Ledger.com/start — Official Getting™ Started Guide*

The page ledger.com/start provides the official introduction and step-by-step onboarding path for new Ledger users. This content summarizes the essential actions and decisions that ensure your Ledger hardware wallet is set up correctly and securely. It is intended for users who require a clear, reliable procedure—whether they are first-time custodians of cryptocurrency or experienced investors migrating to hardware-backed cold storage. Read through the sections below to understand device initialization, software installation, recovery procedures, and recommended security hygiene.

Obtain an authentic Ledger device

Before beginning the setup process, procure your Ledger hardware only from official channels. Visit ledger.com or the official Ledger store to purchase a Ledger Nano X, Nano S Plus, or other Ledger-branded devices. Purchasing from unauthorized resellers introduces the risk of tampered equipment. Ledger devices ship in sealed packaging with clear tamper-evident indicators; verify these upon delivery. If the packaging appears compromised, do not proceed with the setup and contact Ledger support immediately through the official website.

Download and install Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the official desktop and mobile application that interfaces with Ledger hardware. It is the recommended control center for account management, transaction signing, and firmware updates. Download Ledger Live from ledger.com/ledger-live to ensure you obtain the authentic, signed installers. Install the version appropriate for your operating system—Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, or Android—and follow on-screen prompts to complete the application installation. Always verify digital signatures or checksums where available to rule out corrupted or malicious installers.

Initialize your device securely

When you first power on a Ledger device, you will be guided through initialization on the device screen. Choose to create a new wallet if you are a new user, or restore an existing wallet using a recovery phrase only if you are migrating. During initialization you will set a PIN code—select a PIN you can remember but that is not trivially guessable. The device will then generate a recovery phrase, typically 24 words, which is the ultimate backup for your keys. Write the recovery phrase on the supplied recovery sheet and store it offline in a secure location; never store it digitally or share it with anyone.

Verify and store your recovery phrase

Ledger devices include a recovery phrase verification step during setup; confirm the words exactly as displayed on the device. This step prevents transcription errors that could lock access to funds. Treat the recovery phrase as the single most sensitive secret: if someone obtains it, they can control your assets. Best practices include using a fireproof storage method, considering geographically separated backups for higher security needs, and never entering the phrase into websites, apps, or forms. Ledger and other custodial services will never ask for your recovery phrase.

Install crypto apps and create accounts

After initialization and connecting the hardware device to Ledger Live, install the specific coin or token apps you require using the Ledger Live Manager. The Manager enables compact app installation to the device’s secure element and ensures compatibility. Each installed app corresponds to an asset family (for example, Bitcoin or Ethereum). Use Ledger Live to create accounts for each asset; account creation does not expose private keys and simply derives public addresses deterministically from your device’s seed.

Execute transactions with on-device confirmation

Transactions are prepared in Ledger Live and must be validated on the device screen before signing. This human-in-the-loop confirmation ensures that transaction details—recipient address and amount—are visible on the hardware display and approved manually. Never approve transactions you did not initiate, and verify the recipient address character sequence on the device. On-device signing keeps private keys isolated and prevents remote exfiltration even when the host computer is compromised.

Keep firmware and software up to date

Ledger periodically issues firmware and Ledger Live updates that include security patches, improved compatibility, and new asset support. Apply firmware updates only through Ledger Live after reading release notes. Before updating, ensure you have reliable access to your recovery phrase in case a recovery becomes necessary. Software and firmware authenticity are verifiable; avoid third-party update sources. Organize a routine schedule to check for updates so your environment remains current against known vulnerabilities.

Advanced security options

For users who require additional protection, Ledger devices support passphrase features that add a secret word to your recovery phrase, creating logically separate wallets. Use this feature with caution: the passphrase is not recoverable by Ledger, and losing it means permanent loss of access. Consider hardware security best practices such as secure physical storage, tamper-evident packaging checks, and operating system hardening on the host machine used for signing. For institutional use, combine Ledger devices with multi-signature workflows and dedicated air-gapped signing policies.

Troubleshooting and official support

If you encounter device recognition errors, connection problems, or unexpected behavior, consult the official support resources at support.ledger.com. Common solutions include verifying cable integrity, ensuring correct USB permissions on Linux systems, and restarting Ledger Live. For persistent or suspicious issues, contact Ledger Support directly; do not disclose your recovery phrase to anyone, including support channels, as Ledger Support will never ask for it.

Operational best practices

Adopt a consistent operational model: use a dedicated computer for critical transactions, segregate everyday wallets from high-value cold storage, and verify third-party dApp connections before approving interactions. Periodically review account activity, confirm device firmware versions, and practice disaster recovery drills using your recovery phrase in a secure environment. Maintain awareness of phishing tactics and educate any co-users or beneficiaries about secure handling of the recovery phrase and device custody procedures.

Closing summary

ledger.com/start is the canonical starting point for onboarding with Ledger hardware. The recommended flow—purchase from official channels, install Ledger Live, initialize device, record recovery phrase securely, install asset apps, and perform on-device confirmations—establishes a robust foundation for self-custody. By following these practices and engaging with official documentation and support, users can confidently steward their digital assets while minimizing exposure to common threats.