Welcome — this guide shows you how to get started with Ledger using Ledger.com/start. Whether you’re opening your first hardware wallet or moving holdings into cold storage, these steps will help you complete setup confidently and securely. The instructions below assume you have a Ledger device (such as a Ledger Nano S or Nano X), a computer or smartphone, and your recovery materials.
Why use Ledger and Ledger.com/start
Ledger hardware wallets keep your private keys offline and safe from online attacks. Ledger.com/start is the official onboarding hub provided by Ledger — it guides you to download the Ledger Live app, initialize your device, and manage apps for different blockchains. Using the official start page reduces the risk of phishing and ensures you follow Ledger’s most recent recommended steps.
Only buy Ledger from official channels and verify the device packaging is sealed. Inspect the box, tamper-evident stickers, and included accessories. Ledger hardware devices arrive with a recovery sheet for writing down your seed phrase — never share that sheet or enter it online.
On a trusted device, open your browser and type Ledger.com/start manually. Do not click links from social media or emails. Follow the instructions on the page to download Ledger Live for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux) or the mobile app for iOS/Android as needed.
Install Ledger Live and open it. Choose “Set up as new device” when prompted. You’ll be guided through PIN creation on the device — choose a strong PIN you can remember but that isn't obvious. The device will generate a recovery phrase; write it down on the supplied sheet and store it somewhere safe and offline.
Best practices while setting up
- Never take a photo of your recovery phrase or store it digitally.
- Verify device firmware and Ledger Live versions on official channels only.
- Keep your recovery sheet secure and consider a fireproof or bank-safe solution.
Managing apps and assets
After setup, open Ledger Live and use the Manager to install blockchain apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.) on your device. Each app uses a small portion of device memory — you can install/uninstall without risking funds. Add accounts in Ledger Live and receive funds to addresses generated by your Ledger device.
Daily use & sending transactions
To send crypto, create a transaction in Ledger Live, then confirm it on your Ledger device. Always verify the destination address and amount on-screen. Confirm transaction details on the physical device display — this is a critical anti-phishing step because the device displays the exact data you must approve.
Recovering your wallet (if needed)
If your Ledger is lost or damaged, you can recover your wallet using a new Ledger device (or compatible recovery tool) by entering your recovery phrase during initialization. Keep your recovery phrase secure — anyone with it can access your funds.
Advanced tips
Power users sometimes split holdings across multiple seed phrases, or use passphrases (25th-word) for additional account isolation. A passphrase acts as an extra secret added to your seed — but understand it well before use: losing a passphrase means permanent loss of access to the associated accounts.
For regular portfolio checks, use Ledger Live’s portfolio screen and connect only to trusted networks. When interacting with DeFi or dApps, prefer the device-confirmation flow and confirm every signature on your ledger.
Open Ledger.com/start