Ledger.com/start — Secure Setup & Getting Started Guide

Welcome

You’ve taken the right step toward securing your crypto. This guide leads you through every essential step at Ledger.com/start: preparing your hardware, installing Ledger Live, initializing your device, managing assets, and adopting best practices for security. Whether you're new to hardware wallets or handy with the basics, this page gives you a clear, up-to-date path.

Use a safe, uninterrupted environment for initial setup. The process typically takes 20–40 minutes, depending on your pace and how many wallets you add.

1. Prepare Before You Begin

Before diving into software and setup, gather what you need and understand the basics.

What you’ll need

A genuine Ledger hardware wallet (e.g., Ledger Nano S, Nano S Plus, or Nano X).
A computer or compatible mobile device with internet access.
USB cable (or Bluetooth for Nano X, if supported).
A safe place to write and store your recovery phrase—physical medium recommended.

Why this matters

The recovery phrase is your ultimate backup. If your device is lost or damaged, only that phrase (correctly stored) can restore your funds. Taking time now saves heartbreak later.

Tip: Do not record your recovery phrase on your phone, computer, or cloud services. Always write it down on paper or use durable materials (e.g. metal backup).

2. Install Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the companion application for your Ledger device. It supports installing apps on your device, viewing portfolio, sending and receiving crypto, and firmware updates.

Download and installation

Visit the official Ledger download page (via Ledger.com/start or the official domain).
Choose the correct version for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux) or mobile platform (iOS/Android).
Run the installer and follow the prompts. On mobile, install from the official app store.

First run and onboarding

Open Ledger Live. You may be prompted to allow USB device access or Bluetooth permissions (for Nano X).
Accept any security or permission dialogs offered by your OS.
Firmware or app updates may be offered immediately — accept only if signed and from Ledger.

Never download Ledger Live from third-party sites. Only use official or Ledger-endorsed sources to avoid malicious versions.

3. Initialize Your Ledger Device

With Ledger Live installed and open, it’s time to initialize your hardware wallet — either by creating a new wallet or restoring from an existing recovery phrase.

Create a brand-new wallet

Connect your Ledger to the computer. For Nano X, enable Bluetooth or USB mode as needed.
In Ledger Live, select “Initialize as new device.”
Choose your PIN code on the device. Confirm the PIN by re-entering it.
The device will generate a recovery phrase (usually 24 words). Write each word clearly on the recovery card, in order.
Confirm a few words in random positions as prompted by the device to ensure accuracy.

Restore from an existing seed

To recover your wallet from a prior backup, choose “Restore from recovery phrase.” Enter the words in the correct order. The device recreates your deterministic accounts exactly.

Ledger (or any support) will never ask for your recovery phrase, PIN, or passphrase. If someone does, it's a scam.

4. Managing Crypto: Receive, Send, Track

Once initialized, Ledger Live becomes your hub to control accounts, transact, and monitor your balances. The device itself holds the keys, so operations like signing happen on-device — keeping your private keys offline.

Adding crypto apps

In Ledger Live, go to “Manager” and browse the list of available cryptocurrency apps. Install the apps relevant to the assets you plan to hold (e.g. Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana). Each app lets your device handle addresses and signing for that chain.

Receiving funds

In Ledger Live, open the desired account and click “Receive.”
The app will provide an address; verify that the same address appears on your Ledger device screen.
Once matched, share the verified address with the sender.

Sending funds

Select “Send” in Ledger Live, input the recipient address and amount.
Choose the transaction fee level (slow / medium / fast) as appropriate.
Review the transaction summary on your computer, then verify and approve it on your Ledger device.
After confirmation, the signed transaction is broadcast to the blockchain.

Track and review

Ledger Live shows updated balances and transaction history. Many entries link to block explorers for verification. Use these to audit incoming/outgoing transfers. For large moves, consider sending a small test first.

5. Security & Best Practices

A hardware wallet reduces exposure to many online threats, but maintaining security is a combination of device integrity and personal habits. Here are essential guidelines.

Recovery phrase protection

Write your words on non-electronic medium (paper, metal plate, etc.).
Keep at least two separate physical backups in secure locations.
Avoid entering your recovery phrase anywhere digital, even “offline” apps.

PIN & device safeguards

Choose a PIN that avoids trivial patterns (avoid “1234”, etc.).
Never lose your seed and PIN together. Store them in separate places if possible.
If your device is stolen, without the PIN it remains locked and unusable.

Firmware & app updates

Ledger periodically issues firmware updates to fix vulnerabilities or add features. Always apply only signed updates through Ledger Live. Do not accept firmware from unknown sources.

Beware phishing & scams

Bookmark the official Ledger site. Don't click suspicious emails or links to setup pages asking for your seed, PIN, or private info. Real support never pedir these data.

6. Troubleshooting

Device not detected

Try another USB port or cable, verify device is powered, restart your machine, and allow permissions for USB or Bluetooth connections. On some systems, driver or USB permissions may need adjustment.

Forgot PIN / reset

Too many incorrect PIN entries cause device reset (security measure). Use your recovery phrase to restore on a new device. Without the recovery phrase, funds cannot be recovered.

Lost recovery phrase

If you lose all copies of your recovery phrase and have no backup, your funds become unrecoverable. Always maintain multiple secure backups from the start.

Firmware update problems

If a firmware update fails, follow instructions on-screen. Avoid disconnecting during flashing. If stuck, consult official Ledger support with your device model and firmware version (never share your seed or PIN).

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use Ledger Live on multiple devices?: Yes — your Ledger hardware holds the keys; you can install Ledger Live on multiple computers or mobile devices and use the same hardware to access your accounts.
Is my recovery phrase the same as a private key?: No, but it’s equivalent: the phrase is a human-friendly representation from which your private keys are derived. Protect it carefully.
What happens if I sell or give away my Ledger?: Factory reset the device before handing it over. Ensure the new user initializes it as a fresh device with their own recovery phrase.
Can I use Ledger in offline mode?: You can review past transactions and balances offline, but new blockchain data and sending funds require network connectivity. Regardless, signing always happens on-device offline.

Final Thoughts

Ledger.com/start is your official launchpad into owning crypto with confidence. By following this guide — preparing correctly, installing Ledger Live, initializing safely, and following solid security routines — you’ll maintain maximum control over your assets.

Start by installing Ledger Live, initializing your device carefully, and testing small transactions. Over time, keep firmware up-to-date, secure backups, and never compromise on good security habits. That’s how stewardship of your crypto becomes sustainable and dependable.

Go to Ledger Live