Get started with Ledger — Ledger.com/start

A clear, step-by-step guide to setting up your Ledger hardware wallet and Ledger Live so you can manage crypto safely.

Overview

Ledger hardware wallets (Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, and others) protect your private keys in a secure element — a tamper-resistant chip built to store and use cryptographic secrets. Ledger Live is the companion application (desktop and mobile) used to manage accounts, send and receive crypto, install apps on your device, and access additional Ledger services.

This guide covers everything you need to get started: unboxing, initializing your device, securing your recovery phrase, installing Ledger Live, and basic day-to-day workflows.

Before you start — What you'll need

  • Your new Ledger device and the original packaging (check the seal).
  • A computer or smartphone with internet access to install Ledger Live.
  • A reliable USB cable (or Bluetooth for Ledger Nano X) that came with your device.
  • Pen and the recovery sheet that came with your Ledger (do not store seed digitally).

Important: Never accept a pre-initialized device from a third party. Always verify the device has been unboxed and initialized by you in a secure environment.

Installing Ledger Live

Ledger Live is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. Download only from the official Ledger website or app stores to avoid malicious copies. Verify download checksums if provided for desktop installers.

  1. Visit ledger.com/start to choose your device and download Ledger Live.
  2. Install the application and follow the on-screen onboarding instructions.
  3. Create a Ledger Live account (optional) for syncing settings between devices — note this does not store private keys.

Initialize your Ledger device

When first powering the Ledger device, you will be asked to set a PIN and generate a recovery phrase. Follow these steps carefully:

  1. Power on: Connect the device to your computer or phone and power it on.
  2. Create a new wallet: Choose the option to set up as a new device. Do not use options like "Restore from recovery" unless you already have a seed.
  3. Choose a PIN: Enter a PIN code on the device. This protects against physical access. Choose something memorable but not easily guessable. The PIN is entered on the device using physical buttons — never type it into your computer.
  4. Write your recovery phrase: The device will display a 24-word recovery phrase (depending on model). Write each word clearly on the provided recovery sheet. Do not photograph, store in a cloud note, or type the phrase into any device.
  5. Confirm the phrase: The device will ask you to confirm some words to ensure you recorded them correctly.

Tip: Consider storing the recovery phrase in multiple secure locations using a safe, bank deposit box, or other secure methods — use hardware backup solutions if available.

Add accounts in Ledger Live

After initializing your device and launching Ledger Live, add cryptocurrency accounts for the assets you want to manage.

  1. Open Ledger Live and connect your Ledger device.
  2. Go to the "Accounts" tab and click "Add account".
  3. Select the blockchain (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) and follow the prompts. Ledger Live will detect the device and create the account.
  4. Repeat for additional coins or tokens. For some tokens, you may need to add custom token contracts (Ethereum-based tokens).

Ledger Live displays balances, transaction history, and portfolio value aggregated across accounts.

Sending and receiving crypto

Use Ledger Live to create and broadcast transactions while signatures occur on your device.

  1. Receiving: In Ledger Live, select an account, click "Receive", and verify the receive address displayed in the app matches the address shown on your device screen before sharing it.
  2. Sending: Click "Send", enter the destination address and amount, and confirm transaction details in Ledger Live. The device will display a summary to verify before you approve the signature on-device.

Always verify destination addresses on the device screen — malware on your computer can alter addresses displayed in the app but cannot change the address shown on the hardware wallet.

Firmware updates & device maintenance

Keep device firmware updated via Ledger Live. Firmware updates include bug fixes and security improvements. Only install firmware through Ledger Live or official instructions. If a firmware update fails, follow the official recovery steps and contact Ledger support if needed.

Security best practices

  • Never share your 24-word recovery phrase. Ledger staff will never ask for it.
  • Store your recovery phrase offline on paper or metal backup solutions built for seeds.
  • Use a strong PIN and enable passphrase options if you need hidden wallet functionality.
  • Only download Ledger Live from ledger.com or official app stores.
  • Be cautious of phishing attempts — verify URLs, sender addresses, and official communications.

Troubleshooting & support

Common issues and fixes:

  • Device not detected: Try a different USB cable/port, allow Ledger Live to access the device, and update the OS if necessary.
  • Firmware update problems: Retry in Ledger Live; if persistent, consult official support and follow recovery guides.
  • Lost recovery phrase: If you lose your recovery phrase and still have access to the device, generate a new seed and transfer funds to the new wallet. If both device and phrase are lost, funds cannot be recovered.

For detailed help, consult Ledger's official support resources or contact Ledger support through ledger.com/support.

Next steps

Once set up, explore Ledger Live features like staking, swapping, and installing apps on your device to support additional blockchains. Consider hardening your backup strategy with a metal seed backup, and review Ledger's security guides regularly.

If you want a shorter landing page, printable quick-start, or a developer-facing integration guide, tell me which format and I’ll update the document.