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This guide walks you through setting up your Ledger hardware wallet step-by-step. For official downloads and resources always use ledger.com/start. Whether you’re brand new to crypto or moving assets to a hardware wallet for better security, these instructions will get you up and running quickly and safely.
Ledger hardware wallets are designed to keep your private keys offline and away from internet threats. The official onboarding page at ledger.com/start provides the latest Ledger Live application, firmware updates, and verified support articles. Using the official link ensures you download authentic software and follow current setup procedures.
Open a browser and go to ledger.com/start. Choose the Ledger Live download for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, or mobile). Always confirm the URL looks exactly like ledger.com/start and that your browser shows a secure HTTPS connection.
Run the Ledger Live installer you downloaded. During installation, Ledger Live may prompt you to allow permissions — these are normal. After installing, open Ledger Live and follow the initial prompts. Ledger Live will guide you through creating a new device or restoring an existing wallet and will help you verify firmware authenticity.
Follow the on-screen steps shown on your device and in Ledger Live. You’ll be asked to create a PIN and to write down your recovery phrase. This recovery phrase is the only backup of your wallet — store it offline in a secure place. Never share it online or with anyone claiming to be Ledger support.
Within Ledger Live you can install cryptocurrency apps for the coins you want to manage (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.). After installing apps, add accounts in Ledger Live. Each account connects the on-device wallet with Ledger Live so you can view balances and prepare transactions.
A: Yes — if you have your recovery phrase. Use the recovery phrase to restore your wallet on a new Ledger device or any compatible wallet that supports the same seed standard.
A: Yes. Ledger’s official resources and downloads are centralized at ledger.com/start. If you’re unsure about a link or download, stop and verify the address in your browser.
After downloading Ledger Live from ledger.com/start, open the app and follow the on-screen setup. Choose to initialize a new device or restore an existing one. If you initialize, confirm the model and allow Ledger Live to verify device firmware. These verification steps use cryptographic checks to ensure firmware authenticity.
Set a secure PIN on the device. The device will then display a recovery phrase — write it down exactly and store it offline. Treat the recovery phrase as the ultimate backup: anyone with it can access your funds. Never store the phrase digitally or share it.
Consider using an optional passphrase for extra security, but remember it is a double-edged sword: losing it means losing access. If Ledger Live does not detect your device, try a different cable or USB port and confirm you used the official download from ledger.com/start. For firmware issues, follow the guided recovery steps in Ledger Live or consult official support.
Once accounts are added in Ledger Live, you can receive funds by choosing an account and clicking Receive. Always verify the address displayed in Ledger Live with the address shown on your Ledger device screen before sending funds. This on-device verification prevents address-swapping attacks. After verifying, copy the address and paste it into the sending platform. Send a small test amount first to confirm everything works, then transfer larger amounts once you’re confident the address and network are correct.
Ledger releases updates that can include support for new assets, performance improvements, and security hardening. Periodically open Ledger Live and check the Manager tab to see if firmware or app updates are available. Ledger communicates important updates via their official website; check ledger.com/start if you need confirmation of release details.
Phishing scams often mimic official emails or websites. Always type ledger.com/start directly into your browser or use a trusted bookmark rather than clicking links from emails. Ledger will never ask for your 24-word recovery phrase — anyone requesting it is a scam. If you suspect you’ve been targeted, disconnect your device from the internet, and consult the official support information at ledger.com/start.
If your recovery phrase has been revealed or you suspect it is compromised, immediately create a new wallet on a fresh Ledger device or compatible wallet and transfer funds to the new wallet. Treat the compromised recovery phrase as irrevocably insecure — funds on that seed can be accessed by anyone with the phrase. For step-by-step guidance, visit the support and recovery sections linked from ledger.com/start.
If you followed every step above, your Ledger device is ready to securely hold and manage your crypto. For troubleshooting, advanced features, or frequently updated guidance, return to ledger.com/start.