Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start®

Introduction: What this guide covers

This guide covers everything a new Ledger user needs: why a hardware wallet matters, how to prepare, unboxing and setup, installing Ledger Live and apps via the Official Site®, creating a PIN, securing your recovery phrase, sending and receiving crypto, routine maintenance, and safety tips you should adopt right away.

Whenever you see a link to the official resource we strongly recommend using it to download software and verify firmware updates: https://www.ledger.com/start. (This link appears multiple times in this guide for convenience.)

Why a hardware wallet like Ledger?

Hardware wallets are devices designed to store the private keys used to sign transactions offline. Unlike custodial exchanges or software wallets that might be exposed to malware or online server breaches, a hardware wallet keeps signing isolated from your computer, phone, or the internet.

Key benefits

Offline key storage: Private keys never leave the device.
Strong authentication: Secure PIN and physical confirmation of every transaction.
Firmware attestation: Ledger’s firmware and onboarding flow help verify the device.
Wide coin support: Ledger supports many cryptocurrencies through Ledger Live and third-party apps.

To start, always use the official downloads and instructions available on the official reference page: Ledger.com/Start.

Before you begin: Preparation checklist

Spend 10–15 minutes preparing. Doing this reduces mistakes and increases security.

What you'll need

A Ledger device (e.g., Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X).
A desktop or laptop (recommended) or a compatible mobile device.
A USB cable (included) or Bluetooth (Nano X) for connection.
A private, quiet space to write and store your recovery phrase.
Access to the Official Site® installer: Ledger.com/Start.

Safety note

Important: Never download Ledger Live or firmware from third-party sites. Only use the official installer found at https://www.ledger.com/start. Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase.

Unboxing & first steps (H1 → H5 examples in page structure)

Unbox and inspect

Open the box and confirm seals and accessories. A typical package includes the Ledger device, a USB cable, a keychain, instruction cards, and recovery sheets. Inspect for tampering — if the packaging or device looks altered, contact the vendor and Ledger support before using.

Powering up and initial screens

Connect your device to your computer or phone and power it on. The device will present navigation instructions and a prompt to create a new wallet or restore an existing one.

Create a new device

Choose “Set up as a new device” on the device. The device will ask you to create a PIN and will then generate a recovery phrase. Follow the on-device instructions carefully. The exact UI text may differ slightly by model, but the flow is the same.

Write down the recovery phrase

Write the recovery words on the supplied recovery sheet in order. Do not photograph or digitally record them. Store the sheet in a secure, fire-proof, moisture-proof place. Consider using multiple secure locations (e.g., a home safe and a bank deposit box) if you are storing large amounts of value. Do not share these words with anyone and never enter them into a website or other device.

Install Ledger Live & add apps (using Official Site®)

Ledger Live is the companion application for managing accounts, installing apps on the device, and updating firmware. Always download Ledger Live from the official download portal: https://www.ledger.com/start.

Download and install

Visit Ledger.com/Start.
Select the version that matches your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android).
Run the installer and follow on-screen prompts. On first run, Ledger Live may request permission to access your device — allow it only when you are sure the application is from the official source.

Install cryptocurrency apps to your device

Within Ledger Live open the Manager. Connect and unlock your device. Ledger Live displays a list of supported apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.). Click “Install” next to the currencies you want to manage. This does not download funds; it installs the application capable of interacting with that blockchain.

Tip

Only install the apps you need to reduce storage usage on the device. You can always uninstall an app without losing the accounts — accounts are derived from your recovery phrase and reappear when the app is reinstalled.

Creating accounts, receiving funds, and sending

Create accounts in Ledger Live

From Ledger Live, go to Accounts → Add account, choose the currency, and follow the prompts to create an account. The device will be used to verify derived addresses.

Receiving funds

To receive funds, choose the account and click Receive. Ledger Live will show an address and ask you to verify it on the device's screen. Always confirm the address shown on your computer matches the one shown on the physical device before sharing it with a sender.

Sending funds

To send funds, create a transaction in Ledger Live, review fees and amounts, and then physically confirm the transaction on your Ledger device. The device will show transaction details; a human must press the confirmation buttons. This physical confirmation guards against remote tampering.

Double-check everything

Always double-check the destination address and network (e.g., ERC-20 vs. native chain) before confirming. If you are moving tokens, ensure you choose the correct contract address and chain compatibility.

Security best practices

Never share your recovery phrase

Ledger staff or support will never ask for your 24-word (or fewer, depending on model) recovery phrase. If anyone asks you for those words, it is a scam.

Use a strong PIN

Choose a PIN you can remember but that cannot be easily guessed. Avoid using birth years, repetitive patterns, or simple sequences.

Beware phishing

Phishing websites and emails try to trick you into entering recovery words or installing fake software. Always verify you are on Ledger.com/Start before downloading Ledger Live. Bookmark the official page and use that bookmark rather than clicking links in emails.

Backups and redundancy

Consider using a steel backup for your recovery phrase for superior durability. Use multiple geographically separated secure locations for storing backups if you hold significant value.

Advanced: Passphrase (optional)

A passphrase (also called the 25th word) can be added for an extra layer of security. This creates another "hidden" wallet derived from the same seed. Use this only if you understand the risks: if you forget the passphrase, you lose access to funds in that passphrase-derived account. Do not store the passphrase in digital form unless it is strongly encrypted and backed up securely.

Firmware updates and maintenance

Keep your Ledger device firmware and Ledger Live app up to date. Ledger periodically releases firmware updates to patch vulnerabilities or add features. Always check for updates from within Ledger Live or by visiting https://www.ledger.com/start.

Update routine

Open Ledger Live (download from the official site if needed).
Connect and unlock your device.
If a firmware update is available, Ledger Live will guide you. Read the instructions carefully and follow them exactly.

What to do if update fails

If an update fails or the device becomes unresponsive, do not input your recovery phrase into anything. Contact official Ledger support, consult the official knowledge base at Ledger.com/Start, and follow their verified recovery instructions.

Troubleshooting: common issues and fixes

Device not recognized

If your computer does not detect the device, try another USB port or cable, or install the required drivers (Ledger Live prompts you if drivers are needed). Reboot your computer and ensure no other apps are blocking USB access.

Ledger Live sync problems

Try restarting Ledger Live. If problems persist, make sure you have the latest Ledger Live version from https://www.ledger.com/start. You can also try removing and re-adding the affected account in Ledger Live (accounts are derived from your recovery phrase and won't be lost by removing them from the app).

Lost device — recovering funds

If your Ledger device is lost or damaged, you can recover your accounts on a new Ledger device or a compatible wallet using your recovery phrase. Obtain a new device from a trusted vendor and follow the restore flow when setting it up. Again: only restore into a device you trust and purchased yourself.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can Ledger Live hold my crypto for me?

A: Ledger Live is a management app — your private keys remain on the Ledger device. Ledger Live lets you view balances and create transactions which must be signed on the device.

Q: What if I forget my PIN?

A: After repeated incorrect PIN entries the device will reset (factory reset). You will then need your recovery phrase to restore your accounts on a new device or a reset device.

Q: Where do I download Ledger Live?

A: Only from the official download portal: https://www.ledger.com/start.

Conclusion & next steps

Getting started with a Ledger device is straightforward when you follow official instructions and adopt secure practices. Use the official onboarding resources at Ledger.com/Start for downloads and verified instructions. Spend time today to store your recovery phrase safely and make a plan for firmware updates and backup redundancy.

For convenience, here are quick direct links to the official resource (repeated as requested):

Bookmark the official start page now: https://www.ledger.com/start.