Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start®

Beginner’s guide • Updated sample

Estimated read: 6–8 min

Quick overview — What is Ledger and Ledger.com/Start?

Ledger is a hardware wallet family that securely stores private keys offline. Ledger.com/start is the official starting point to set up your Ledger hardware device, install Ledger Live (the companion desktop/mobile app), and initialize a secure wallet.

Why use a Ledger hardware wallet?

Private keys offline: Your keys never leave the device, reducing exposure to malware and web attacks.
Device verification: Ledger devices verify transactions on-device so you always confirm addresses and amounts physically.
Multi-currency support: Ledger supports Bitcoin, Ethereum, and thousands of tokens through Ledger Live and third-party apps.

Before you start — Checklist

Important: Only download Ledger Live and firmware from ledger.com. Do not trust unsolicited links or attachments. Keep your recovery sheet offline and never share it.

Step 1 — Buy or Unbox Your Ledger

If buying new, purchase from the official Ledger store or vetted retailers to avoid tampered devices. Inspect packaging for seals.

Step 2 — Visit ledger.com/start

Open ledger.com/start and select your device model (Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, etc.). Follow the official prompts to download Ledger Live.

Step 3 — Install Ledger Live

Download Ledger Live for Windows, macOS, Linux, or mobile. Install the application, then follow the on-screen instructions to connect your device and continue setup.

Step 4 — Initialize device & create PIN

Power on your Ledger and choose to create a new wallet. Set a secure PIN on the device — this is required each time you connect it.

Step 5 — Write down your recovery phrase

Your Ledger will display a 24-word recovery phrase. Write it down EXACTLY, in order, on the provided recovery sheet. Store it offline and never photograph or type it anywhere.

Step 6 — Install apps & add accounts

Use Ledger Live’s Manager to install cryptocurrency apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) on your device, then add accounts to view balances and send/receive crypto.

Using Ledger Live — Basic flow

Ledger Live is your control center. After adding accounts, you can: send/receive coins, check portfolio balances, update firmware, and use partner services (swap, buy, stake). Always review transaction details on your Ledger device screen before approving.

Security best practices

Only use official software: Download Ledger Live and firmware from ledger.com.
Never share your recovery phrase: Ledger support will never ask for your recovery phrase.
Verify addresses on-device: Compare the address shown in Ledger Live with the one displayed on your device before confirming.
Keep firmware updated: Firmware updates include security fixes — apply them from Ledger Live when available.
Store recovery offline: Use a safe deposit box, secure home safe, or a dedicated offline backup solution.

Frequently asked questions

What if I lose my Ledger device?

You can restore your wallet on a new Ledger (or compatible hardware wallet) using your 24-word recovery phrase. If you lose both device and recovery phrase, funds cannot be recovered.

Is Ledger Live required to use my device?

Ledger Live simplifies management but you can also use third-party wallets (e.g., Electrum, MyEtherWallet) that support Ledger devices. Always confirm compatibility before connecting.

How do I verify Ledger’s authenticity?

Purchase from ledger.com or verified resellers. During setup, Ledger Live checks firmware authenticity. If something seems off, stop and contact official Ledger support.

Next steps

Install Ledger Live and create your first account.
Send a small test amount to verify everything is working.
Explore advanced features: passphrases, staking, and third-party integrations.