Ledger.com/Start® — Getting started

Official setup guide — download Ledger Live, initialize your device, secure your recovery, and follow best practices.

Welcome — a quick orientation

This guide condenses the official Ledger.com/Start flow into actionable steps that help you set up your Ledger hardware wallet safely: verifying your device, installing Ledger Live, initializing (create or recover), recording your recovery phrase offline, testing transactions, and adopting long-term security measures. Read the full guide before you begin; skipping steps increases risk.

Ledger hardware wallets are designed so your private keys never leave the device. Ledger Live is the official companion app that helps you manage accounts, check balances, and sign transactions while keeping keys secure.

Before you start — what you need

  • A Ledger device (Ledger Nano family or compatible model) and the supplied cable.
  • A computer or mobile device with internet access for downloading Ledger Live and checking updates.
  • A pen and the recovery sheet that came with your device, or a durable backup method (metal plate recommended for high-value holdings).
  • Time and a distraction-free environment — expect 15–30 minutes for initial setup and backup.
Security note: Never enter your recovery phrase into a website, cloud note, or photo. The recovery phrase must remain offline at all times.

Download Ledger Live

Always download Ledger Live from the official Ledger domain. Choose the correct installer for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android). If you need the mobile app, prefer official app stores.

  1. Open a browser and go to ledger.com/start. Confirm the URL and the secure HTTPS lock.
  2. Select your platform and download the official installer.
  3. Optionally verify file checksums/signatures if you require maximum assurance.
  4. Install and open Ledger Live; the app will guide you through firmware checks and initial steps.

Initialize your device

Connect & choose a setup

Connect your Ledger device and follow Ledger Live prompts. The app will ask whether you want to create a new wallet or recover an existing one.

  1. Create new wallet — Ledger will generate a recovery phrase on-device. Record it offline.
  2. Recover wallet — if you already have a recovery phrase from another Ledger or compatible wallet, choose recover and enter words using the device buttons or screen.
  3. When prompted to install or update firmware, only accept updates delivered through Ledger Live and verify on-device confirmations.
Stop if any step asks you to paste or submit your recovery phrase into a website or email — that is malicious.

PIN & recovery phrase

Create a PIN

Choose a PIN to protect access to the device. The PIN keypad displayed during entry is randomized to prevent host-side keyloggers from learning it. Do not store the PIN with your recovery phrase.

Record your recovery phrase

Ledger devices typically use a 24-word recovery phrase (confirm during setup). Write the words down in order on the supplied recovery card or another secure medium.

  1. Write each word exactly as shown, in order.
  2. Keep the seed offline — no photos, no cloud storage, no email copies.
  3. Consider metal backups for durability if storing significant funds long-term.

Verify and test

Before moving large sums, perform a small test transaction to confirm end-to-end functioning.

  1. Add an account in Ledger Live for the crypto you want to receive.
  2. Generate a receiving address and verify it on your Ledger device screen.
  3. Send a small test amount from an exchange or another wallet; confirm it appears in Ledger Live and that you can sign an outgoing transaction.
// Signing flow (simplified): Ledger Live builds unsigned tx → device displays details → you verify on-device and approve → device signs → Ledger Live broadcasts.

Long-term best practices

  • Keep firmware and Ledger Live up to date; read release notes before large changes.
  • Store backups in separate secure locations (safe deposit box, home safe) while limiting the number of copies.
  • Use a passphrase (advanced) only if you understand that it creates an additional secret that you must securely store.
  • For very large holdings consider multi-signature setups or split custody strategies.
  • Never trust unsolicited messages asking for your seed, PIN, or private keys. Ledger support will never request your recovery phrase.

Frequently asked questions

Can someone access my Ledger remotely?
No — private keys remain on the device and signing requires physical confirmation on-device. Remote malware cannot extract keys, though social engineering and physical theft remain risks.
What if I lose my Ledger?
Use your recovery phrase to restore funds on another Ledger or compatible wallet. If you used a passphrase, that secret is also required to recover hidden wallets.
Should I use a passphrase?
A passphrase increases protection and can create hidden wallets, but losing it means losing access to those wallets. Use only if you can manage the additional secret safely.