Ledger.com/Start® | Getting Started with Your Ledger Hardware Wallet

Welcome to the official Ledger.com/Start® guide—your comprehensive resource for safely setting up and managing your Ledger hardware wallet. Ledger devices are designed to provide industry-leading security for your cryptocurrency assets, giving you full control over your private keys while protecting you from digital threats.

Why Choose Ledger?

Ledger hardware wallets offer:

Secure storage: Your private keys never leave your device, ensuring maximum security.
Multi-asset support: Manage over 1800 cryptocurrencies and tokens all in one place.
User-friendly interface: The Ledger Live app allows easy portfolio management.
Regular updates: Firmware and app updates improve security and add new features.
Wide compatibility: Works with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.

Step 1: Unboxing Your Ledger Device

Before starting the setup process, carefully unbox your Ledger device and verify its authenticity. Ledger offers multiple device models, including the Ledger Nano S Plus and Ledger Nano X. Here’s what you should find in your package:

The Ledger device
A USB cable (type depends on model)
A recovery sheet to write down your recovery phrase
A lanyard and keychain accessories
Instruction booklet and safety information

Important: Ensure the packaging is sealed and untampered with. Ledger devices are shipped in secure packaging with a tamper-evident sticker. If you suspect your package has been compromised, do not use the device and contact Ledger support immediately.

Step 2: Access Ledger.com/Start®

Always start your setup by visiting the official Ledger.com/Start® webpage. This page provides direct download links for the Ledger Live app and the latest installation instructions. Avoid downloading software from third-party sources to prevent phishing and malware risks.

Downloading Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the desktop and mobile application that allows you to manage your Ledger device, install cryptocurrency apps, and send or receive assets securely.

Navigate to https://ledger.com/start
Select your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, or iOS)
Download and install the Ledger Live application

For mobile users, Ledger Live is available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

Step 3: Initializing Your Ledger Device

Once Ledger Live is installed, open the app and connect your Ledger device to your computer or smartphone using the included USB cable or Bluetooth (Ledger Nano X only).

Follow the On-Screen Instructions

The app will guide you through the following key steps:

Select your device model: Choose your exact Ledger device to proceed.
Choose to create a new wallet or restore an existing one: If you’re new to Ledger, select Create a new wallet.
Set a secure PIN code: You will be prompted to choose a PIN directly on your device. This PIN will be required every time you unlock your Ledger.
Write down your recovery phrase: Your device will display a 24-word recovery phrase. Write each word carefully on the recovery sheet included in the box.

Critical Security Notice: Never store your recovery phrase digitally or share it with anyone. Your recovery phrase is the ultimate key to your crypto holdings. Anyone with access to it can steal your funds.

Recovery Phrase Verification

After writing down your recovery phrase, your Ledger device will ask you to confirm several words to ensure you have recorded them correctly. This process protects against mistakes that could prevent wallet recovery.

Step 4: Installing Cryptocurrency Apps

Ledger devices use a modular architecture where each cryptocurrency requires its own dedicated app installed via Ledger Live.

Open Ledger Live and navigate to the Manager tab.
Connect and unlock your Ledger device.
Find and install apps for the cryptocurrencies you want to manage (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana).

You can install multiple apps, but device storage space is limited, especially on Ledger Nano S Plus. Manage your installed apps accordingly.

Step 5: Adding Accounts and Managing Your Portfolio

Once the apps are installed, you can add accounts in Ledger Live:

Go to the Accounts tab and click Add account.
Select the cryptocurrency and follow the prompts to sync your wallet addresses.
Your accounts will display balances and transaction history.

Portfolio Management

Ledger Live provides real-time portfolio valuation, transaction management, and secure sending/receiving features. It supports:

Multi-account management
Sending and receiving cryptocurrencies
Checking transaction status
Checking app and firmware update status

Step 6: Sending and Receiving Crypto Safely

To receive cryptocurrency:

Open Ledger Live and select the appropriate account.
Click Receive to generate a receiving address.
Verify the address on your Ledger device screen matches the one displayed on Ledger Live.
Share this address with the sender or use it to transfer funds from an exchange.

To send cryptocurrency:

Go to the Send tab in Ledger Live.
Enter the recipient’s address and amount to send.
Review transaction details carefully.
Confirm the transaction on your Ledger device by physically approving it.

Security Reminder: Always verify addresses on your Ledger device screen before approving transactions. This ensures malware or compromised computers don’t trick you into sending funds to the wrong address.

Step 7: Firmware and Software Updates

Keeping your Ledger device’s firmware and Ledger Live app up to date is critical for security and performance.

Ledger Live will notify you when updates are available.
Follow the prompts to safely update your device firmware via Ledger Live.
Do not disconnect your device during firmware updates.

Ledger Security Best Practices

Keep your recovery phrase offline and secure.
Never share your recovery phrase or PIN with anyone.
Download Ledger Live only from Ledger.com/Start®.
Use a strong, unique PIN code for your device.
Verify all addresses and transaction details on your device before confirming.
Beware of phishing sites or emails impersonating Ledger. Always verify URLs.
Consider using additional security layers such as passphrase protection for hidden wallets.

Common Troubleshooting

Device Not Recognized by Ledger Live

Try a different USB port or cable.
Restart your computer or mobile device.
Ensure Ledger Live is updated to the latest version.
Try reinstalling Ledger Live.

Firmware Update Fails

Do not disconnect your device during updates.
Restart Ledger Live and try again.
If problems persist, consult Ledger support.

Forgot PIN

If you forget your PIN, you must reset your Ledger device and recover your wallet using your recovery phrase.

Lost Recovery Phrase

If you lose your recovery phrase and your device is lost or damaged, your funds will be irretrievable. It is vital to back up your recovery phrase securely.

Advanced Features

Passphrase Protection: Add an extra layer of security by enabling passphrase support in Ledger Live. This creates hidden wallets that only open with the correct passphrase.
Ledger Live Mobile: Manage your portfolio and sign transactions on the go using the Ledger Live mobile app.
Third-party integrations: Ledger supports integration with popular wallets and DeFi platforms such as MetaMask, MyEtherWallet, and others.

Conclusion

Setting up your Ledger hardware wallet via Ledger.com/Start® is straightforward if you follow the official instructions carefully. By maintaining strong security habits and using Ledger Live, you ensure the highest level of protection for your cryptocurrency assets.

For the latest tutorials, troubleshooting guides, and support, always visit the official Ledger website.

Disclaimer

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or security advice. Cryptocurrency investments involve risk; please exercise caution and perform due diligence.