Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start® | Getting started
A concise, practical walkthrough to begin using your Ledger hardware wallet and Ledger Live — security-first, step-by-step.
Ledger.com/start is the starting point for safely onboarding your Ledger hardware device and the Ledger Live companion app. This page explains the essentials: how to download Ledger Live, initialize your hardware wallet, back up your recovery phrase, install apps for the assets you plan to hold, and basic best practices that keep your keys secure.
Tip: everything here prioritizes security; treat installation steps as security-critical, not optional.
First, visit the official onboarding portal and download the Ledger Live application for your platform (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, or iOS). Only download Ledger Live from the official source; avoid third-party mirrors or links sent through messages. Once downloaded, run the installer and open the app to begin the guided setup.
- Choose your platform and download the official Ledger Live installer.
- Open the installer and follow platform prompts to install Ledger Live.
- Launch Ledger Live and select “Get started” when ready.
Unbox your Ledger device and connect it using the supplied cable. Choose “Set up as new device” in Ledger Live if this device is new to you. Follow on-device instructions to create a secure PIN and write down your 24-word recovery phrase. This recovery phrase is the only backup to your private keys — keep it offline and never share it.
- Set a PIN you can remember but no one else can guess.
- Write the recovery phrase on the supplied card — do not photograph or store it digitally.
- Test that the device accepts your PIN and that the recovery phrase is legible and complete.
Security rule: Ledger staff or support will never ask for your 24 words. If someone asks, stop and report the request.
Ledger devices run small apps that let the device manage specific blockchains. Using Ledger Live → Manager, you can install apps such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and others. After installing an app on the device, create an account for that asset inside Ledger Live to view balances and send/receive transactions.
- Connect your Ledger device and open Ledger Live.
- Navigate to the Manager and install the app(s) you need.
- Return to Accounts in Ledger Live and add a new account for each asset you want to manage.
Note: installing many apps can use the device’s storage; uninstalling an app does not remove accounts from the device’s recovery phrase.
Security is the central purpose of a hardware wallet. A few practical habits dramatically reduce risk:
- Never enter your 24-word recovery phrase into a computer, phone, or website. It belongs only on the physical backup card.
- Keep firmware and Ledger Live up to date to receive security patches and improvements.
- Use a strong, unique PIN and consider a passphrase only if you understand the added complexity and recovery implications.
- Be suspicious of unsolicited support requests, emails, or URLs that ask for private information.
If you ever suspect compromise, move assets to a new device with a fresh recovery phrase under your control.
Problems are usually simple: connection, firmware, or software version mismatches. If Ledger Live does not detect the device, try a different USB cable, reboot your computer, or ensure the device is unlocked. For firmware updates, always follow on-screen prompts and verify firmware signatures when asked.
- If Ledger Live asks for the recovery phrase — this is a red flag. Reinstall Ledger Live from the official source and scan for malware.
- If you lose your device, your funds remain recoverable with the 24 words — do not share them with anyone.
- For step-by-step troubleshooting, consult official support resources or the Ledger Academy guides.
Before you send funds or consider the setup complete, confirm these items: device initialized, PIN set, 24-word recovery phrase recorded and stored offline, required apps installed, accounts added in Ledger Live, and firmware up to date. Keep at least one trusted, offline copy of the recovery phrase in a secure location (for instance, a safe).
- Device initialized and accessible with PIN.
- Recovery phrase written and stored offline.
- Ledger Live installed and accounts added.
- Firmware and app versions updated.
You are now ready to manage your digital assets with a hardware-backed security posture.