Welcome to the official getting started guide for Ledger hardware wallets. If you're new to cryptocurrency or setting up your Ledger device for the first time, the best place to begin is the official site at Ledger.com/Start®. This ensures a secure, step-by-step process that protects your assets from day one.
Ledger is a global leader in cryptocurrency security, trusted by millions of users worldwide. With hardware wallets like the Ledger Nano S, Nano S Plus, and Nano X, users can store their crypto assets offline — where they’re protected from online threats like malware, phishing, and hacks. All critical operations are performed on the physical device, keeping your private keys safe at all times.
Ledger.com/Start® is the official setup portal provided by Ledger. It ensures that you're guided through the correct, verified steps to initialize and secure your wallet. Visiting this site is essential to:
When you unbox your Ledger wallet, make sure everything is sealed and untampered. Inside, you should find:
Ledger devices do not come pre-installed with software. You will install the firmware yourself during the setup, ensuring that no one has tampered with the device before you.
Open a secure browser on your computer and manually enter the official site address. Avoid clicking links from search engines or emails to prevent phishing scams.
Ledger Live is the official app for managing your wallet. It is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Once downloaded, follow the prompts in the app to begin device initialization.
Use the provided USB cable to connect your Ledger to your computer. The device will power on and show setup instructions on its screen.
Select a 4 to 8-digit PIN using the device buttons. This code will be required each time you access your wallet. Choose a secure PIN and never share it.
Your device will generate a unique 24-word seed phrase. This is the only backup to your wallet. Write it down in order on the recovery sheet and store it securely offline — never on a phone, computer, or cloud storage.
Ledger will ask you to confirm selected words from your recovery phrase to ensure it’s recorded accurately. This step is crucial for future recovery if your device is lost or damaged.
Inside Ledger Live, go to “My Ledger” and install coin apps for the cryptocurrencies you want to use (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum). Once installed, add corresponding accounts to manage balances and transactions.
Ledger Live provides a powerful interface to send, receive, and monitor your crypto assets. You can manage over 5,000 coins and tokens, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Cardano, Solana, and many ERC-20 assets. Each transaction must be verified directly on your Ledger device screen, ensuring no transaction can be signed without your physical confirmation.
If your Ledger device is ever lost, stolen, or damaged, you can recover your assets using your 24-word recovery phrase. Simply purchase a new Ledger wallet and choose “Restore from recovery phrase” during setup. Enter the words in the correct order and regain access to your accounts.
Setting up your Ledger wallet through the Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start® is the safest way to begin your crypto journey. With full control of your private keys, offline security, and a seamless experience through Ledger Live, you gain the confidence and tools to protect your digital assets. Remember: your security begins with how you start — and Ledger.com/Start® is the trusted path.