Ledger.com/Start — Official Getting Started Guide

Begin your secure journey with your Ledger hardware wallet. This official guide walks you through unboxing, installing the companion app, initializing your device, and implementing best‑in‑class security practices. You’ll be ready to manage your crypto safely in minutes.

Unbox & Inspect

Open your Ledger package and verify that the seal is intact and the contents match the expected list: the hardware device, USB cable, recovery seed cards, and documentation. If you notice any tampering or missing items, contact official Ledger support before proceeding.

Download & Install Ledger Live

  1. Visit ledger.com/start and download the appropriate version of Ledger Live for your operating system (desktop or mobile).
  2. Install the app and launch it for the first time.
  3. Follow prompts to recognize your hardware wallet and establish a secure connection.

Initialize Your Device

  1. Connect your Ledger device via USB (or Bluetooth if your model supports it) to your computer or mobile device.
  2. In Ledger Live, choose Set up as a new device (or Restore device, if you already have a recovery phrase).
  3. Set a strong PIN on the device – this will be required each time you access the wallet.
  4. Write down your recovery seed (typically 24 words) on the supplied cards or other secure medium. This seed is the only way to recover your wallet if the device is lost, stolen, or damaged.

Add Accounts & Manage Crypto

Once setup is complete, open Ledger Live and add accounts for the cryptocurrencies you want to use. You can receive, send, and exchange assets directly within Ledger Live, while your private keys stay safely locked inside the hardware device.

Security Reminder: Never share your recovery seed or PIN with anyone. Ledger support will never ask for your seed words. Always verify you’re on the official domain ledger.com and beware of phishing attempts.

Best Practices for Long‑Term Safety

Begin Setup →