Welcome to Ledger Start
Ledger.com/start is your official starting point for setting up, securing, and using your Ledger hardware wallet. Whether you are new to crypto or upgrading your security, this guide provides a complete walkthrough to help you begin safely and confidently. A Ledger device gives you full control over your digital assets by keeping your private keys offline, away from hackers, malware, and online threats. With your keys secured on a hardware wallet, you gain true ownership of your crypto.
This guide will cover everything from unboxing your device to managing coins, tokens, and NFTs. You will learn how to install Ledger Live, create accounts, send and receive crypto, and maintain the security of your wallet. By following each section, you ensure that your setup is safe, verified, and ready for long-term use.
Why Ledger?
Ledger hardware wallets offer one of the strongest levels of protection for your digital assets. Unlike software wallets that store private keys on internet-connected devices, Ledger stores your keys offline in a secure element chip. With this setup, even if your computer or phone is infected, your crypto remains protected.
Your device requires physical confirmation of every transaction, meaning no one can move your crypto without holding your Ledger in hand. This combination of hardware-level security and human verification is why millions trust Ledger devices worldwide. Whether you hold Bitcoin, Ethereum, altcoins, tokens, or NFTs, Ledger provides a unified and secure environment to manage them all.
What You Need Before You Begin
To start your Ledger setup, prepare the following:
Your Ledger device (such as Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Stax)
A computer or smartphone
A secure internet connection
A safe place to record and store your recovery phrase
Your recovery phrase—24 words displayed on your device—is the master key to your crypto wallet. Losing it means losing access to your assets. Sharing it allows others to steal your funds. It must always remain private, offline, and written down in the order shown.
Step 1: Unbox Your Ledger Device
When you open your Ledger device box, you should see:
The Ledger hardware wallet
A USB cable (for USB-based models)
Recovery phrase cards
A getting-started guide
Inspect your device to ensure it arrives sealed and intact. Ledger devices do not come with prewritten recovery phrases. If you ever receive a device with a recovery phrase already filled out, do not use it. Only you should generate your recovery phrase.
Step 2: Power On and Create a PIN
Turn on your Ledger device by pressing the main buttons. You will be prompted to choose a PIN code, which you’ll use to unlock the device each time. Select a PIN that is hard to guess and keep it confidential.
Your PIN protects your device from unauthorized access. If someone steals your Ledger but does not know your PIN, they cannot use it. For best security practices, avoid choosing birthdays, repeating digits, or anything easy to guess.
Step 3: Write Down Your 24-Word Recovery Phrase
After setting your PIN, your Ledger device will display a 24-word recovery phrase. These words appear on the screen one at a time. Write them down carefully in exact order.
Your recovery phrase is:
The only way to restore your wallet
The key to all funds stored with your Ledger
Your personal and private responsibility
To be kept completely offline
Never store your recovery phrase on your phone, computer, email, or cloud.
Never take a photo of it.
Never share it with anyone.
If someone asks for your 24 words, it is always a scam. Ledger will never request your recovery phrase under any circumstances.
Store your written phrase in a safe place such as a fireproof safe or metal backup.
Step 4: Download and Install Ledger Live
Ledger Live is the official companion app for your hardware wallet. It allows you to:
Install crypto apps on your device
Create crypto accounts
Buy, send, and receive coins and tokens
Manage NFTs
View your portfolio
Update firmware
Access decentralized apps through partners
Download Ledger Live only from official Ledger sources. Do not trust unofficial downloads, shared files, or suspicious links.
Once installed, open Ledger Live and follow the on-screen instructions.
Step 5: Connect and Verify Your Device
Connect your Ledger to your computer or smartphone using USB or Bluetooth, depending on your model. Ledger Live will prompt you to verify that your device is genuine and that your recovery phrase was generated securely on the device.
This verification step ensures that:
Your device has not been tampered with
You are the only person who knows your 24-word recovery phrase
Your setup is safe
Follow each prompt carefully. If anything seems unusual, stop and double-check instructions.
Step 6: Install Cryptocurrency Apps
Each blockchain requires its own app on your Ledger hardware wallet. For example:
Bitcoin app
Ethereum app
Solana app
Polygon app
Many others
Installing these apps does not store crypto on the device; rather, they allow your Ledger to communicate with each blockchain.
You can install and remove apps anytime without losing access to your funds. Your crypto is tied to your recovery phrase, not the individual apps.
Step 7: Add Accounts in Ledger Live
After installing apps, Ledger Live will ask you to add accounts for your chosen cryptocurrencies. These accounts let you view balances, track activity, and manage your assets.
To add an account:
Open Ledger Live
Go to the Accounts tab
Choose “Add account”
Select the crypto you want
Confirm the process on your Ledger device
You can create multiple accounts for the same cryptocurrency if needed.
Step 8: Receive Crypto Safely
To receive crypto:
Open Ledger Live
Select your receiving account
Click “Receive”
Copy the address provided
Confirm the address on your hardware wallet screen
Always verify that the address on your computer matches the one displayed on your Ledger device. This prevents malware from altering your receiving address.
If the addresses don’t match, do not proceed.
Step 9: Send Crypto Securely
Sending crypto requires two approvals:
Initiate the transaction in Ledger Live
Physically confirm it on your Ledger device
Your device will display the transaction amount, address, and fees. Carefully verify this information before approving.
The requirement for physical confirmation is one of Ledger’s strongest security advantages. Even if your computer is compromised, no transaction can be sent without your device and PIN.
Using Advanced Features: Swaps, Staking, and NFTs
Ledger Live supports advanced features through trusted partners. You can:
Buy crypto directly within Ledger Live
Swap coins without leaving the app
Stake assets like ETH, Solana, and Polkadot
Manage NFTs stored on supported blockchains
Access DeFi via Wallet Connect or integrated apps
Even when you use these features, your private keys never leave the device.
Security Best Practices
To maintain maximum security:
Keep your recovery phrase offline and private
Never share your 24 words
Keep your device’s firmware updated
Beware of phishing websites and fake support
Bookmark official Ledger pages
Avoid entering sensitive information on public networks
Store your Ledger in a secure location
Remember: If anyone asks for your recovery phrase, it is a scam.
Updating Device Firmware
Occasionally, Ledger releases firmware updates to improve security and add features.
During updates:
Follow Ledger Live instructions
Keep the device connected
Do not interrupt the update
Your crypto remains safe because it is tied to your recovery phrase, not the firmware.
Restoring Your Wallet on a New Device
If your Ledger is lost, damaged, or replaced, you can restore your wallet on a new device by selecting “Restore from recovery phrase” and entering your 24 words.
This process should always be done in private. Once restored, all your accounts will reappear in Ledger Live after syncing.
You Are Ready to Start With Ledger
You have now completed the core steps for setting up and using your Ledger device. With your hardware wallet configured, your recovery phrase stored safely, and Ledger Live installed, you now have a secure foundation for managing your digital assets.
Ledger empowers you to:
Take full control of your crypto
Protect assets with industry-leading security
Manage coins, tokens, and NFTs in one place
Grow your portfolio safely
Your secure crypto journey begins now. Connect your Ledger, open Ledger Live, and manage your digital wealth with confidence.