Get started with Ledger — Ledger.com/start

A practical, friendly step-by-step guide to set up, secure, and use your Ledger hardware wallet. (Includes direct official links to Ledger's start page.)

Introduction

Welcome — if you’ve just bought a Ledger hardware wallet (Ledger Nano S, Nano S Plus, Nano X, or any future model) or are thinking about one, this guide walks through everything you need to know to get started safely and confidently. Hardware wallets are the most reliable way to keep your private keys offline and safe from online attacks; this guide explains how to unbox, set up, and use your Ledger device step by step.

Quick start: follow Ledger’s official onboarding at Ledger.com/start. (Also linked repeatedly through this article for easy reference.)

Official onboarding link: https://www.ledger.com/start

Why choose a Ledger hardware wallet?

Ownership of private keys

When you use a hardware wallet, the private keys that control your crypto never leave the device. Transactions are signed on the device itself. That means even if your computer or phone is compromised, an attacker can't extract your private keys.

Wide ecosystem & app support

Ledger devices support hundreds of cryptocurrencies and integrate with popular wallets and decentralized apps. Ledger Live — the desktop and mobile companion app — helps manage assets, install apps, and interact with different blockchains.

Proven product & firmware updates

Ledger regularly releases firmware updates to add features and patch security improvements. Always apply official updates via Ledger Live and never follow firmware updates from untrusted sources.

Unboxing & first look

When your Ledger arrives, inspect the packaging carefully. Authentic Ledger devices come in tamper-evident packaging. If anything looks damaged, opened, or suspicious, contact Ledger support before proceeding.

What you should see in the box

  • The Ledger device (Nano family) in a protective sleeve.
  • USB cable (or USB-C depending on model).
  • Recovery sheets / cards (for writing down your recovery phrase).
  • A quick start leaflet with a link to Ledger.com/start.

Important: never trust a pre-filled recovery sheet

Your recovery phrase should always be generated on the device during setup. If the device came with a pre-filled recovery, treat it as compromised.

Step-by-step setup (detailed)

Before you begin

  1. Set aside a clean, private workspace. Avoid public Wi-Fi and avoid strangers nearby.
  2. Have a pen/pencil and the recovery sheet that comes with the box. Do not take photos of the recovery phrase — never store it digitally.
  3. Open Ledger.com/start on your desktop or phone for official downloads and instructions.

Official setup overview

At a high level, setup has three phases: initialize the device (choose PIN), generate and record the recovery phrase, and install apps/connect to Ledger Live. Below is a practical walkthrough you can follow alongside the official onboarding at Ledger.com/start.

1) Power on & choose “Set up as new device”

Follow on-screen prompts on your Ledger. The device will ask you to choose a secure PIN. Pick a PIN you can remember but that others won't guess. Enter it directly on the device.

2) Write down your recovery phrase

The device will display a sequence of 24 words (most Ledger models use 24 words). Write them down in order on the provided recovery sheet. Double-check each word and the order — the exact order matters. This recovery phrase is the only way to recover your wallet if the device is lost or damaged.

3) Confirm your recovery phrase on the device

After writing, the device will prompt you to confirm a few words. This ensures you copied them correctly.

4) Install Ledger Live and connect

Download Ledger Live from Ledger’s official site: Ledger.com/start. Install Ledger Live on your desktop or phone. Use Ledger Live to install apps for specific blockchains (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.), manage accounts, and perform firmware updates.

5) Add accounts in Ledger Live

Once an app is installed (for example, the Bitcoin app), open Ledger Live and add an account. Ledger Live will read your public addresses from the device — this is how it tracks balances without exposing private keys.

Safety checklist after setup

  • Recovery phrase is written offline and stored somewhere safe (e.g., a home safe). Consider steel backup solutions for long-term durability.
  • Never share your recovery phrase or PIN with anyone — no legitimate support person will ask for it.
  • Keep firmware and Ledger Live updated via official sources only.

Security best practices (must read)

Never expose your recovery phrase

The 24-word recovery phrase controls access to funds. If someone has it, they control your crypto. Do not photograph the phrase, do not type it into a website, and never enter it into your phone or computer.

Beware of phishing

Phishing websites and fake support pages try to trick you into entering your recovery phrase. Always start with Ledger.com/start for downloads and support. Confirm URLs, use bookmarks, and verify TLS/HTTPS.

Use a PIN and enable passphrase (optional advanced)

The device PIN provides an initial layer of protection if the device is stolen. Advanced users can enable a passphrase (sometimes called the 25th word) — this creates an additional hidden wallet. However, passphrases increase complexity and must be used carefully because losing the passphrase makes funds unrecoverable.

Physical security & backups

  • Store your recovery phrase in a secure, offline location (e.g., safe deposit box, home safe).
  • Consider duplicated backups (e.g., two steel backups stored in different secure locations) for redundancy.
  • Periodically verify that your backup still exists and is legible (especially paper backups).

Troubleshooting & frequently asked questions

My device won’t turn on

Check the USB cable and port. Try a different cable or USB port. If the device still won’t power, contact Ledger support through the official start page at Ledger.com/start.

I lost my device — what now?

As long as you have your recovery phrase, you can recover your funds on a new Ledger or compatible wallet that supports BIP39/BIP44 standards. Recover only by entering your 24 words on a secure device that you control — never on a website or random device.

I forgot my PIN

If you forget your PIN, you can reset the device to factory settings and restore using your recovery phrase. That’s why the recovery phrase is critical.

How to check firmware authenticity?

Firmware updates through Ledger Live are signed by Ledger. Never download firmware from third-party sources. If Ledger Live warns about signature or integrity, stop and reach out to official support links from Ledger.com/start.

Advanced topics

Using passphrases and hidden wallets

For users who want additional compartmentalization, a passphrase adds an extra secret to the recovery phrase, creating a hidden wallet. This is powerful but dangerous if the passphrase is forgotten. Use only if you understand tradeoffs and maintain secure offline storage.

Interacting with DeFi and dApps

Ledger can be used with web wallets and dApps (e.g., MetaMask, WalletConnect). Always confirm transaction details on your Ledger device screen before approving. The device shows the destination address and amount for verification.

Multisig & business use

Ledger devices can participate in multisig setups for teams or treasury management. Multisig increases security by requiring multiple signatures to move funds; it’s recommended for organizational funds.

Next steps & resources

You’re ready to use your Ledger. Start small: transfer a small amount first to confirm everything works. Expand usage as you become comfortable.

Official resources

  • Official onboarding and downloads: Ledger.com/start
  • Ledger support pages and guides are linked from the start page for model-specific help.

Community & learning

Read community guides and experienced users’ writeups, but always verify critical steps using official Ledger resources. If anything sounds risky (like entering your recovery phrase into a site), stop and check the official guidance.

Actionable checklist (copy this)
  1. Open Ledger.com/start and download Ledger Live only from that page.
  2. Power on device, choose a PIN, and write down the 24-word recovery phrase on paper (or steel).
  3. Install Ledger Live, install required apps, and add accounts.
  4. Send a small test transaction to confirm setup before transferring large amounts.
  5. Store your recovery phrase securely and do not share it.

Conclusion

A Ledger hardware wallet greatly increases the security of storing cryptocurrency by keeping private keys offline. The most important practices are: keep your recovery phrase offline and secret, always verify addresses and transaction details on the device screen, and download firmware and Ledger Live from the official source: Ledger.com/start.

Ready to begin? Start the official onboarding here: Get started — Ledger.com/start

Disclaimer: This guide is educational and not financial advice. Always follow official Ledger instructions and support channels for model-specific information. For official downloads and support, use: https://www.ledger.com/start.