Ledger Getting Started Hub — ledger.com/start (Official)
Your step‑by‑step guide to setting up Ledger hardware wallets, Ledger Live, and securing your crypto. Clean, practical, and ready for beginners.
Quick links (10 official Ledger resources)
Why this guide?
Setting up a hardware wallet can feel intimidating. This official‑style hub walks you through the essentials with clear headings, practical tips, and safety best practices. It is designed to complement Ledger's own documentation and simplify the path from unboxing to securely storing your first digital assets.
Who is this for?
This guide is for first‑time Ledger users, people migrating from custodial exchanges, and experienced users who want a compact checklist. Whether you have a Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, or another Ledger device, the core principles are the same: keep your recovery phrase secure, use Ledger Live, and never share private keys.
Before you begin (what you need)
A Ledger hardware device (Nano S Plus, Nano X, etc.) — buy only from ledger.com or an authorized reseller.
A modern computer or mobile device and a USB cable (or Bluetooth for models that support it).
Access to a stable internet connection for downloading Ledger Live and firmware updates.
A quiet place to write down your recovery phrase on the provided card (or using the stainless steel backup if you purchased one).
Step 1 — Unbox and inspect
Open the package and make sure the seal is intact. Ledger ships in tamper‑evident packaging — if anything looks suspicious, contact Ledger Support immediately. Confirm the model and check that the included accessories match the product description.
Step 2 — Download Ledger Live
Download Ledger Live from the official page: ledger.com/ledger-live. Install it on your computer or mobile device, then open it and follow the prompts to create a new device or restore an existing one.
Step 3 — Initialize your device
Follow Ledger Live's on‑screen instructions to initialize your Ledger. You'll be asked to choose a PIN and to generate a recovery phrase (24 words for most Ledger devices). Write these words down on the recovery sheet included in the box — never store them digitally (no photos, no cloud storage, no notes apps).
Important safety notes
Never share your recovery phrase. Ledger will never ask for it.
Do not enter your recovery phrase into any website or software.
Consider using a steel backup plate to guard against fire/water damage.
Step 4 — Install apps in Ledger Live
Ledger devices use blockchain "apps" to interact with different coins and tokens. In Ledger Live, go to the Manager, connect your device, and install only the apps you need (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum). Each app consumes device space; remove unused apps rather than keeping everything installed.
Step 5 — Add accounts & receive crypto
Within Ledger Live, add accounts for the blockchains you want to use. Use the "Receive" flow to generate a receive address and verify it on your device screen before depositing funds. Verifying the address on the device ensures your computer hasn't been compromised.
Pro tip
Always double‑check receive addresses on both Ledger Live and your device screen. When sending out, confirm each transaction's details on the device — the final authority for signing is your Ledger hardware.
Advanced: using Ledger with third‑party wallets and dApps
Ledger is compatible with many wallets and decentralized apps (dApps). For example, you can connect Ledger to MetaMask for Ethereum NFT interactions, or to Electrum for advanced Bitcoin features. When connecting to third‑party software, make sure you use official and trusted apps. Use the same verification discipline: always confirm actions on your Ledger device.
Recovery & disaster planning
If your device is lost or broken, you can restore your accounts using the recovery phrase on a new Ledger or other compatible hardware wallet. Keep copies of your recovery phrase in separate, secure locations and consider splitting the backup across multiple safe locations (security vs. redundancy tradeoffs).
When to restore vs. when to contact support
If the device fails but your recovery phrase is intact — restore on a new device.
If you suspect the recovery phrase was compromised — move funds to a new wallet (generate a new seed) and transfer assets immediately.
If packaging looks tampered or you have shipping concerns — contact official Ledger Support before powering the device. See the Ledger Support link above.
Common mistakes to avoid
Storing recovery phrases digitally (photos, screenshots, cloud). This is the most common cause of loss.
Buying second‑hand hardware wallets without verifying provenance.
Trusting random wallet connect prompts — always verify and minimize permissions.
FAQ — Ledger Getting Started (short)
Q: Where should I download Ledger Live?
A: Always download Ledger Live from the official Ledger page: ledger.com/ledger-live. Avoid third‑party sites.
Q: How many words is the recovery phrase?
A: Ledger devices typically use a 24‑word recovery phrase. Some setups may allow 12/18 words depending on advanced options, but 24 is standard for most Ledger devices.
Q: Can Ledger recover my funds if I lose my recovery phrase?
A: No. Ledger does not store your recovery phrase and cannot recover funds without it. The recovery phrase is the single backup to restore access.
Q: Is Ledger compatible with my phone?
A: Ledger Live has mobile apps for iOS and Android. Bluetooth support for Ledger Nano X enables wireless pairing; other models use a cable. Check device specs on the official product pages.
Q: What if I suspect a scam or phishing?
A: Stop interacting with the page, do not enter your recovery phrase, and consult Ledger Support and community resources. When in doubt, move funds to a new seed after securing a fresh device.
Further reading & official resources
Use the quick links at the top to access official articles, product specifications, and support. The Ledger Academy provides beginner courses and deep dives if you want to learn more about secure key management and threat models.
Checklist: before you finish setup
Device unpacked and verified.
Ledger Live installed from official site.
PIN chosen and recovery phrase written down on paper/steel backup.
Ledger apps installed for needed blockchains.
Small test transaction sent first to verify setup.
Recovery phrase stored in two separate secure locations.