Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start®

Getting started — download Ledger Live, initialize your Ledger device, secure your recovery phrase, and begin managing crypto safely.

Welcome — start with confidence

Ledger hardware wallets are built to keep your private keys offline and under your control. This page — Ledger.com/Start — walks you through the official onboarding process. We’ll cover unboxing, downloading Ledger Live, initializing your device, creating and securing your recovery phrase, setting up a PIN, optional advanced protections, daily use, and best security practices. Follow these steps carefully to ensure your crypto assets are protected from phishing, malware, and accidental loss.

What you’ll find in this guide

This guide is designed for both first-time users and people upgrading or restoring a wallet. You’ll learn how to:

  • Verify your device on arrival and perform initial checks.
  • Download Ledger Live — official desktop/mobile app.
  • Initialize or restore a device and record the recovery phrase securely.
  • Set a secure PIN and enable optional passphrase protection.
  • Send/receive crypto safely and use Ledger features for everyday management.
  • Adopt long-term backup and security routines.

Unboxing & inspection

When your Ledger arrives, inspect the packaging for tamper evidence. A genuine Ledger device arrives sealed. Inside you should find:

  • The Ledger device (Nano S Plus, Nano X, or other model).
  • A USB cable and any included accessories.
  • A recovery sheet for writing down your 24-word phrase.
  • Quick start leaflet and warranty information.

Tip: If the packaging looks tampered with or items are missing, contact Ledger support before connecting the device.

Step 1 — Visit Ledger.com/Start and download Ledger Live

To begin, open your browser and go to ledger.com/start (or use a trusted bookmark). This landing page provides official download links for Ledger Live on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Download the correct installer for your platform and install the application. Ledger Live is the recommended interface for initializing devices, updating firmware, adding accounts, and performing transactions.

Step 2 — Connect your Ledger device

Connect your Ledger device using the supplied cable. For Bluetooth-enabled models, follow pairing instructions in Ledger Live. The app will detect the device and guide you through initialization or recovery. If your device is brand new, Ledger Live will offer to set it up as a new device. If you already have a recovery phrase, choose the restore option.

Step 3 — Create a new device & recovery phrase

If you are creating a new device, the Ledger will generate a 24-word recovery phrase. This phrase is the authoritative backup to your wallet — it allows you to restore your accounts on any compatible wallet. Write these words clearly on the supplied recovery sheet and store them in a secure, offline location. Do not take pictures, store them on your phone, or save them to cloud storage.

The recovery phrase is the single most important piece of data for your crypto. Protect it like you would a bank safe-deposit key.

Step 4 — Set a secure PIN

As part of initialization you’ll choose a PIN for your Ledger device. The PIN prevents unauthorized access if the device is lost or stolen. Choose a PIN you can remember but that’s not easily guessable. If you forget the PIN, you will need to perform a recovery with your recovery phrase on a new device.

Optional — Passphrase protection (advanced)

Ledger devices support an optional passphrase feature. A passphrase functions like an extra word appended to your 24-word seed, creating a hidden wallet. This provides an additional security layer and plausible deniability, but it carries operational risk: if you lose the passphrase, the hidden wallet cannot be recovered. Use passphrases only if you understand their implications and have a reliable way to store them.

Firmware updates & device verification

Ledger periodically issues firmware updates. Ledger Live will prompt you when a firmware update is available. Install updates only via Ledger Live and confirm every action on the device screen — the device display is the only trusted source for confirmations. Avoid installing firmware from unofficial sources.

Adding accounts and supported assets

After initialization you can add accounts for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and hundreds of other assets supported by Ledger. Ledger Live shows balances, transaction history, and market data for the assets you add. Use account labels to organize holdings and enable notifications and portfolio tracking if you wish.

Sending and receiving — practical steps

To receive crypto:

  • Open Ledger Live and select the account to receive into.
  • Click “Receive” to generate an address.
  • Verify the address shown in Ledger Live matches what’s displayed on your Ledger device screen — only then share it with the sender.

To send crypto:

  • Enter recipient address and amount in Ledger Live.
  • Confirm the transaction details in the app, then verify and approve on your Ledger device.
  • Never approve a transaction you did not initiate or that shows an unexpected recipient or amount on the device screen.

Backup strategies — long-term safety

The 24-word recovery phrase is your backup. Consider additional physical protections:

  • Store the written seed in a safe or bank safety deposit box.
  • Use metal seed storage products for fire and water resistance.
  • Consider splitting the seed into multiple parts using secure secret-sharing solutions if you understand the trade-offs.
Always balance redundancy with security: more copies reduce single-point failure risk but increase exposure.

Security best practices

  • Download Ledger Live only from ledger.com/start.
  • Verify addresses on the device, not just on your computer.
  • Keep firmware and app software up to date.
  • Do not share your recovery phrase or PIN with anyone — Ledger support will never ask for them.
  • Be cautious with browser extensions and third-party integrations; only use audited apps you trust.

Troubleshooting — common issues

If your device isn’t detected, try a different USB cable or port and ensure Ledger Live is up to date. If firmware update fails, follow the instructions in Ledger Live or consult official support articles. If you ever forget your PIN, you can recover funds using your 24-word phrase on a new device. For unresolved problems, contact Ledger support through official channels.

Advanced features & integrations

Ledger Live supports built-in swaps, staking for certain assets, and integrations with third-party wallets and decentralized applications. These features enable advanced flows such as earning yield or interacting with DeFi. When connecting to external services, always verify every transaction on your Ledger device and ensure the third-party app is reputable and audited.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Do not store seed words digitally (no photos, notes, or cloud storage).
  • Never give your recovery phrase to anyone claiming to be “support.”
  • Avoid cheap, unbranded USB cables and adapters that may cause connection issues.
  • Test with small transactions when using new services before sending large sums.

Final notes — ownership and responsibility

Using Ledger hardware and Ledger Live gives you direct control over your crypto — that control comes with responsibility. Protect your recovery phrase, keep your firmware and app updated, verify on-device confirmations, and adopt secure storage practices. With these habits in place, your Ledger device becomes a powerful tool for long-term, secure self-custody.

Ready to begin? Click the official start link below to download Ledger Live and follow the secure, guided onboarding process.

Visit Ledger.com/Start