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

Introduction — self-custody begins here

Welcome to the official Ledger onboarding guide. If you bought a Ledger hardware wallet or are preparing to receive one, this page explains everything you need to get started securely. Hardware wallets place your private keys offline, giving you direct control of your cryptocurrency while shielding them from most online attacks. Ledger.com/Start is the official entry point to download Ledger Live, initialize your device, update firmware, and learn best practices for backups and daily use. Follow these steps carefully and always verify critical confirmations on the device itself.

Why a hardware wallet matters

Online exchanges and software wallets can be convenient, but they introduce custodial or remote-key risks: hacks, phishing, or compromised servers may result in loss of funds. A hardware wallet keeps the signing keys inside a secure element on the device, never exposing them to the internet. When paired with Ledger Live, the device provides a safe, practical interface for managing multiple assets. Understanding the setup flow and protection routines ensures that the security advantages of a hardware wallet are realized in practice.

Unboxing — what to expect

When your Ledger package arrives, inspect it before opening. Genuine Ledger products are sealed and include the device, a USB cable (or charging accessories for Bluetooth models), a recovery sheet, quick start instructions, and warranty material. If you notice damaged or tampered packaging, stop and contact official Ledger support. Do not connect a suspicious device.

Step 1 — visit Ledger.com/Start

Use a trusted browser and type ledger.com/start exactly, or use an official bookmark. Phishing sites mimic official addresses, so typing the URL yourself prevents accidentally landing on fake pages. Ledger.com/Start hosts the official Ledger Live installers and guides — never download Ledger Live from third-party websites.

Step 2 — download and install Ledger Live

Ledger Live is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Choose the installer that matches your platform and run it. Ledger Live guides you through device setup, firmware updates, account management, built-in swaps, staking options, and third-party integrations. After installing, open Ledger Live and follow the onboarding flow.

Step 3 — connect your Ledger device

Connect the Ledger device to your computer using the provided USB cable, or pair with your mobile device if Bluetooth is supported. Ledger Live will detect the device and present options to create a new wallet or restore from an existing recovery phrase. If this is a new device, follow prompts to initialize it as “New device” to generate a new recovery phrase.

Creating vs restoring a wallet

Ledger Live gives two primary choices at setup:

• Create a new device: The device will generate a brand-new recovery phrase (typically 24 words). You must write it down on the supplied recovery sheet and store it safely offline.
• Restore an existing wallet: If you already own a recovery phrase from another device, select restore and enter the words using the hardware interface when prompted.

Recovery phrase — your master key

The recovery phrase is the canonical backup. Anyone with that phrase can restore and control your funds, so protect it like a physical asset. Recommended protections include writing it on durable material (the included sheet, or purpose-made metal backups), storing it in a safe or safety-deposit box, and limiting the number of copies. Never photograph the phrase or store it in digital notes or cloud storage.

Set a PIN — local device protection

During setup you will choose a PIN code. The PIN prevents unauthorized local access to the device if it is lost or stolen. Pick a PIN you can remember but that isn’t trivial (avoid birthdays or repeated patterns). Entering the wrong PIN too many times can trigger a factory reset; your funds remain safe as long as you have the recovery phrase to restore them.

Optional: passphrase — extra security with responsibility

Ledger supports an optional passphrase which effectively acts as an extra word appended to your recovery phrase, creating a hidden wallet. This can enhance security or provide plausible deniability, but it adds complexity: losing the passphrase means permanent loss of access to the passphrase-protected wallet. Use this feature only if you understand the tradeoffs and have a reliable, separate backup for the passphrase.

Firmware updates and device verification

Ledger periodically publishes firmware updates that fix bugs and harden security. Ledger Live will notify you when updates are available. Install updates only when Ledger Live initiates them and always confirm actions shown on the device screen. The device display is your single trusted source for verification: confirm the firmware fingerprint, transaction details, and addresses directly on the hardware.

Adding accounts and supported assets

Once initialized, add accounts for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and hundreds of other supported cryptocurrencies inside Ledger Live. Each account gives you public receiving addresses and a transaction history. Ledger Live also provides price tracking, portfolio overviews, and optional notifications. Use labeling to organize accounts by purpose (savings, trading, long-term holdings).

Receiving crypto — verify on device

To receive funds: generate a receiving address in Ledger Live, then verify that the exact same address appears on your Ledger device screen. Because malware can alter addresses displayed on a computer, verifying on the device prevents address substitution attacks. Only share the verified address with the sender.

Sending crypto — approve on device

To send funds: enter the recipient’s address and amount in Ledger Live, then review the summary and approve the transaction on the device screen. Confirm that the recipient address and amount shown on the device match what you expect. Never approve a transaction where the device shows an unexpected destination or value.

Backup strategies — durability and redundancy

Long-term safety involves thinking about durability (resistance to fire, water, decay) and redundancy (multiple secure copies). Consider metal seed storage solutions for durability. If using multiple copies, store them in separate secure locations to reduce single-point risks. For very large holdings, advanced users sometimes use threshold or secret-sharing schemes — but these techniques add complexity and must be used carefully.

Security best practices — practical rules

Advanced features — staking, swaps, integrations

Ledger Live includes built-in swap/bridge options, staking for supported assets, and integrations with reputable third-party wallets and dApps. These features let you earn yield, swap tokens, and interact with DeFi while keeping keys on the hardware device. When using third-party services, ensure they are well-audited and always confirm actions on the Ledger device.

Troubleshooting — common problems & fixes

If the device is not detected, try a different USB cable or port and ensure Ledger Live is the latest version. If firmware update fails, restart the app and device, and follow the official recovery procedures in Ledger documentation. If you forget your PIN, restore your wallet on a new device using the recovery phrase. For unresolved issues, contact official Ledger support through channels listed on the Ledger website.

FAQ — quick answers

Common mistakes — and how to avoid them

Final notes — ownership and responsibility

A hardware wallet with Ledger Live gives you the power and responsibility of self-custody. Protecting your recovery phrase, using a strong PIN, verifying all on-device confirmations, and maintaining good backup strategies are the core practices that keep your assets safe. With those habits in place, Ledger devices are a robust solution for long-term crypto custody.

Ready to begin? Visit the official start page below, download Ledger Live, and follow the secure guided onboarding within the app.