Welcome — what this guide covers
This guide helps you get started with your Ledger® hardware wallet using the official start page at Ledger.com/start. It walks through unboxing, installing Ledger Live, initializing or restoring your device, securing your recovery phrase, basic operations, and troubleshooting. Follow each step exactly as described to maintain best security hygiene.
Before you begin — required items & safety checklist
- Your Ledger device (Ledger Nano S, Nano S Plus, Nano X, or other supported model).
- The official USB cable included with your device (or a compatible data cable).
- A trusted computer or mobile device and an internet connection.
- Pen and paper or a metal backup solution to record your recovery phrase.
- Time and a quiet environment — do not rush the seed backup process.
Security reminder: Only download Ledger Live from ledger.com and verify the HTTPS lock icon in your browser. Never follow unsolicited links or provide your recovery phrase to anyone.
Step 1 — Visit Ledger.com/start and download Ledger Live
Open a browser and go to Ledger.com/start. From there, choose the correct Ledger Live installer for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux) or mobile (iOS/Android).
- Download Ledger Live from the official page.
- Run the installer and follow on-screen prompts to install Ledger Live.
- On mobile, install Ledger Live from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store only.
Do not download Ledger Live from third-party sites or links in messages — phishing websites can mimic Ledger's branding to steal sensitive information.
Step 2 — Unbox and inspect your Ledger device
Check the packaging seal and the physical condition of the device. If the seal is broken or the device appears tampered with, do not use it — contact Ledger support immediately and obtain a replacement from the retailer or vendor you purchased from.
- Confirm the device model and serial number (if present) match what’s printed on the box or receipt.
- Use only the provided cable or a verified compatible cable.
Step 3 — Initialize your Ledger device (new device)
If your Ledger is new, initialize it on-device following these steps within Ledger Live’s onboarding flow:
- Open Ledger Live and choose Initialize as new device.
- Connect the device via USB (or Bluetooth for Nano X) and follow prompts.
- Choose a PIN on the device — enter it directly on the device screen.
- The device generates a recovery phrase (usually 24 words). Write these words down in order on the recovery sheet provided — never store the full seed digitally.
- Confirm a few randomly selected words on-device to verify you recorded the seed correctly.
Never enter your recovery phrase into your computer, phone, or any website. The recovery phrase is the only way to recover your funds if the device is lost or damaged.
Step 4 — Restore from an existing recovery phrase
If you already have a recovery phrase from a previous Ledger or compatible wallet, select Restore device in Ledger Live and enter the words directly on the device when prompted. Do not type them into your computer.
Step 5 — Set up accounts in Ledger Live
Once the device is initialized or restored and connected, Ledger Live will prompt you to add accounts for supported cryptocurrencies. Each account is derived from your device’s seed but the private keys never leave the device.
- Open Ledger Live and unlock your device with your PIN.
- Go to Accounts → Add account, select a currency (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.), and follow prompts to scan for existing addresses and balances.
Step 6 — Verify addresses and transactions on-device
When receiving funds, always display the receiving address on your Ledger device and verify it matches the address shown in Ledger Live. For sending, Ledger Live constructs the transaction but you must confirm recipient address and amount on the device screen before signing. This on-device verification prevents malware from substituting addresses or amounts.
Security best practices — protect your seed and device
- Write your recovery phrase on paper or use a metal backup — multiple copies in separate secure locations reduce single-point failure risk.
- Consider a fireproof safe or bank deposit box for long-term storage of your seed backup.
- Keep your PIN secret and do not share it with anyone.
- Enable an optional passphrase only if you understand the consequences: passphrases create additional hidden wallets that are unrecoverable if lost.
- Always confirm firmware updates through Ledger Live and verify prompts on the device.
Troubleshooting common issues
Device not detected
- Try a different USB port or cable; use an official cable if possible.
- Restart Ledger Live and your computer.
- Ensure your OS drivers and permissions allow USB access (particularly on Linux/macOS).
On-device errors during firmware update
Follow Ledger Live’s guided firmware update process and never disconnect the device during update. If an error occurs, follow on-screen recovery options or consult Ledger Support.
After setup — recommended next steps
- Explore Ledger Live features: portfolio view, send/receive, staking, and Ledger’s catalog of supported apps.
- Consider using a dedicated machine for high-value transfers if you manage large holdings.
- Familiarize yourself with Ledger’s support resources and official documentation at support.ledger.com.
If your device is lost or stolen
If your Ledger device is lost or stolen, do not panic — your funds are safe as long as your recovery phrase and PIN remain secret. Use your recovery phrase to restore your wallet on a new Ledger device or a supported compatible wallet. If you suspect your recovery phrase was compromised, move funds to a newly created wallet immediately.
Conclusion — you’re ready
Starting up your Ledger device via Ledger.com/start ensures you follow the official, secure onboarding path. Carefully record and protect your recovery phrase, verify everything on-device, download Ledger Live only from official sources, and maintain good security habits. With those practices in place, you’ll be well positioned to manage your crypto with the strong protections provided by a hardware wallet.