Welcome to Ledger Start
This page walks you through the essential steps to set up your Ledger hardware wallet safely. Follow these best practices to verify your device, create a secure backup, and connect to Ledger Live with confidence.
Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start® | Getting Started
Getting started: secure setup, Ledger Live, and best practices to protect your crypto.
This page walks you through the essential steps to set up your Ledger hardware wallet safely. Follow these best practices to verify your device, create a secure backup, and connect to Ledger Live with confidence.
Always buy Ledger devices from the official store or an authorized reseller. On first power-up, inspect packaging and run the built-in authenticity checks. If anything looks tampered with, stop and contact support immediately.
Ledger Live is the official desktop and mobile app for managing your device. Download the app only from the official site. Install, then select Get started → Set up wallet to begin guided onboarding.
Choose “Set up as new device” on your Ledger screen. Pick a strong PIN that you will remember. Do not share this PIN and never enter it anywhere other than on the device itself.
Ledger generates a recovery phrase (usually 24 words). Write the words down, in order, on the provided recovery card. Store the card offline in a secure place—consider a safe or safety deposit box. Never store your recovery phrase in photos, cloud storage, or digital notes.
Confirm the recovery words on your device when prompted. Connect to Ledger Live and install the latest firmware if required. Firmware updates contain security fixes—apply them only through Ledger Live.
Use Ledger Live to install blockchain-specific apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) to your device. Then add accounts in Ledger Live to generate receiving addresses. Always verify addresses on the device screen before sending funds.
If your device is lost or damaged, you can restore funds with your recovery phrase on a new Ledger or compatible wallet. For device issues, reboot, retry the process, and consult official support if problems persist.
Periodically check Ledger Live for updates, review account activity, and rotate your security habits as needed. For large holdings, consider multi-device strategies and professional custody options.