Ledger.com/Start® | Getting Started With Ledger® Official
Welcome to the official Ledger Start guide, your step-by-step walkthrough for securely setting up your Ledger hardware wallet. Whether you’re new to cryptocurrency or upgrading your digital asset security, this guide ensures a safe and smooth onboarding experience.
🔐 Ledger hardware wallets give you full control over your crypto private keys, ensuring your funds remain secure at all times.
1. What You’ll Need
Before beginning, ensure you have:
A Ledger hardware wallet (Ledger Nano S, Nano S Plus, or Nano X)
A computer or mobile device with Internet access
A USB cable (or Bluetooth for Nano X)
A secure place to store your recovery phrase
💡 Never share your recovery phrase digitally or online.
2. Start at the Official Ledger Website
Begin your setup by visiting the official start page:
🔗 https://www.ledger.com/start
This page guides you through device detection, software installation, and the initialization process. Always use official links to prevent phishing attempts.
3. Install Ledger Live
Ledger Live is the official software application for managing your crypto assets.
Download Ledger Live here: 🔗 https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live
Install the software on your device and follow the on-screen instructions.
Connect your Ledger device — Ledger Live will automatically detect it.
Ledger Live allows you to:
Check account balances
Send and receive cryptocurrencies
Manage multiple wallets
Install or update apps on your Ledger device
4. Initialize Your Ledger Device
Once your device is connected:
Follow on-screen instructions on your Ledger device.
Choose to create a new wallet or restore an existing wallet using your recovery phrase.
Set up a secure PIN code to protect your device.
💡 All critical operations, including PIN entry and transaction approval, happen on your Ledger device — never on your computer.
5. Secure Your Recovery Phrase
Your Ledger will generate a 24-word recovery phrase, which is your backup for restoring your wallet.
Write it down exactly as displayed.
Store it in a secure, offline location.
Never take a photo or store it digitally.
📌 This recovery phrase is the most important component of your wallet — losing it means losing access to your funds.
6. Access and Manage Your Wallet
After initialization:
Open Ledger Live to access your accounts.
Install apps for supported cryptocurrencies.
Send, receive, and manage crypto assets securely.
For supported coins, visit: 🔗 https://www.ledger.com/supported-crypto
7. Security Best Practices
✔ Always confirm transactions on your Ledger device
✔ Keep firmware up to date via Ledger Live
✔ Never share your recovery phrase or PIN
✔ Only use official Ledger software and websites
Learn more about security practices: 🔗 https://www.ledger.com/security
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1️⃣ How do I start using my Ledger wallet?
Visit Ledger.com/start, install Ledger Live, connect your device, and follow the on-screen instructions to create or restore your wallet.
2️⃣ Can I recover my wallet if I lose my Ledger device?
Yes. Use your 24-word recovery phrase to restore access on a new Ledger device or a compatible wallet.
3️⃣ Is Ledger Live free to use?
Yes. Ledger Live is free software. Transaction fees only apply when sending cryptocurrencies through the blockchain.
4️⃣ How do I know my funds are secure?
All private keys remain on the device. Ledger Live communicates with the device via encrypted channels, and every transaction must be confirmed on the hardware.
5️⃣ What should I do if my Ledger device isn’t recognized?
Ensure your Ledger device is updated and Ledger Live is installed. Restart your computer, reconnect the device, or reinstall Ledger Live if needed.
Final Thoughts
Getting started with your Ledger hardware wallet is straightforward and secure when you follow official guidelines. By combining Ledger Live, your hardware device, and proper security practices, you can confidently manage your crypto assets while keeping them safe from online threats.
Always remember: your recovery phrase is your ultimate backup — guard it carefully.