Ledger.com/start — Official Getting Started Guide

A friendly step-by-step walkthrough to set up your Ledger hardware wallet safely.

Welcome — Before you begin

Welcome to your official Ledger Getting Started Guide. This page explains the essential steps to initialize your Ledger device, install Ledger Live, secure your recovery phrase (seed), and safely manage crypto assets. Read each step thoroughly and keep your recovery phrase offline and secret. This guide is written for beginners but includes security tips for experienced users.

Step 1 — Unbox & verify

1

Inspect the packaging

Ensure the seal is intact and the packaging is untampered. Ledger ships devices with tamper-evident packaging — if anything looks suspicious, contact Ledger support before powering on.

2

Included items

  • 1 x Ledger hardware wallet (Nano model)
  • 1 x USB cable
  • Recovery sheets / stickers (for seed phrase)
  • Quick start leaflet

Step 2 — Install Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the desktop/mobile app that lets you manage accounts, install apps on the device, send and receive crypto, and check portfolio balances. Always download Ledger Live from the official site (ledger.com/ledger-live) — avoid third-party links.

3

Download & run

Choose the version for your operating system and follow the installer. When the app launches, you'll be guided through device initialization.

Step 3 — Initialize device

Follow Ledger Live prompts: create a new device or restore from an existing recovery phrase. Creating a new device will generate a new recovery phrase — write it down carefully.

Security tip: Never take a photo of your recovery phrase, never store it in the cloud, and never share it with anyone. Ledger staff or legitimate services will never ask for your seed phrase.

Step 4 — Add accounts

Use Ledger Live to add accounts for the blockchains you want to use (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.). Each account appears after the corresponding app is installed on your device and Ledger Live scans the blockchain for addresses.

  • Install apps on-device via Ledger Live App Catalog.
  • Open the app on the device and approve the connection when requested.
  • Label accounts so you can recognise them (e.g., "BTC - Savings").

Using your Ledger

To send crypto, create a transaction in Ledger Live, then confirm the details on your Ledger device screen before approving. The device displays the destination address and amount; verify these match what's in Ledger Live.

4

Receive securely

Always generate the receiving address on your Ledger device and verify the full address on the device screen when you receive funds. This prevents address substitution by compromised software.

Advanced security recommendations

  • Keep your device firmware up to date via Ledger Live.
  • Consider a passphrase in addition to your recovery phrase for an extra layer (advanced).
  • Use a hardware-secured computer for large transfers, or a fresh OS live USB when handling significant funds.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What if I lose my Ledger?

If you lose the device, your funds are recoverable with your recovery phrase on a new Ledger or compatible wallet. If you lose both the device and the recovery phrase, funds cannot be recovered.

Can Ledger support ever access my funds?

No. Ledger never has access to your private keys. The private keys are generated and stored on your device. Ledger support can help with procedures but will never ask for your private keys or recovery phrase.

Conclusion — Final checklist

You're almost ready. Use this checklist before your first transfer:

  • Packaging verified & device genuine
  • Ledger Live downloaded from official site
  • Recovery phrase written and stored offline
  • Device firmware & apps updated
  • Test with a small transfer first

This guide is educational. For product-specific or account-specific issues, consult the official Ledger documentation or the support center on Ledger's site.