Ledger.com/Start® | Getting Started — Ledger Support™

Getting started with your Ledger® hardware wallet is the most important step toward securing your digital assets. Ledger devices are designed to give you full control of your cryptocurrency by keeping your private keys offline and protected from online threats. This guide walks you through everything you need to know—from unboxing your device to safely managing your crypto—so you can begin with confidence.

Whether you’re new to crypto or upgrading your security, Ledger makes self-custody simple, secure, and user-friendly.

What Is Ledger and Why It Matters

Ledger is a trusted leader in crypto security, offering hardware wallets that protect private keys inside a certified Secure Element chip. Unlike software wallets or exchanges, Ledger wallets keep your sensitive data isolated from the internet, reducing the risk of hacking, phishing, or malware attacks.

By using a Ledger device, you remain the sole owner of your assets. No third party can access or move your funds without your physical confirmation.

What You Need Before You Start

Before setting up your Ledger device, make sure you have:

A Ledger hardware wallet (such as Ledger Nano S Plus® or Ledger Nano X®)

A computer or smartphone with internet access

A USB cable or Bluetooth connection (depending on your model)

A quiet, private space to securely write down your recovery phrase

Important: Never set up your Ledger device in a public place or share your recovery phrase with anyone.

Step 1: Go to Ledger.com/Start®

Always begin setup by visiting Ledger.com/Start®, the official onboarding page. This ensures you are using authentic software and not a fake or malicious application.

From this page, you’ll be guided to download Ledger Live™, the official app used to manage your Ledger device and crypto assets.

Step 2: Install Ledger Live™

Ledger Live™ is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. It acts as your control center, allowing you to:

Set up your Ledger device

Install crypto apps

Check balances and transaction history

Send and receive crypto securely

Manage NFTs and supported tokens

Access staking and other features

Once downloaded, open Ledger Live and choose “Set up a new device” or “Restore from recovery phrase” if you already have a Ledger wallet.

Step 3: Set Up Your Ledger Device

When you power on your Ledger device, you’ll be prompted to create a PIN code. This PIN protects your wallet if the device is lost or stolen.

Tips for choosing a PIN:

Use a unique PIN you haven’t used elsewhere

Avoid simple sequences like 1234

Never share your PIN with anyone

After confirming your PIN, your device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase.

Step 4: Secure Your Recovery Phrase

Your recovery phrase (also called a seed phrase) is the most critical part of your wallet. It is the only way to restore your assets if your Ledger device is lost, damaged, or replaced.

Best practices:

Write the words down in order on the recovery sheet provided

Never take photos or screenshots

Never store it digitally or online

Never share it with anyone—not even Ledger Support™

Anyone with your recovery phrase has full access to your funds.

Ledger will ask you to confirm several words to ensure you’ve written them down correctly.

Step 5: Verify Device Authenticity

Ledger Live will automatically check that your device is genuine. This security verification confirms that your Ledger device is running official Ledger firmware and has not been tampered with.

If the check is successful, you can proceed with confidence knowing your device is authentic and secure.

Step 6: Install Crypto Apps

Ledger supports thousands of cryptocurrencies and tokens. To manage a specific asset, you must install its corresponding app on your Ledger device via Ledger Live.

Examples include:

Bitcoin (BTC)

Ethereum (ETH)

Solana (SOL)

Polygon (MATIC)

Litecoin (LTC)

XRP

And many more

Installing apps does not affect your funds—they remain safely stored on the blockchain, protected by your private keys.

Step 7: Add Accounts in Ledger Live™

Once an app is installed, you can add an account in Ledger Live. This allows you to view balances, receive funds, and make transactions.

To receive crypto:

Select the account

Click Receive

Verify the address on your Ledger device screen

Share the address with the sender

To send crypto:

Choose Send

Enter the recipient’s address

Confirm the transaction on your Ledger device

Every transaction must be physically approved on the device, adding a critical layer of security.

Staying Safe: Security Tips from Ledger Support™

Only download Ledger Live™ from Ledger.com

Beware of phishing emails or fake websites

Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase

Always verify transaction details on your device screen

Keep your device firmware and Ledger Live updated

If something seems suspicious, stop and double-check before taking action.

Restoring a Wallet with a Recovery Phrase

If you ever need to restore your wallet:

Turn on your Ledger device

Select Restore from recovery phrase

Enter your 24 words carefully

Set a new PIN

Your balances will reappear once accounts are added back in Ledger Live.

Getting Help from Ledger Support™

If you need assistance, Ledger Support™ offers:

Official help articles and FAQs

Step-by-step troubleshooting guides

Device and software updates

Security alerts and best practices

Always use official Ledger support channels and avoid third-party assistance claiming to recover funds.

Take Control of Your Crypto Journey

Getting started at Ledger.com/Start® is the first step toward true financial self-custody. With your Ledger hardware wallet, you gain unmatched security, transparency, and control over your digital assets.