Ledger.com/Start® — Getting Started with Ledger®

This official guide helps you set up your Ledger® hardware wallet securely — from unboxing to installing Ledger Live, backing up your recovery phrase, and performing your first transaction with confidence.

Official Quick Start Jump to Unboxing

Unboxing & authenticity checks

When you receive your Ledger® device, examine the box carefully. Ledger products do not use tamper seals because authenticity is verified by cryptographic attestation during setup. Make sure your device arrived from the official store or an authorized reseller.

Inside the box, you’ll find the Ledger device, USB cable, recovery sheets, and documentation. Do not use a device if anything appears suspicious. Contact Ledger Support if in doubt.

Installing Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the companion software for managing your device. Download it only from ledger.com/ledger-live. Avoid third-party download sites.

After installing Ledger Live on your computer or mobile device, launch it and select “Get Started.” You’ll follow guided steps to set up a new device or restore an existing one. Ledger Live will verify the authenticity of your device.

Create a new wallet or restore an existing one

When prompted, choose to Set up as new device or Restore from recovery phrase. If creating a new wallet, your device will generate 24 words. Write them down on the recovery sheet in the correct order. Do not store them digitally.

If restoring, enter your existing 24-word recovery phrase directly on the device, never on your computer. Confirm a PIN to secure the device. Consider setting a passphrase only if you fully understand its implications.

Security checklist

  • Only download Ledger Live from official sources.
  • Never share your 24-word recovery phrase with anyone — not even Ledger employees.
  • Bookmark ledger.com/start to avoid phishing sites.
  • Keep your PIN private and never record it digitally.
  • Enable Ledger Live password lock and auto-lock settings for extra protection.

Your first transaction

After setup, open Ledger Live and install the app for the cryptocurrency you want to manage (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum). Generate a receiving address and verify it on the Ledger device screen. Only share addresses after confirming they match on both the device and Ledger Live.

When sending funds, carefully verify the destination address, amount, and fees directly on the device screen. Confirm the transaction only if everything matches your intent.

Backup & recovery

Your 24-word recovery phrase is the master key to your crypto assets. Store it securely offline. Consider keeping multiple physical copies in different secure locations. Do not laminate or digitize the phrase.

For additional resilience, consider using a metal backup solution to protect against fire or water damage. Periodically check the legibility of your backup.

Official Resources (10 quick links)

  1. Ledger Start
  2. Ledger Live
  3. Ledger Academy
  4. Support
  5. Nano S Plus
  6. Nano X
  7. Ledger Stax
  8. Status Page
  9. Blog
  10. Official Store

Final checklist & next steps

  • Ensure your 24-word recovery phrase is backed up securely offline.
  • Install Ledger Live and apps only from official sources.
  • Perform a small test transaction before sending large amounts.
  • Regularly check status.ledger.com for service updates.