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

The official onboarding portal to set up your Ledger hardware wallet safely. Follow verified steps to download Ledger Live, initialize your device, protect your recovery phrase, and complete your first secure transaction.

Start securely — protect your keys from day one

When you set up a hardware wallet, the first minutes matter. Ledger.com/Start provides a guided, secure flow that reduces the single biggest risks users face at setup: fake downloads, compromised firmware, and improper recovery seed handling. This page explains why each step is important, walks you through a concise 6-step setup, and lists best security practices to keep your crypto safe for the long term.

Official downloads only

Always download Ledger Live from Ledger.com/Start or your device's app store. Search-engine results may lead to impersonators or malicious installers that try to capture seeds and credentials.

Seed generated on-device

Your 24-word recovery phrase is created and displayed only on the hardware wallet screen. Never type, photograph, or store it digitally. Writing it down on the provided recovery card is the recommended approach.

Firmware & authenticity checks

Ledger Live verifies firmware versions and confirms device authenticity. Installing official firmware prevents tampering and ensures cryptographic operations happen in a trusted environment.

Guided support

If you need help, the Start hub links to official tutorials, short videos, and Ledger’s Knowledge Base. Avoid third-party “help” channels that might request sensitive information.

Quick 6-step setup

  1. Open Ledger.com/Start and choose the Ledger Live download for your operating system or open the official store link on mobile.
  2. Install Ledger Live, launch the app and select “Set up as a new device” (or “Restore device” if you already have a recovery phrase).
  3. Connect your Ledger hardware wallet (USB or Bluetooth for Nano X) and set a strong PIN on-device; do not use easy combinations.
  4. Record the 24-word recovery phrase shown on the device exactly as displayed—write it on the supplied recovery card and store it offline.
  5. Confirm the words on-device, allow Ledger Live to complete firmware updates and authenticity checks, and only proceed when the app and device indicate a secure state.
  6. Install blockchain apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) via Ledger Live, add accounts, receive a small test transaction, and verify addresses on-device before transferring significant funds.

Why the sequence matters

This exact order addresses the most common attack vectors: fake installers (avoid by using the official Start page), compromised firmware (prevented by Ledger Live checks), and seed leakage (eliminated by on-device generation and offline storage). Following the official flow preserves true custody — you and only you control the private keys.

Security checklist & recommendations

  • Download Ledger Live only from Ledger.com/Start or verified app stores; bookmark the page for future reference.
  • Never photograph, type, or store your recovery phrase on phones, computers, or cloud services.
  • Confirm every transaction amount and recipient address on the hardware device display before approving.
  • Keep Ledger Live and device firmware up to date to receive security patches and feature improvements.
  • Consider a metal recovery backup for long-term durability and fire/water resistance.

Common troubleshooting

If your device is not detected, try a different USB cable or port. For Bluetooth problems with Nano X, re-pair your device in the mobile Bluetooth settings. If you forget your PIN, you will need to reset the device and restore from your recovery phrase. For persistent issues, always use Ledger’s official support channels — never share your recovery phrase with anyone claiming to assist.