Welcome to the official Ledger start guide. Set up your hardware wallet safely, download Ledger Live, and take full control of your digital assets.
Ledger devices are trusted by millions of crypto holders for one reason — security that puts you in control. The setup journey you begin at ledger.com/start ensures that your wallet is genuine, your firmware authentic, and your private keys are generated securely inside your Ledger device — never exposed online.
Phishing websites often imitate Ledger’s interface. That’s why using this official onboarding path is vital. It ensures your wallet, software, and updates come directly from the Ledger ecosystem, preventing compromise from the very first step.
To guarantee a smooth setup experience, make sure you have:
Type ledger.com/start manually into your browser. Avoid clicking on ads or links from social media or email. Once loaded, confirm the URL starts with https:// and displays the official Ledger security certificate.
This is your only legitimate entry point to set up the device safely and download the latest version of Ledger Live.
Ledger Live is the official companion app for your Ledger wallet. It lets you install apps for different cryptocurrencies, view your portfolio, send or receive assets, and verify transactions with your hardware device.
Download it directly from ledger.com/start for your OS (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, or iOS). Once installed, open the app and follow the onboarding instructions. Verify the software’s authenticity by checking the digital signature or checksum provided by Ledger.
Plug in your Ledger via USB or Bluetooth (Nano X). Ledger Live will detect the device and prompt you to choose between “Set up a new device” or “Restore existing wallet.”
Follow the prompts displayed on your Ledger’s screen. Confirm every action physically on the device buttons — this prevents unauthorized commands from malware or phishing pages.
If firmware updates are required, install them now. Always verify that the update comes from Ledger Live itself.
Your device will display 24 words in a specific order. This phrase is your entire wallet backup. Carefully write each word, one by one, in the same order onto your recovery sheet. Double-check spelling and sequence.
Once done, confirm the words on your Ledger device as requested. Ledger Live will verify that the process was completed correctly before proceeding.
You’ll then be prompted to create a PIN (4–8 digits). This protects your device from unauthorized access. Choose a PIN that is not obvious — avoid repeating numbers or patterns like 1234.
Remember, the PIN only protects your device from casual access. The 24-word recovery phrase remains the ultimate key to your funds.
Open Ledger Live and click “Add Account.” Select a cryptocurrency (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana) and follow the prompts. The app will communicate securely with your Ledger to generate addresses and verify everything on-device.
Once accounts are added, you can send, receive, and stake supported assets safely. Every transaction must be confirmed on your Ledger screen — a physical safeguard that online wallets can’t match.
Security isn’t a one-time setup. It’s an ongoing mindset. Stay informed through Ledger’s security blog and community updates.
Check your USB cable and try a different port. Ensure Ledger Live is up to date. If issues persist, reboot both the app and your computer.
Reset the device and restore using your 24-word recovery phrase. This is why your recovery sheet is critical — without it, your funds can’t be retrieved.
When connecting for the first time, Ledger Live automatically performs an authenticity check. Only proceed if your device passes this verification step.
Yes. As long as you connect the same Ledger device, your wallets remain accessible. Your private keys never leave the hardware, so the environment remains secure.
Setting up your Ledger is more than just a process — it’s your declaration of independence in the crypto world. By using ledger.com/start, you’ve ensured authenticity and avoided counterfeits that plague the market.
Once configured, Ledger Live becomes your digital control room: track balances, stake assets, and connect to Web3 applications through trusted integrations — all while your keys stay offline inside your Ledger.
Stay vigilant, keep backups safe, and treat your recovery phrase like digital gold. In a world where hacks and scams are rampant, your Ledger gives you what software wallets can’t — true self-custody.
Ready to manage your assets? Click below to access Ledger Live and begin managing your portfolio securely.