Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start® | Getting started
This guide walks you step-by-step through setting up and using Ledger via Ledger.com/Start. It covers installation, security best practices, troubleshooting, advanced tips, and an extensive FAQ to answer common questions.
Why use Ledger and Ledger.com/Start?
Ledger hardware wallets provide a way to keep your cryptocurrency private keys offline and secure. The web address Ledger.com/Start is the official beginning point for new devices — it guides you through initializing a Ledger device, installing Ledger Live, and making your first transfer securely.
Below you'll find a user-friendly, practical tutorial for beginners as well as intermediate techniques for power users.
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Getting started — step-by-step
What you’ll need (H3)
A Ledger hardware device (Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, or supported model).
A modern computer with USB or Bluetooth (if using Nano X).
An internet connection to download Ledger Live and firmware updates.
A private, secure place to write down your recovery phrase.
Step 1: Go to Ledger.com/Start (H3)
Open your browser and navigate to https://ledger.com/start. The website will detect your device and platform automatically and provide the Ledger Live download link and instructions specific to your model.
Why use the official URL? (H4)
Using the official start page ensures you get the correct, untampered Ledger Live package and the latest firmware checks. Bookmark the official URL and avoid third-party download sites.
Step 2: Install Ledger Live (H3)
Download Ledger Live from Ledger.com/Start.
Install the application and open it.
Follow the wizard: choose "Set up a new device" or "Restore device from recovery phrase" depending on your situation.
Security note (H4)
Never share your recovery phrase with anyone. Ledger staff or legitimate support will never ask for your 24-word phrase.
Step 3: Initialize your Ledger (H3)
When prompted, choose to create a new device. The device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase. Write it down on the supplied recovery sheet, store it offline, and consider using a metal backup for long-term durability.
Best practices for the recovery phrase (H5)
Write each word legibly in order — don't abbreviate.
Keep multiple physical copies in separate secure locations.
Do not photograph, email, or store the phrase on cloud services.
Step 4: Add accounts and apps (H3)
Use Ledger Live to install blockchain-specific apps (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) on your device and then add accounts to Ledger Live. This lets you view balances and prepare transactions while your private keys remain on the device.
Step 5: Receive your first transaction (H3)
To receive funds, request a receive address from Ledger Live while your device is connected and unlocked. Verify the address shown on your device's screen matches the address in Ledger Live — that device validation is the single most important step for preventing address-replacement attacks.
Security deep dive
Why hardware wallets are safer (H3)
Hardware wallets keep the private keys in a secure element and never expose them to your host computer. Signing operations happen on-device — the computer or phone only sees signed transactions.
Protecting your device (H4)
Always verify firmware authenticity during updates.
Use a strong device PIN and change it if you suspect compromise.
Store your recovery phrase in a fireproof, waterproof container if possible.
What to do if you lose your device (H5)
If your Ledger device is lost or stolen, use your 24-word recovery phrase on a new compatible hardware wallet to restore funds. If you suspect your recovery phrase was exposed, transfer funds to a new wallet initialized with a fresh recovery phrase as soon as possible.
Troubleshooting & common errors
Device not detected by Ledger Live (H3)
Ensure cable and USB port are functional.
Install the latest Ledger Live version from Ledger.com/Start.
Allow Ledger Live permission to access USB devices (on macOS/Linux this may require a system prompt).
Firmware update issues (H3)
If an update fails, do not reboot during critical steps. Disconnect and reconnect, then try the update again. If problems persist, consult the Ledger help pages and ensure you're using the official download from Ledger.com/Start.
Transaction not appearing (H4)
Sometimes transactions take time to propagate. Confirm the transaction on a block explorer using the transaction ID. If funds still don't show, refresh account data in Ledger Live and ensure the app for the relevant blockchain is installed on the device.
Advanced tips
Using multiple devices (H3)
You can recover the same 24-word phrase on more than one device. That allows a "primary" and "backup" device configuration. Be careful: any device with the phrase can spend funds.
Compose transactions offline (H3)
Power users may create unsigned transactions on an offline computer and sign them on the Ledger device. This reduces exposure to internet-connected systems during transaction creation.
Integrations & third-party wallets (H4)
Ledger supports integrations with many wallets (MetaMask, Electrum, etc.). When using third-party interfaces, always double-check that the interface is legitimate and verify addresses on your Ledger device.
FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is Ledger.com/Start the official download page?
A: Yes. Ledger.com/Start directs you to the official Ledger Live installer and provides model-specific instructions. Always confirm the site uses HTTPS and shows the correct domain.
Q2: What if I’m restoring from a recovery phrase (H3)
A: Choose "Restore device from recovery phrase" during setup. Enter your words in order when prompted. Make sure you’re using the exact original word list and not mixing languages or formats.
Q3: Can Ledger be used with mobile phones (H3)
A: Yes. Ledger Live is available for iOS and Android. Nano X supports Bluetooth for mobile pairing; Nano S Plus and other models may require an OTG cable for Android.
Q4: How do firmware updates work (H4)
A: Ledger Live checks for firmware updates and guides you through them. Firmware updates improve security and may add features. Always update only via Ledger Live obtained from Ledger.com/Start.
Q5: Is my recovery phrase always 24 words? (H4)
A: Most Ledger devices use 24-word BIP39-compatible recovery phrases. Some earlier models or alternative setups may use 12 or 18 words — follow instructions shown during setup.
Q6: What are the best ways to store my recovery phrase? (H4)
A: Store it offline in multiple physical locations, consider metal backups for fire/water resistance, and do not store it digitally. Use sequential numbering and keep copies in separate secure places.
Q7: Can Ledger recover funds if I forget my PIN? (H5)
A: If you forget the PIN, you can reset the device and restore using your recovery phrase. Without the recovery phrase, funds cannot be recovered. Keep the recovery phrase secure.
Q8: Are there counterfeit Ledger devices? (H5)
A: Yes — counterfeit devices exist. To avoid them, buy only from the official ledger.com store or authorized resellers and verify packaging integrity. If a device shows a pre-initialized recovery phrase or unusual prompts, do not use it.
Q9: Can someone trick me into revealing my recovery phrase via phishing? (H5)
A: Absolutely — phishing is common. Ledger staff will never ask for your 24-word phrase. Beware of fake support sites, social media DMs, or phone calls asking for your words.
Q10: How do I verify that a receive address is correct? (H5)
A: Always compare the receive address shown on your computer to the address shown on your Ledger device screen. Only the device screen is the trusted source for verification.
Cheat sheet — essential commands & checklist
Copy this quick checklist when you set up a new Ledger:
✔️ Download Ledger Live from: https://ledger.com/start
✔️ Initialize as "new device" or "restore" as appropriate
✔️ Write down all recovery words in order (24 words)
✔️ Verify addresses on device screen for every receive
✔️ Keep recovery offline, never share it
✔️ Use PIN & enable passphrase if desired
Use the passphrase feature only if you understand it: it creates an additional secret (a 25th "hidden" word) that alters derived accounts. Losing the passphrase can permanently lock funds.