Ledger.com/start — Official Getting Started Guide

A clear, step-by-step reference to set up your Ledger hardware wallet, secure your recovery phrase, and begin managing crypto safely. (Approx. 1500 words)

Quick jump: Start Setup Security Tips

Overview

What this guide covers

This Official Getting Started Guide walks you from unboxing to first transaction. It focuses on practical steps, safety-first practices, and links to official resources. If you ever see a different address or an unsolicited request related to your Ledger, stop and verify at ledger.com/start.

Why a hardware wallet?

Hardware wallets like Ledger store private keys offline, dramatically reducing exposure to online threats (phishing, malware, exchange hacks). However, security depends on how you set up and protect your device and recovery phrase.

Quick note

This is a general guide. Always follow the exact instructions shown by your Ledger device and the official website. Never share your recovery phrase with anyone.

Before you start

What you'll need

  • A Ledger hardware device (Nano S Plus, Nano X, or later)
  • USB cable or Bluetooth (depending on model)
  • A computer or smartphone with the Ledger Live app installed
  • Pen and the supplied recovery card (or a high-quality metal backup)
  • 10–20 minutes, uninterrupted

Security checklist

  1. Buy directly from the manufacturer or an authorized reseller.
  2. Inspect the packaging for tamper evidence.
  3. Do not connect the device to unknown computers.
  4. Never enter your 24-word recovery on a computer or phone.

Setup: step-by-step

Unbox and power on

Open the box and make sure the packet contains the device, a cable, a recovery card, and quick start materials. Power on by following the screen prompts.

1 — Initialize the device

Choose to set up as new device. Create a PIN directly on the device; choose something memorable but not guessable. Your PIN protects access to the device—even if someone has physical possession.

2 — Write down your recovery phrase

The device will display 24 words (or 12/18 depending on model) one by one. Write them exactly in order on the recovery card supplied. Double-check spelling and order. This phrase is the only way to recover your funds if the device is lost or damaged.

3 — Install Ledger Live

On your computer or phone, visit ledger.com/start and follow the platform-specific instructions to download Ledger Live. After installation, open Ledger Live and follow the app’s onboarding.

4 — Add an account

Use Ledger Live to add cryptocurrency accounts (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum). You'll be asked to connect and unlock your device to verify addresses.

5 — Receive a test transaction

Before moving large sums, send a small test amount to confirm the address and that you can sign transactions with your device.

Security best practices

Protecting your recovery phrase

Store your recovery phrase offline in a secure location. Consider a metal backup plate for fire and water resistance. Do not photograph or type your recovery anywhere online.

Phishing and scams

Always verify domains and emails. Ledger's official starting page is ledger.com/start. Ledger will never ask for your 24-word phrase. If someone asks, it’s a scam.

Advanced tip

Enable passphrase (optional) for an extra layer of protection, but treat it as part of your secret: if lost, funds are unrecoverable.

Troubleshooting

Common issues

If your device won't connect, try a different cable and ensure Ledger Live is up to date. Reboot your computer and re-open Ledger Live. If the device reports an unexpected message, consult the official start page first.

Lost or stolen device

If your device is lost or stolen—but your recovery phrase is safe—you can recover funds onto a new Ledger device or compatible wallet. If both device and recovery are lost, funds cannot be recovered.

Frequently asked questions

Can Ledger Live be used without the device?

You can view portfolio data in Ledger Live, but to sign transactions you must connect your hardware device. The private keys never leave the device.

Is my recovery phrase compatible with other wallets?

Yes. The 24-word recovery phrase follows BIP-39 standard and can be used with compatible wallets. Be careful: some blockchains or wallets add optional passphrases or use different derivation paths.

Resources

Official start page: ledger.com/start

Conclusion

Setting up a hardware wallet is one of the best steps you can take to secure crypto holdings. Follow the device prompts, protect your recovery phrase offline, and always verify official links. This guide condenses the most important steps — but the device screen and official start page are the final authority.

Final call-to-action

Begin now at: https://www.ledger.com/start