Ledger.com/Start — Set up your Ledger hardware wallet
This official page leads you through safely unboxing, installing Ledger Live, initializing your device, and applying best security practices. Follow the steps closely to protect your assets and keep your recovery phrase offline.
Go to Ledger.com/start Installation stepsOverview
Ledger hardware wallets (Ledger Nano S, Nano S Plus, Nano X and others) provide a robust security boundary that keeps your private keys offline. Ledger Live is the official application that connects to your device to manage accounts, send and receive cryptocurrencies, install apps, and handle firmware updates. Ledger.com/start is the canonical place to download Ledger Live and follow verified setup instructions — always use this domain to avoid phishing.
Install & initial setup
1. Unbox your Ledger device and ensure tamper-evidence is intact. 2. Visit ledger.com/start and download Ledger Live for your OS (Windows/macOS/Linux). 3. Install Ledger Live and open the app. Choose “Get started” → select your device model. 4. Follow on-screen prompts to initialize a new device or restore from a recovery phrase. If creating new, the device will generate a recovery phrase — write it down on the card provided and store it offline. 5. Set a PIN on the device and confirm it. The PIN protects the device against physical theft attempts. 6. Use Ledger Live to add accounts, install coin apps, and view balances. For mobile management, pair Ledger Live Mobile with your Ledger device (Nano X supports Bluetooth).
Security model & best practices
Ledger keeps the secret material (private keys and seed) inside the secure element on the device. Ledger Live is a host application that never exposes keys. Always follow these best practices: buy devices only from official channels, never enter your recovery phrase into a website or app, keep seed backups offline (paper or metal), use a strong PIN, enable passphrase/higher-level protections if you require hidden wallets, and verify firmware updates via the official Ledger Live prompts.
Day-to-day usage
For routine sends, use Ledger Live to prepare a transaction and then confirm the details on the device screen before signing. Label frequently used addresses in the address book to avoid mistakes. If using third-party dApps, ensure they support Ledger and always confirm addresses and amounts on the device display.
Troubleshooting
If your device is not recognized: try different USB cables (use data cable), try a different USB port, ensure Ledger Live is up to date, and check that no other wallet apps are monopolizing the USB connection. For Bluetooth pairing issues with Nano X, remove previously paired devices and retry the pairing flow in Ledger Live Mobile. If firmware update fails, follow Ledger Live’s recovery steps and consult official support — do not attempt unofficial workarounds that ask for your seed.
Why ledger.com/start?
Phishing sites replicate setup guides to trick users into revealing recovery phrases. ledger.com/start is the only official starting point for downloads and verified instructions. Bookmark it and verify the domain and HTTPS certificate whenever you set up a device.
Secure Element
Hardware-protected storage for private keys to resist extraction attempts.
Firmware & updates
Official update mechanism via Ledger Live with signed firmware checks.
Multi-currency
Support for Bitcoin, Ethereum, ERC-20 tokens, and many other blockchains via Ledger Live & apps.
Yes — BIP39-compatible devices can restore with the same seed, but only restore on trusted hardware/software.
Always use ledger.com/start and verify the HTTPS certificate and checksum where provided.
PIN can be reset by performing a device reset, but you need the recovery seed to restore funds — never lose your seed.
Ledger provides privacy options in Ledger Live. Review settings to minimize telemetry and external data sharing.