Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start® — Getting Started

Your official step-by-step guide to unboxing your Ledger device, installing Ledger Live, creating a secure recovery, and using your device safely.

Welcome to Ledger.com/Start — Quick overview

This page gathers the essential steps to get your Ledger hardware wallet up and running. It focuses on safety, clarity and official links so you download the right software, initialize your device correctly, secure your recovery phrase, and avoid common scams. Follow each step deliberately — hardware wallets are intentionally simple, but small mistakes can be costly.

1. Download Ledger Live

Ledger Live is Ledger’s official companion app for managing assets, installing apps on devices, and performing firmware updates. Download Ledger Live only from the official Ledger site: Ledger Live Download. Choose the desktop or mobile build depending on your workflow (desktop for full management, mobile for on-the-go).

Security tip: Verify that you are on ledger.com and not a mirror or third-party page. There have been instances of fake apps distributed to steal recovery phrases — never enter your recovery phrase into any app or website. See Ledger’s official support and verification tools for download signatures. Verify Ledger Live.

2. Unbox and inspect your device

When your Ledger device arrives, inspect the packaging for tamper-evident seals. Ledger ships devices in sealed boxes — if seals are broken, packaging looks altered, or accessories are missing, contact Ledger Support immediately and do not use the device.

Keep the original box and documentation. These items can help with warranty claims and support requests.

3. Install and launch Ledger Live

Run the Ledger Live installer for your OS or install the mobile app from the App Store / Google Play. After installation, launch Ledger Live and follow the on-screen guide: select your device model (Nano S, Nano S Plus, Nano X), and choose to set up as a new device or restore from a recovery phrase.

If Ledger Live prompts to update itself or install drivers, follow the official instructions. For detailed steps and common installation errors, visit Ledger’s support pages: Ledger Support.

4. Set up your device: PIN and recovery phrase

Choose “Set up as new device” in Ledger Live. Your Ledger device will generate a recovery phrase (usually 24 words) shown on the device screen — never on your computer. Write the words down in order on the provided recovery sheet or another secure medium. Confirm the words when prompted by the device.

Never store your recovery phrase as a photo, text file, email or cloud backup. Consider a metal backup product for fire and water protection if your holdings are significant. See: Restore with recovery phrase and Ledger Recovery solutions.

5. Firmware updates and app installation

Ledger devices use firmware to manage cryptographic operations inside a secure element. Ledger Live will guide you through firmware updates when necessary. Always ensure you have a full, accurate recovery phrase before performing firmware updates. After setup, install the coin-specific apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) via Ledger Live’s Manager tab to add support for the assets you plan to use.

6. Sending and receiving crypto

To receive funds, generate a receiving address in Ledger Live and verify the address on your device display. When sending, ensure the destination address and amount are correct and confirm the transaction on the device. This two-screen verification prevents malware on a host computer from tampering with addresses or amounts.

7. Security best practices

  • Only download Ledger Live from ledger.com.
  • Never share your 24-word recovery phrase with anyone or enter it into a website or app.
  • Use a strong device PIN and do not reuse it elsewhere.
  • Consider Ledger’s Recovery options (cards and services) but understand tradeoffs — keep the primary recovery offline and under your control.
  • Keep your OS and Ledger Live up to date and verify downloads via official signatures. Download signatures.

8. Troubleshooting common issues

If your device isn't detected, try the following:

  1. Use the official USB cable and try different ports (avoid hubs during setup).
  2. Restart Ledger Live and your computer or mobile device.
  3. Update Ledger Live to the latest version and check Manager for device firmware status.
  4. Check Ledger Support’s device-specific pages for model-specific fixes (Nano S, Nano X, Nano S Plus).
  5. If you suspect malware or a compromised machine, move to a clean machine and never enter your recovery phrase anywhere except on the Ledger device during restore.

9. Restoring a wallet

If you need to restore on a new device, choose the restore option in Ledger Live and enter your recovery phrase using the device’s buttons. Enter words carefully — incorrect spellings or order will prevent access. Ledger’s support guide walks through model-specific restore steps: Restore your Ledger accounts.

10. Where to get help and further learning

Ledger’s Support hub and Learn center have detailed guides, video walkthroughs, and FAQs. When contacting support, provide your device model, Ledger Live version, OS, and exact error messages to accelerate assistance. Official help resources include: Support and Ledger’s Academy pages.

Disclaimer: This page is a friendly, consolidated getting-started guide pointing to official Ledger resources. Always use the official Ledger site and support channels when downloading software, updating firmware, or restoring wallets.