device is lost, damaged, or reset, this step-by-step walkthrough will help you get back on track.

🛡️ What You Need Before You Start

To recover your wallet with Ledger Live: Desktop, make sure you have:

  1. A new or working Ledger device (Ledger Nano S Plus or Ledger Nano X).
  2. Your 24-word recovery phrase (from when you first set up your original device).
  3. A computer with Ledger Live: Desktop installed from the official site: Ledger.com/Start.
⚠️ If you lost your 24-word recovery phrase, unfortunately, recovery is not possible. Ledger never stores your keys or backup phrases.

🔄 When Should You Use the Recovery Process?

You’ll need to recover your wallet if:

  • You lost or broke your original Ledger device
  • Your device was reset or wiped
  • You bought a new Ledger and want to restore your wallet on it
  • You’re switching from another wallet that supports 24-word recovery phrases

✅ Step-by-Step: How to Safely Recover Access with Ledger Live: Desktop

Step 1: Download and Install Ledger Live

If you don’t have Ledger Live installed on your desktop:

  1. Go to Ledger.com/Start (the official website).
  2. Download Ledger Live for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
  3. Install the app and launch it.

Step 2: Set Up as a “Restore from Recovery Phrase”

  1. Plug in your new or reset Ledger device.
  2. On Ledger Live, select “Set up as existing device”.
  3. On your Ledger device, choose the option to “Restore from recovery phrase.”
  4. Enter your 24-word recovery phrase using the device buttons.
🔐 The recovery phrase must be typed on the device itself, not on your computer. This keeps your keys secure from hackers or malware.

Step 3: Choose a New PIN Code

After restoring with your recovery phrase, your Ledger device will ask you to set a new PIN code. This is used to unlock your device every time.

Tips:

  • Use 4 to 8 digits.
  • Don’t reuse a PIN you’ve written down elsewhere.
  • Memorize it or store it securely (but separate from your recovery phrase).

Step 4: Open Ledger Live and Complete Device Sync

Now go back to Ledger Live on your desktop:

  1. Choose your Ledger model (Nano S Plus, Nano X).
  2. Follow the prompts to connect your device.
  3. Ledger Live will verify your device is genuine.

Step 5: Reinstall Coin Apps

When you restore your wallet, the apps for each cryptocurrency will not be on the device. You need to reinstall them:

  1. In Ledger Live, go to the “Manager” tab.
  2. Approve access on your Ledger device.
  3. Install the apps for the coins you want (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana).
💡 Don't worry—your funds are still safe on the blockchain. The apps simply enable Ledger to communicate with those blockchains.

Step 6: Add Your Accounts in Ledger Live

Now that your apps are installed:

  1. Go to the “Accounts” tab.
  2. Click “Add account”.
  3. Select the currency (e.g., Bitcoin).
  4. Ledger Live will scan the blockchain and show any accounts tied to your recovery phrase.

You’ll now see your balances again and can send/receive crypto like before.

🧠 What Happens in the Background?

When you enter your 24-word phrase, your Ledger generates the same private keys and wallet addresses as before. Because your crypto is on the blockchain, not the device, recovering those keys means regaining full access.

Ledger Live acts like a secure viewing window to those wallets—it helps you manage your funds, but your private keys never leave your device.

🔒 Security Tips During Recovery

  • Only enter your 24-word recovery phrase on your Ledger device—never type it into a computer or online form.
  • Beware of phishing: Fake Ledger apps or websites may try to steal your phrase. Always go to Ledger.com/Start.
  • After recovery, keep your recovery phrase in a safe, offline location—never in the cloud or on your phone.

🚫 What Not to Do

  • Don’t share your recovery phrase with anyone—not even support agents.
  • Don’t use third-party apps or websites to “recover” your wallet.
  • Don’t attempt recovery if you’re unsure about the source of your Ledger Live installation. Always download from the official site.

💬 Common Questions

Q: Can I recover without a Ledger device?
 A: Technically yes, using other wallets that support 24-word BIP39 recovery phrases. But it’s safest to restore using another Ledger device to maintain hardware-level security.

Q: Can someone else use my 24 words to steal my crypto?
 A: Yes—anyone with your recovery phrase can fully access your wallet. That’s why it must be stored privately and securely.

Q: Will my transaction history return in Ledger Live?
 A: Yes. Once you add the same accounts in Ledger Live, it will sync with the blockchain and show your full transaction history.