Welcome
Thank you for choosing a Ledger hardware wallet. This official setup guide on Ledger.com/Start walks you through everything you need to safely initialize your device, install Ledger Live, create and protect your recovery phrase, add accounts, and perform everyday operations like sending and receiving crypto. Follow these steps to ensure your private keys remain offline and under your control.
Before you begin
Prepare a quiet, secure place and have the following ready:
- Your Ledger device (Nano S Plus, Nano X, or compatible model).
- Original USB cable (or Bluetooth-capable phone for Nano X).
- Pen and the recovery card or a durable metal backup for recording your recovery phrase.
- A computer or mobile device to download Ledger Live from the official site.
Only use official Ledger channels. Do not follow instructions from unsolicited emails, social media DMs, or unknown websites.
Step 1 — Verify your purchase and unbox
Purchase from the official Ledger store or an authorized reseller to avoid tampered devices. On unboxing:
- Ensure seals are intact and packaging appears undisturbed.
- Confirm the accessories (USB cable, recovery cards) are included.
- Do not use a device that shows signs of tampering; contact the seller or Ledger support.
Step 2 — Download Ledger Live
On your computer or mobile device, visit ledger.com/ledger-live. Choose the appropriate installer for your platform (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android). For maximum safety:
- Type the URL manually or use a trusted bookmark to avoid malicious search results.
- Download only from ledger.com — do not use third-party mirrors or links.
- Where provided, verify checksums or signatures to confirm file integrity.
Ledger Live will never ask for your recovery phrase during normal use. Treat any request for your full seed as a scam.
Step 3 — Install & open Ledger Live
Install the application using the platform-specific installer. On first launch, Ledger Live will guide you through an onboarding flow. Choose Get Started if you are new, or Already have a device to restore or reconnect.
Step 4 — Initialize your Ledger device
If the device is new, follow on-device prompts to create a wallet:
- Power on the device and select Create a new wallet.
- Choose a PIN of recommended length — do not use predictable numbers like 0000 or 1234.
- The device will display a recovery phrase (24 words). Write each word in order on the recovery card or transfer to a metal backup. Verify the words when prompted.
- Never store the recovery phrase digitally (photos, notes, cloud storage).
Step 5 — Restore an existing wallet (if applicable)
If you already have a recovery phrase, use the device’s Restore flow. Carefully enter each word on the device screen; Ledger Live will not request the words directly. After restore, verify your accounts in Ledger Live.
Step 6 — Connect Ledger Live and add accounts
With your device unlocked and Ledger Live open:
- Choose your device model and allow pairing when prompted.
- Install any required device apps through Ledger Live (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum apps) — these are small and sandboxed on the hardware.
- Go to the Accounts tab and click Add account. Select the blockchain and confirm the address on your device screen before accepting it into Ledger Live.
Always confirm addresses on-device to prevent address-replacement attacks from compromised hosts.
Step 7 — Receive and send funds
Receive: Use Ledger Live to generate a receiving address and verify the same address on your Ledger device before sharing it.
Send: Create a send transaction in Ledger Live, check the fee and recipient address, then approve and sign the transaction on your Ledger device. The signed transaction (not your private keys) is what Ledger Live broadcasts.
Security best practices
- Buy devices only from official or authorized retailers.
- Keep firmware and Ledger Live updated to receive critical security patches.
- Record the recovery phrase offline and use metal backups for durability where possible.
- Use a strong PIN and consider an optional passphrase for hidden wallets if you understand the implications.
- Confirm transaction details on-device every time; never rely solely on the app display.
Troubleshooting
- Device not detected: Try different USB ports/cables and ensure the device is unlocked. On some systems, install helper drivers or udev rules as instructed by Ledger documentation.
- Lost PIN: Reset the device and restore using your recovery phrase.
- Firmware update failed: Follow official recovery procedures in Ledger’s support documentation.
Privacy considerations
Ledger Live may query nodes and APIs to show balances and history. If privacy matters, consider connecting Ledger Live to a personal node where supported and minimize address reuse. Remember: while private keys never leave the device, metadata about accounts can still be visible to services you use.
Advanced options
- Passphrase: Add an extra word (25th) to create hidden wallets — powerful but also risky if you lose the passphrase.
- Multisig: Use multiple devices or signers for shared control of funds.
- Air-gapped workflows: Prepare transactions offline and sign with a device that remains disconnected from the internet for maximum security.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need internet to set up?
- Yes — to download Ledger Live and drivers — but your private keys and seed entry remain offline on the device.
- Can I use Ledger Live without a device?
- Some read-only features are available, but signing transactions requires a Ledger hardware wallet.
- What if my recovery phrase is stolen?
- If someone obtains your recovery phrase, they can reconstruct your wallet. Move funds to a new wallet with a new seed immediately if possible.
Following the steps on Ledger.com/Start will give you a secure foundation for using your Ledger hardware wallet. If you need additional help, consult Ledger’s official support resources or documentation. Ready to proceed? Download Ledger Live from the official site and begin your setup.