Ledger Start

A concise, secure step-by-step guide to set up your Ledger hardware wallet, install Ledger Live, authenticate your device, and protect your crypto assets.

What you’ll accomplish on ledger.com/start

This ledger.com/start page walks you through initial setup tasks so you can: initialize your Ledger device, install Ledger Live on desktop or mobile, verify the device’s genuine firmware, create or restore a secure recovery phrase, and perform your first verified transaction. The instructions prioritize device authentication and seed phrase protection to minimize risk from phishing and counterfeit devices.

Before you begin

Before you follow steps on ledger.com/start, gather these items: the Ledger hardware wallet you received sealed in original packaging, a USB-C or USB-A cable depending on your model, a computer or smartphone, and a private, offline space to write your recovery phrase. Do not share your recovery phrase with anyone or enter it into a website or app.

Install Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the official companion application used to manage accounts, install apps, and perform firmware updates. On ledger.com/start, choose Download > Ledger Live and select the correct operating system: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, or iOS. Always download Ledger Live from the official site indicated on ledger.com/start — do not install from third-party links.

After installation, open Ledger Live and follow the on-screen prompts to create an app password and set basic preferences. Ledger Live will guide you through the device connection and firmware checks described below.

Initialize and authenticate your device

When you power your Ledger device for the first time, follow the device’s screen prompts to choose a PIN and generate a recovery phrase. ledger.com/start provides illustrated steps to confirm the device’s authenticity and validate the firmware. Confirm the device displays the same welcome and security messages shown in Ledger Live — if anything differs, stop and contact official support.

Authenticating your device is critical: only approve actions when the device itself displays transaction details. Never confirm a transaction or reveal your recovery phrase in response to an unsolicited message or a webpage prompt.

Create and protect your recovery phrase

The recovery phrase (24 words for most Ledger devices) is the only backup for access to your crypto wallets. ledger.com/start explains how to record your recovery phrase on the physical card included with your device or on a secure metal backup. Store this backup offline in a safe location. Never photograph, type, store in cloud storage, or share your recovery phrase.

If your device is lost or damaged, the recovery phrase lets you restore funds to a new, verified Ledger device or compatible wallet. If anyone asks for your recovery phrase during setup or support, treat the request as a phishing attempt.

Install apps and add accounts

Ledger devices use a modular app system: install the Ethereum, Bitcoin, or other blockchain apps via Ledger Live. After installing an app on your device, add the corresponding account in Ledger Live to view balances and history. ledger.com/start outlines recommended default apps and explains how to keep apps and firmware updated.

Perform a verified transaction

To send a transaction, create it in Ledger Live (or a trusted DApp) and verify all details directly on your Ledger device screen before approving. The device will display destination addresses and amounts; confirm these details match what you expect. ledger.com/start emphasizes device verification to prevent address-replacement attacks and phishing.

Need help?

If you encounter unexpected behavior during setup, consult the official support resources linked on ledger.com/start for firmware verification guides, troubleshooting articles, and contact options. Avoid third-party repair or setup services that require your recovery phrase or device credentials.

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