Ledger.com/start — Official Getting Started Guide

A comprehensive, step-by-step guide to set up your Ledger hardware wallet, install Ledger Live, manage assets, and keep your crypto secure.
Approx. 2500 words — thorough walkthrough for beginners and experienced users.

Introduction

Welcome! This guide walks you through Ledger.com/start — from unboxing your Ledger hardware wallet (such as Ledger Nano S Plus or Ledger Nano X) to installing Ledger Live, creating or restoring a wallet, and applying best security practices. The focus is on practical, actionable steps so you can manage crypto securely and confidently.

What you'll need

  • Ledger hardware device (Nano S Plus, Nano X, or other supported model).
  • USB cable (or USB-C depending on model). For Nano X Bluetooth is available for mobile use.
  • Computer or smartphone with an up-to-date OS and a supported browser if using web tools.
  • Ledger Live — the official desktop or mobile app to manage accounts and apps.
  • A safe place to write down your recovery phrase (the 24-word seed). Preferably on the included recovery card or a metal backup.

Before you begin — safety reminders

Important: The recovery phrase (your seed) is the master key to your funds. Never share it with anyone. Ledger or legitimate services will never ask for your recovery phrase. Store it offline and secure.

Step 1 — Inspect and unbox

When you receive your Ledger device, check the packaging for tamper evidence. Ledger ships devices in sealed packaging. If you suspect tampering, contact official Ledger support and do not use the device.

Step 2 — Install Ledger Live

Ledger Live is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Download Ledger Live only from the official source and verify the site domain (ledger.com).

Desktop installation (Windows / macOS / Linux)

  1. Go to ledger.com/start and choose your OS.
  2. Download the installer and run it. On Windows accept the UAC prompt; on macOS drag the app to Applications; on Linux follow the provided instructions.
  3. Open Ledger Live and follow the initial setup wizard.

Mobile installation (Android / iOS)

  1. Open the App Store or Google Play and search for "Ledger Live."
  2. Install and open the app. If using Nano X choose Bluetooth pairing; for Nano S Plus use USB OTG (Android) or a Lightning/USB-C adapter for iPhone with compatible accessories.

Step 3 — Initialize your Ledger device

The setup wizard on Ledger Live will guide you. You can either create a new wallet (generate a new seed) or restore an existing wallet from your 24-word recovery phrase.

Create a new device

  1. Connect the Ledger device using the supplied cable and power it on.
  2. Choose Create a new device on the device screen and follow prompts to set a PIN code. Choose a PIN you won't forget but that others can't guess. PIN length varies by device — 4 to 8+ digits depending on model.
  3. Ledger will display your recovery phrase on the device screen (24 words for modern devices). Write each word in order on the recovery card that came with the device. Do not store the phrase digitally (photos, cloud notes, files).
  4. Confirm words on the device when prompted.
  5. Back in Ledger Live complete device registration and give your device a label (e.g., "Home Nano X").

Restore an existing device

  1. Choose Restore device during initialization.
  2. Select the number of words in your recovery phrase and carefully enter them on the device when prompted.
  3. Set your PIN and complete the setup in Ledger Live.

Step 4 — Install apps and add accounts

Ledger devices use a modular app system (not to be confused with Ledger Live) to support different blockchains. You install blockchain apps (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) onto the device from Ledger Live's Manager.

  1. Open Ledger Live and go to Manager. Connect and unlock your device.
  2. Browse the apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Polkadot, etc.) and click Install for the ones you plan to use. Each app consumes device storage; uninstalling an app does not remove your accounts or funds — the keys remain derived from your recovery phrase.
  3. Once the app is installed, go to Accounts → Add account, choose the currency, and follow the prompts. Ledger Live will detect the device and request permission to open the app on the device screen; confirm on-device to authorize account discovery.

Step 5 — Receiving and sending crypto

Receive

  1. In Ledger Live go to Receive, choose the account (e.g., Bitcoin).
  2. Connect and unlock your device and open the corresponding app (Bitcoin app on the device).
  3. Ledger Live will generate an address. Always verify the address on the device screen matches the one shown in Ledger Live — the device is the source of truth.
  4. Share the on-device-verified address with the sender.

Send

  1. In Ledger Live go to Send, enter the destination address and amount.
  2. Review transaction details in Ledger Live, then confirm the transaction on the device screen. The device will show the address, amount, and fees; only approve if everything matches your intent.

Security best practices (must-read)

  • Recovery phrase safety: Write it down on the supplied card or a metal backup. Store it offline in a safe or secure location. Do not photograph or copy it into any digital device.
  • PIN protection: Choose a PIN and never share it. If someone tries to coerce you, some devices support a passphrase feature (advanced) which adds an extra hidden layer — treat passphrases carefully.
  • Device origin: Buy only from official Ledger channels or authorized resellers. Avoid pre-owned or unsealed devices.
  • Phishing awareness: Always type ledger.com directly or use bookmarks. Be cautious of emails, ads, or social media links claiming to be Ledger support.
  • Software updates: Keep Ledger Live and your device firmware updated. Update only through official Ledger Live prompts.
  • Confirm on-device: Always verify addresses, amounts, and actions on the physical device screen before approving.

Troubleshooting — Common issues & fixes

Device not detected

  • Try another USB cable or port (avoid unpowered hubs).
  • Ensure the device is unlocked (enter PIN) and the correct app is open for the currency you’re managing.
  • Restart Ledger Live and reconnect the device.
  • On macOS, ensure the OS prompt allowed the app to access the USB device.

Ledger Live shows outdated firmware

Ledger Live will notify you of recommended firmware updates. Follow the on-screen instructions. Do not disconnect the device while updating firmware. If the update fails, try the recovery flow using your recovery phrase on a clean device only if directed by official support.

App install errors

Free up space by uninstalling apps you don’t use (this does not delete accounts). If errors persist, restart Ledger Live and device, then try again.

Advanced: passphrases, hidden wallets, and multi-account setups

Ledger devices support optional passphrases which create hidden wallets derived from your recovery phrase + passphrase. This is an advanced feature — losing a passphrase means permanent loss of funds in that hidden wallet. Use passphrases only if you understand the risks and manage them securely.

Managing NFTs and DeFi

Ledger Live supports certain NFTs and DeFi integrations through partner apps and external integrations. For complex interactions (e.g., DeFi protocols), it's often necessary to use third-party web interfaces (like Etherscan, Uniswap, etc.) with Ledger device confirmations. Verify contract addresses and operations on your device before approving transactions.

Backup and recovery

If your device is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can recover your funds on a new Ledger device or compatible wallet using your 24-word recovery phrase. Always ensure your recovery phrase is complete, readable, and stored securely — perform a periodic check to ensure readability of your physical backup.

Ledger Live privacy & data

Ledger Live collects limited analytics and provides privacy controls in Settings. Accounts and transaction data are derived from public blockchains; Ledger Live does not store your recovery phrase. Review Ledger's privacy documentation within the app or on ledger.com.

When to contact support and what to provide

Contact official Ledger support if you encounter hardware issues, firmware problems, or suspicious activity. When contacting support include:

  • Device model and serial (if available).
  • Operating system and Ledger Live version.
  • Steps to reproduce the issue and screenshots (never include your recovery phrase).

Checklist — Quick startup summary

  1. Unbox and inspect device for tampering.
  2. Install Ledger Live from ledger.com/start.
  3. Create or restore a wallet; write down your 24-word recovery phrase offline.
  4. Install necessary blockchain apps via Ledger Live Manager.
  5. Add accounts and verify addresses on-device before transacting.
  6. Keep software and firmware up to date and store backups securely.

FAQ

Can I use my Ledger with mobile?

Yes — Ledger Live Mobile supports Ledger Nano X over Bluetooth and other models via OTG adapters on Android. iOS support may require specific adapters and OS compatibility. Always check Ledger documentation for your device model and OS version.

What happens if I lose my recovery phrase?

If you lose your recovery phrase and you also lose access to your device, your funds are irretrievable. The recovery phrase is the only way to restore accounts — protecting it is critical.

Is Ledger Live open-source?

Ledger provides open-source components and documentation for developers. Check ledger.com and the Ledger GitHub repositories for details on what parts are open-source and how to contribute.

Are my private keys stored on Ledger servers?

No — your private keys are generated and stored in the secure element on your device. Ledger's design keeps private keys off the host computer and out of the cloud.

Resources

  • Official Ledger documentation and tutorials — ledger.com/start
  • Ledger support portal (for tickets and device replacement)
  • Ledger Academy — educational articles about crypto safety

Final notes — safe habits for long-term ownership

Using a hardware wallet like Ledger greatly improves crypto safety by isolating your private keys. Combine its protections with strong operational security: secure backups, verified downloads, regular software updates, and skepticism toward unsolicited requests. With those practices in place you'll greatly reduce the risk of theft or loss.

Ready to get started? Head to ledger.com/start, download Ledger Live, and follow the in-app wizard. Welcome to owning your keys, your crypto, and your financial sovereignty.