Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start® — Getting started

Welcome — what this guide covers

This official Ledger.com/start guide walks you through everything you need to confidently set up a Ledger hardware wallet (Ledger® Nano S, Nano S Plus, Ledger® Nano X) and use Ledger Live. You'll learn how to initialize your device, protect your recovery phrase, install apps, add accounts, send and receive crypto, use Ledger's extra features, and follow solid security practices. The goal is to make the first-run experience simple and safe.

Why choose Ledger and Ledger Live?

Ledger hardware wallets store private keys offline — on the device itself — which greatly reduces exposure to online attacks. Ledger Live is the official companion app for desktop and mobile that provides a secure UI to manage your assets, while requiring every transaction to be reviewed and approved on the physical device. Unlike custodial services, Ledger gives you sole ownership of private keys and control over your funds.

Before you begin — checklist

• Ledger hardware wallet (Nano S / Nano S Plus / Nano X).
• Computer or mobile device and a reliable internet connection.
• USB cable (or Bluetooth for Nano X) and a safe place to write your recovery phrase.
• Time and focus — do not rush the recovery phrase step.

Security reminder: Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase. If prompted, treat it as a scam and stop immediately.

Step 1 — Download Ledger Live from Ledger.com/start

1. Open your browser and navigate to Ledger.com/start. Choose the correct download for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux) or mobile store (App Store / Google Play).
2. Verify the download where possible (checksums or official links) and install Ledger Live.
3. Launch Ledger Live and follow the initial on‑screen instructions to "Get started".

We recommend always downloading software from official sources to avoid tampered installers.

Step 2 — Set up your Ledger device (new users)

1. Power on the Ledger device and select Set up as new device.
2. Create a secure PIN code using the device buttons. Choose something memorable but not easily guessed.
3. The device will display a recovery phrase (usually 24 words). Write each word down exactly in order on the provided recovery sheet or a secure backup. Confirm the words when prompted.

Never take a photo or store the recovery phrase digitally. Consider a fireproof metal backup for long‑term protection.

Step 3 — Restore an existing wallet (if applicable)

1. If you already have a recovery phrase from another wallet, choose Restore device on the Ledger device.
2. Carefully enter your recovery phrase using the device interface. Ensure no one observes the phrase as you enter it.
3. Once restored, connect Ledger Live to add accounts and verify holdings.

Step 4 — Connect Ledger Live and install apps

1. Open Ledger Live and select your device model in the "Get started" flow.
2. Go to Manager in Ledger Live. Connect and unlock your Ledger device and allow access when prompted.
3. Install blockchain apps (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) on the device via the Manager. The app is required to interact with each blockchain.

Note: Ledger devices have limited storage for apps. Uninstalling an app does not delete your funds — you can reinstall and re‑add the account anytime using your recovery phrase.

Step 5 — Add accounts in Ledger Live

1. In Ledger Live, click Accounts > Add account.
2. Select the cryptocurrency you want to add. Ledger Live will ask you to unlock the device and open the corresponding app on the device.
3. Ledger Live will scan the blockchain and add your account(s) so you can see balances and transaction history.

You can create multiple accounts for the same cryptocurrency (useful for separation or different derivation paths).

Receiving funds — verify the address on‑device

1. Click Receive, select an account, and connect your Ledger device.
2. Ledger Live will show a receiving address. Confirm that the address shown in the app matches the one displayed on your device screen.
3. Share the verified address with the sender.

Always confirm addresses on the device to avoid malware that can change on‑screen addresses in your browser or computer.

Sending funds — confirm and sign on the device

1. Click Send in Ledger Live, choose the account, and input the recipient address and amount.
2. Connect and unlock your Ledger device. Open the appropriate app and review the transaction details displayed on the device.
3. Physically confirm the transaction by pressing the device buttons. The signature is created by the device and private keys never leave it.

For smart contract interactions (DeFi), carefully review contract and gas details. Ledger shows some contract info on‑device but not everything — use trusted dApp interfaces and cross‑check contract addresses.

Using Ledger Live features: staking, swapping, and NFTs

Ledger Live supports staking for selected assets, integrated swaps via partners, and limited NFT viewing for supported chains. These features involve third‑party providers; review fees and terms before using them. For advanced NFT management or DeFi interactions, use compatible third‑party wallets that support Ledger signing.

Security best practices

• Buy Ledger devices only from Ledger.com or authorized resellers to avoid tampered units.
• Never disclose your recovery phrase or enter it anywhere. Ledger support will never ask for it.
• Use a strong PIN and consider a passphrase only if you fully understand the implications (losing it means losing access to derived accounts).
• Regularly update Ledger Live and device firmware via official channels.
• Keep multiple secure backups of your recovery phrase in physically separate locations if appropriate.

Troubleshooting & tips

1. Device not detected: Try a different cable, USB port, or Bluetooth on Nano X. Ensure the device is unlocked and open on the correct app.
2. App installation errors: Free up space by uninstalling other apps from the Manager and try again.
3. Pending transactions: Low network fees can delay confirmations. Advanced users can use RBF (replace‑by‑fee) or nonce replacement where supported.
4. Lost recovery phrase: If you still control the device, create a new wallet immediately and transfer funds out. Otherwise, funds are unrecoverable without the phrase.

FAQ

Can I recover my funds if I lose my Ledger device?

Yes — restore your wallet with your recovery phrase on a new Ledger device or compatible wallet. This is why your recovery phrase is the most important backup.

Is Ledger Live a custodial service?

No. Ledger Live is non‑custodial. Your private keys are stored on the Ledger device and never transmitted to Ledger servers.

Where can I get help?

Visit the official Ledger support portal at Ledger.com/support for help articles and official contact options. Beware of phishing sites and social media DMs claiming to be support.

Final checklist

• Device initialized and PIN set.
• Recovery phrase safely stored offline.
• Ledger Live installed from Ledger.com/start and accounts added.
• Apps installed on device for the blockchains you use.
• Comfortable verifying addresses and signing transactions on‑device.