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

Introduction — why the official start matters

Ledger.com/Start® provides an official, verified pathway to initialize and use Ledger hardware wallets safely. Hardware wallets separate signing keys from internet-connected devices, and the start flow ensures you install authentic software, create or restore a proper recovery phrase, and adopt security habits that keep your crypto under your control. This guide expands on the official steps and practical considerations: unboxing, installing Ledger Live, device initialization, recovery and backup, sending and receiving assets, firmware updates, advanced options, troubleshooting, and security best practices you can follow every day.

What you will need before starting

• Your Ledger hardware wallet (e.g., Nano S, Nano S Plus, Nano X) and the supplied cable.
• A computer or mobile device to run Ledger Live (desktop or mobile).
• Physical backup material for your recovery phrase — pen and the seed card that came in the box, or a metal backup if you have one.
• A quiet, private place to write and store your recovery phrase safely.
• Time: set aside 20–40 minutes to follow the initial setup without rushing.

Unboxing and initial inspection

When your Ledger device arrives, inspect the packaging and tamper-evidence. Genuine devices will arrive sealed and with manufacturer documentation. If packaging appears altered or seals are broken, stop and contact the vendor through verified channels. Keep the box until setup is complete and you’re confident everything operates correctly.

1. Open the package and verify the device model and included accessories.
2. Ensure the seed backup materials are present (paper card or provided template).
3. Keep packaging and serial numbers for your records — they can help in support communications if needed.

Download and install Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the official companion application that helps you manage accounts, install device apps, update firmware, and send/receive assets. For safety, always download Ledger Live through the official start flow and verify the download when checksums or signatures are provided.

1. Visit the official start page using a bookmarked URL or type the address manually to avoid phishing links.
2. Select the Ledger Live version for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux) or install the mobile app from the official app store.
3. Run the installer and follow on-screen prompts. On mobile, install from your device’s store and grant the requested permissions.
4. Launch Ledger Live and follow the onboarding flow to either set up a new device or restore an existing seed.

Initialize your device — creating a new wallet

Initializing creates a secure environment on the device: you will set a PIN and generate a recovery phrase. The device generates the recovery phrase internally — it never transmits the phrase to your computer. Write the words down in order on the supplied card and store them offline.

1. Connect your Ledger device to the computer and choose “Set up as new device” in Ledger Live.
2. Create a PIN on the device — pick a PIN that you can remember but that is not easily guessed.
3. Write down each recovery word on the backup material exactly and in order — verify as prompted.
4. Store the written recovery phrase in a secure location; consider using a metal backup for greater durability against fire/water damage.

Restoring a wallet from an existing recovery phrase

If you already have a recovery phrase from another device, use the restore flow. Carefully enter each seed word using the device’s controls; one incorrect word can make restoration impossible. After restoring, Ledger Live will rescan the blockchains to show the restored accounts and balances.

1. Choose “Restore device” during the Ledger Live onboarding or in device settings.
2. Select the recovery phrase length and carefully enter each word in order.
3. Let Ledger Live resynchronize — add the accounts you need to view balances and perform transactions.

Adding accounts and managing multiple currencies

Ledger Live supports a broad list of coins and tokens. Adding accounts does not expose private keys — it derives public addresses to watch balances and prepare transactions. You can create multiple accounts per currency to help organize funds or manage different strategies.

1. Open Ledger Live > Accounts > Add account.
2. Select the cryptocurrency and follow prompts to connect and unlock your device.
3. Ledger Live will show addresses and transaction history for the added account.

Sending and receiving — trusted transaction workflow

The core security principle: always verify addresses and amounts on the device screen before confirming. Your computer can be compromised; the device screen is the single trusted source of truth that cannot be altered by malware on the host.

1. To receive: Generate a receive address in Ledger Live and verify the full address on the device screen before sharing it with a sender.
2. To send: Prepare the transaction in Ledger Live, then review and confirm the address and amounts on the device screen before signing.
3. For smart contract interactions, prefer wallets that display a human readable summary and always cross-check contract addresses carefully.

Firmware updates and device maintenance

Firmware updates deliver security fixes and improvements. Only update firmware using the official Ledger Live flow and confirm update prompts on the device. Do not interrupt the process and keep the device connected until completion.

1. When Ledger Live notifies you of an update, read the release notes and ensure you are prepared.
2. Start the update and confirm steps on the device screen.
3. If an update fails, follow official recovery guidance; do not install firmware from unofficial sources.

Security best practices — the habits that matter

• Never share your recovery phrase. Ledger support will never ask for it.
• Store your recovery phrase offline, ideally in a durable medium such as metal backup.
• Use a strong, unique device PIN and do not store the PIN with the seed.
• Keep Ledger Live and device firmware up to date using only official channels.
• Avoid using public or shared computers for critical operations; use a trusted device and network.
• Verify website URLs and installer signatures — phishing is common in the cryptocurrency space.

Advanced options — passphrase (optional) and coin control

Advanced users can enable a passphrase — an additional secret that acts as a 25th word to create distinct hidden wallets from the same recovery phrase. This provides plausible deniability or compartmentalization but increases the risk of permanent loss if the passphrase is forgotten. Coin control tools for UTXO-based coins let you select which outputs to spend, improving privacy and fee management.

Troubleshooting common issues

Most problems have simple fixes. If the device is not detected, try another USB port or cable, restart Ledger Live, or reboot the host device. If a firmware update fails, do not re-enter your recovery phrase on an untrusted machine — consult official recovery steps. For persistent issues, gather non-sensitive logs and contact official support for guided help.

• Device not recognized — try a different cable/port and ensure device is unlocked.
• Ledger Live sync issues — allow time for resynchronization and check blockchain network status.
• Update interrupted — follow official recovery instructions; do not use third-party recovery tools that request your seed.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Closing recommendations — take a moment now

Before you finish setup, double-check you have recorded your recovery phrase correctly, you understand where it is stored, and you have a device PIN in place. Practice safe habits: verify full addresses on-device, update firmware from official sources, and limit the time your device is connected. With these practices you can enjoy the balance of strong security and modern usability that Ledger hardware wallets provide.