Lédger® Live Backup - Complete Guide
Lédger® Live Backup - Complete Guide
Backing up your Ledger Live data is a crucial step that many users overlook. While your cryptocurrency assets are secured by your Ledger hardware wallet's 24-word Secret Recovery Phrase, the Ledger Live application stores important configuration data that requires separate backup attention . This includes your added accounts, transaction history, custom settings, and portfolio preferences .
Without a proper backup, you would need to manually re-add all accounts and lose your transaction history if you switch devices or reinstall the app . This guide explains the various backup options available, how they work, and best practices for keeping your data safe.
It is essential to distinguish between two distinct backup concepts in the Ledger ecosystem:
Backup Type
What It Covers
Purpose
Secret Recovery Phrase (24 words)
Private keys to all your crypto assets
Restores access to funds if device is lost or damaged
Ledger Live Data Backup
Account metadata, transaction history, settings
Restores the app configuration and interface
Your 24-word Secret Recovery Phrase is the master key to your assets and must be stored securely offline . Ledger Live data backup, however, is about preserving your app's configuration for convenience .
This is the most comprehensive backup method. It creates a .json file containing all your accounts, transaction history, and app preferences .
How to Export on Desktop:
Open Ledger Live
Go to Settings (⚙️) → Help
Click on Export Ledger Live data
Save the .json file to a secure location
How to Export on Mobile:
Go to Settings
Tap Export accounts & settings
Save to iCloud, Google Drive, or an encrypted storage solution
⚠️ Security Note: The .json file does not contain private keys (those stay on your Ledger device). However, it does include account metadata, so store it securely .
Ledger Sync is a secure, privacy-focused feature that allows you to synchronize your Ledger Wallet (formerly Ledger Live) data across multiple devices such as your desktop and smartphone .
How It Works:
Uses the Ledger Key Ring Protocol to generate encryption keys through your hardware device
Your data is encrypted end-to-end before being sent over public channels
Only the owner of the hardware wallet can decrypt the information – not even Ledger can access it
Syncs your accounts, balances, and transaction history across devices approximately every 10 seconds
⚠️ Important: Ledger Sync requires your hardware device to have the same Secret Recovery Phrase on all synchronized devices. Ledger Nano S is not supported due to technical limitations .
Recovery via Ledger Sync: If your laptop or smartphone is lost or damaged, simply set up Ledger Wallet on a new device and connect your wallet to instantly regain access to your data .
For selective recovery, you can manually note down:
Account names and wallet addresses
Store this information in a secure password manager
This method is best for users who only need to back up a few accounts.
Ledger Recover is an optional, ID-based key recovery service that provides a backup for your Secret Recovery Phrase . It helps users regain access to their wallet if the device is lost or the recovery phrase is misplaced, without compromising self-custody .
Available as a subscription service
Can be enrolled during initial device setup or later
Requires identity verification for recovery
Backup Method
Recommended Storage
JSON File
Encrypted USB drive, offline hard drive
Cloud Backup
Password-protected cloud storage (iCloud, Google Drive) with 2FA enabled
Manual Notes
Secure password manager or physical safe
After adding new accounts
Before major app or device changes (OS updates, new phone)
At least once every 3 months
Private keys – always secured by your 24-word recovery phrase
Firmware updates – must be done manually via Ledger device
Third-party wallet connections (e.g., MetaMask)
On Desktop:
Fresh installation: Select "Import from backup" during setup
Existing installation: Go to Settings → Help → Restore from backup
On Mobile:
Tap "Restore from backup" during setup or in Settings
Ledger provides the Recovery Check app to securely verify that you have correctly backed up your Secret Recovery Phrase .
Step-by-Step Verification:
In Ledger Live, go to Profile → My Ledger
Connect and unlock your Ledger device
Find Recovery Check in the app catalog and install it
Navigate to Recovery Check on your device and start the check
Choose your phrase length (12, 18, or 24 words)
Enter the words to verify they match your backup
Important: The Recovery Check app cannot verify a passphrase. If you use a passphrase, ensure you have a reliable backup separately .
Never share your 24-word recovery phrase – Ledger will never ask for it online, via email, or over the phone
Never take a photo of your recovery phrase or store it digitally
Use only the official Ledger Live download from the official website
Consider physical backups such as steel plates for long-term durability
🔗 Official Ledger Live Download: https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live
🔗 Ledger Support Center: https://support.ledger.com
🔗 Official Ledger Website: https://www.ledger.com
This response is AI-generated, for reference only.