Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start® — Getting Started with Ledger

Welcome to the official Ledger start guide. Follow these steps to safely set up your Ledger® hardware wallet, install Ledger Live, secure your recovery seed, and begin managing your crypto with confidence.

Why Ledger? A quick overview

Ledger provides hardware wallets that isolate your private keys from internet-connected devices. Using Ledger Live as the official companion app, you can view balances, send and receive funds, install blockchain apps on your Ledger device, and keep firmware up to date — all while your private keys remain on the hardware.

What you'll need

  • A Ledger device (Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, or other Ledger model) purchased from the official store or authorized reseller.
  • An internet-connected computer or mobile device.
  • A data-capable USB cable (the one included is recommended) or Bluetooth for Nano X pairing.
  • Pen and the recovery seed card (or a metal backup) to record your 24-word recovery phrase offline.

1) Download Ledger Live (official)

Only download Ledger Live from ledger.com/ledger-live or your platform’s verified app store. Ledger Live is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. Avoid third-party downloads and suspicious links — attackers create fake installers and lookalike domains to trick users.

2) Install & open Ledger Live

Run the installer and follow on-screen instructions. When you first open Ledger Live, choose Get started, then select whether you are setting up a new device or restoring an existing wallet using a recovery phrase. If you are setting up a new device, follow on-device prompts to create a PIN and generate your recovery phrase.

3) Initialize your Ledger device

  1. Power on your Ledger device and follow the on-device prompts to select language and create a PIN. Use a PIN you can remember but is not easily guessed.
  2. Write down the 24-word recovery phrase exactly in order on the supplied recovery card or a metal backup. Keep this offline and secure.
  3. Confirm the recovery phrase on the device when prompted. This ensures your recorded seed matches the device’s generation.

Important: Ledger staff or support will never ask for your recovery phrase. If anyone asks, it's a scam — refuse and report it.

4) Add accounts & install apps

Use Ledger Live's Manager to install blockchain-specific apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.) on your device. Then add accounts in Ledger Live for each blockchain you want to manage — Ledger Live will fetch public account data while private keys remain on-device.

5) Sending & receiving crypto

To receive funds: in Ledger Live, choose Receive on the account, copy the address, and verify the exact address on your Ledger device screen before sharing. To send funds: choose Send, enter the recipient address and amount, then review the transaction summary on your Ledger device and approve only if everything matches.

Always verify addresses on the device because malware can alter clipboard contents or display fake addresses in the OS.

Security best practices

  • Download Ledger Live and firmware only from the official site: ledger.com.
  • Store your recovery phrase offline; consider stainless steel backups for durability.
  • Keep firmware and Ledger Live updated — updates are signed and close security gaps.
  • Use a strong PIN and consider using an optional passphrase only if you understand the risks.
  • Protect associated email and exchange accounts with unique passwords and multi-factor authentication.

Troubleshooting

Device not detected:
  • Try a different USB cable or port (avoid charge-only cables).
  • Ensure the device is unlocked (enter PIN) before adding accounts.
  • Use the "Reset USB" option in Ledger Live settings or restart the app/computer.
App shows "Install the app on your device":
  • Open the Manager in Ledger Live and install the blockchain app you need (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.).
Bluetooth issues (Nano X):
  • Toggle Bluetooth, re-pair the device from Ledger Live mobile, and ensure permissions are granted.

Advanced topics

Ledger supports optional passphrases (hidden wallets), staking, and third-party integrations. Passphrases add security but are unrecoverable if lost — document them carefully. Developers can integrate Ledger support via official APIs — see Ledger’s developer documentation for details.

FAQ

Does Ledger Live store my private keys?
No — private keys remain on the Ledger device; Ledger Live only prepares transactions to be signed by the device.
What if I lose my Ledger device?
Restore your wallet on a new Ledger or compatible device using your 24-word recovery phrase.
Is Ledger Live free to use?
Yes — Ledger Live is free. Transaction network fees still apply.

Printable checklist

  • Buy from the official Ledger store or authorized reseller.
  • Download Ledger Live from ledger.com/ledger-live.
  • Install Ledger Live and create or restore a wallet.
  • Initialize the device: set PIN and record recovery phrase offline.
  • Install blockchain apps via Manager and add accounts.
  • Verify addresses and confirm transactions on the device.
  • Keep firmware & Ledger Live updated.

For official support, release notes, and developer documentation visit Ledger’s site. This guide provides practical steps — always consult official Ledger resources for legal, security, or account-specific assistance.