Get Started with Ledger | ledger.com/start

What you'll need before you start

Checklist

Ledger hardware device (Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, Ledger Stax, etc.)
A desktop or mobile device and the official Ledger Live app
Your recovery phrase card (write down the 24 words safely — never share them)
A secure, private place to store your recovery phrase

Quick tip

Always open ledger.com/start (or ledger.com) directly in your browser rather than following random links — many scams mimic Ledger pages. Only download Ledger Live from the official site.

Step 1 — Visit the official start page

Open `ledger.com/start`

This is Ledger's official onboarding hub. It guides you through device-specific setup, Ledger Live installation, and essential security best practices. Follow the instructions there for the device you own.

Step 2 — Download and install Ledger Live

Ledger Live on desktop or mobile

Ledger Live is the companion app that lets you manage accounts, install apps on your Ledger device, and send/receive assets. Download it from the official Ledger downloads page and verify the installer when possible.

Why verify?

Verifying the application binary (for desktop) reduces the risk of installing a tampered file. Ledger publishes checksum/signature details on their site for this purpose.

Step 3 — Initial device setup

Create a new wallet or restore one

Power on your Ledger device and follow on-device prompts. Choose "Set up as new device" to generate a new private key and a 24-word recovery phrase. If you already have a recovery phrase, choose "Restore from recovery phrase".

On-device security

Never type your recovery phrase into a computer or phone. The device will show the words on its secure screen — write them down exactly and keep the card offline.

Step 4 — Install apps and add accounts

Apps on Ledger

Within Ledger Live you install coin-specific apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.) onto the Ledger device. Each account you add in Ledger Live represents a set of addresses controlled by the private keys stored on the device.

Step 5 — Sending and receiving crypto

Transaction flow

When you send crypto, Ledger Live prepares the transaction and the Ledger device signs it. Confirm the details ON THE DEVICE screen before approving — that’s the most secure place to verify destination addresses and amounts.

Best practices for safety

Always double-check addresses on your device's screen.
Never share your 24-word recovery phrase.
Beware of fake Ledger Live apps and phishing sites — only download from ledger.com.

Advanced options and recovery

Restoring from your recovery phrase

If your device is lost or damaged, you can restore accounts on another Ledger device or compatible wallet using the 24-word recovery phrase. Follow Ledger's official restore guide carefully.

Ledger Recovery & extra products

Ledger offers extra recovery solutions and products to help manage backups securely. Review options on the official Ledger site and consider what best fits your threat model.

Final checklist & reminders

Before you finish

Confirm Ledger Live is the official build and up to date.
Confirm your device firmware is current (Ledger Live will prompt you when updates are available).
Store the recovery phrase in a secure physical location (consider metal backup solutions).

If you ever see requests for your recovery phrase, or any interface asks you to type it, stop immediately — that is a scam.

Helpful links (official)

Closing thoughts

Using a hardware wallet like Ledger significantly reduces exposure to online threats by keeping private keys offline. The combination of on-device confirmations and Ledger Live provides a robust workflow for managing crypto safely. Read official guides, stay cau