Get Started with Ledger — Ledger.com/start

Introduction

Self-custody of cryptocurrency starts with a secure hardware wallet and a reliable management app. Ledger devices protect private keys by keeping them offline, while Ledger Live — available from ledger.com/start — provides a polished interface to view balances, add accounts, send and receive funds, stake supported assets, and use integrated services. This guide walks through each step of a secure onboarding process and explains the why behind each recommendation.

What you’ll need

• A genuine Ledger hardware wallet (e.g., Nano S Plus, Nano X, Ledger Stax). Buy only from ledger.com or authorized resellers to avoid tampering risks.
• A computer (Windows, macOS, Linux) or mobile device (iOS/Android). Nano X supports Bluetooth for mobile; other models use USB.
• Internet access to download Ledger Live from ledger.com/start.
• Paper or a durable metal backup to record your recovery phrase; pen, secure storage, and time (plan 20–40 minutes).

Unboxing & authenticity checks

Examine the packaging for tamper evidence. Ledger ships devices sealed. If the box looks resealed, missing items, or otherwise suspicious, do not proceed — contact Ledger support via official channels. Authenticity checks and buying only from official sources dramatically reduce the risk of compromised hardware.

Step 1 — Power up and initialize

1. Power on the device and choose either Create new device or Restore device.
2. If creating new: set a PIN code on-device to protect physical access.
3. The device will display a 24-word recovery phrase — write it down exactly in order on the provided recovery sheet or a metal backup. Confirm the words when prompted.

Step 2 — Install Ledger Live

Open a browser, go to ledger.com/start, and download Ledger Live for your operating system. Install following on-screen prompts. On first launch, Ledger Live will guide you through onboarding, including selecting whether your device is new or being restored.

Manager & firmware

With the device connected, use Ledger Live’s Manager to update firmware if prompted and to install blockchain-specific apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) on your device. Firmware updates contain security fixes; only confirm updates when initiated in Ledger Live and verified on-device.

Step 3 — Add accounts

In Ledger Live, go to Accounts → Add account, pick a cryptocurrency, and follow prompts. Ledger Live enumerates accounts derived from your seed; it reads balances and transaction history but never exposes private keys.

Step 4 — Receive & test transactions

Always verify receive addresses on the physical device display before sharing them. Send a small test amount from an exchange or another wallet to your Ledger address to confirm the entire flow. Once confirmed, you can move larger amounts with confidence.

Essential security practices

• Record and protect your recovery phrase in multiple secure, offline locations (consider metal backups for durability).
• Never share your recovery phrase or PIN with anyone. Any request for these is fraudulent.
• Always verify transaction details (amount and recipient) on the device screen before approving.
• Download Ledger Live only from ledger.com/start and keep it updated.
• Beware phishing links and fake support pages — bookmark official sites and use them exclusively.

Daily operations

Ledger Live provides a portfolio view, transaction history, send/receive flows, swap integrations, and staking for supported tokens. For any outgoing transaction, Ledger Live constructs the transaction and your Ledger device displays and signs it. The physical confirmation is the last and critical security step.

Advanced tips

• Use separate accounts for savings vs. spending to compartmentalize funds.
• Export CSVs for accounting or taxes from Ledger Live.
• For very large holdings, consider multisig solutions or split custody across multiple devices.
• Use a dedicated, well-maintained machine for high-value operations to reduce exposure to malware.

Troubleshooting common issues

Device not detected

Try a different USB cable/port, ensure the device is unlocked, and that Ledger Live is allowed network access. On macOS, check system permissions; on mobile, verify Bluetooth pairing for Nano X.

Firmware update problems

Re-launch Ledger Live, reconnect the device, and retry. If the update repeatedly fails, consult official support articles or open a support ticket — don’t use unofficial guides that ask for your seed.

Lost recovery phrase

If the recovery phrase is lost and you have no backups, funds cannot be restored. Make multiple backups and protect them physically.

Short FAQ

Checklist — before moving large amounts

• Device purchased from official store.
• Ledger Live downloaded from ledger.com/start.
• PIN set and recovery phrase recorded and verified.
• Blockchain apps installed and accounts added.
• Small test transactions completed successfully.
• At least one secure offline backup stored separately.

Final thoughts

Starting a Ledger device and using Ledger Live gives you a powerful combination of convenience and security. The most important elements are simple: buy genuine hardware, protect your recovery phrase offline, confirm addresses and transactions on-device, and keep your software/firmware updated. Follow the official onboarding at ledger.com/start for model-specific instructions and the latest security guidance.