Ledger.com/Start — Official Getting Started Guide

Welcome

This guide is intended to help you set up your Ledger hardware wallet safely and confidently. Follow the steps in order: inspect packaging, download the official Ledger Live app, initialize your device, create a PIN, write down the recovery seed, install firmware and blockchain apps as needed, and perform a test transaction. Security starts with careful setup — read each section closely and keep your recovery material offline at all times.

Prepare before you start

Choose a private workspace and a trusted computer. Avoid public or shared machines. Have a pen and the recovery card from the box ready. Always open a browser and type ledger.com/start directly — do not follow links from emails or search results for downloads.

Step 1 — Check packaging and contents

Before opening, inspect the outer box for tamper-evident seals and manufacturer markings. Inside you should find the device, USB cable, recovery cards, and documentation. If anything looks suspicious or previously opened, stop and contact official support — counterfeit devices are a real risk.

Step 2 — Download Ledger Live

1. Visit ledger.com/start and download Ledger Live for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux).
2. Only download installers from the official domain. If you are comfortable with checksums or signature verification, compare the provided hashes to ensure file integrity.
3. Install Ledger Live and launch the app to begin onboarding.

Note: Ledger Live is the official desktop/mobile companion app to manage your device, install cryptocurrency apps, and handle transactions.

Step 3 — Connect your device and run genuine check

Connect the Ledger device to your computer using the supplied cable. Ledger Live will guide you through a "genuine check" — this attests that the device and firmware are authentic. Confirm any device-generated fingerprint or verification code shown in the app. If verification fails, disconnect and contact support.

Step 4 — Initialize and set PIN

1. Select "Set up as new device" (unless you are restoring from an existing seed).
2. Create a PIN on the device when prompted. The device keypad randomizes entry to protect against keyloggers.
3. Choose a PIN you can remember without writing it down with your recovery seed.

Warning: Do not store the PIN together with the recovery seed. Keep them separate to reduce risk.

Step 5 — Write down your recovery seed

After setting the PIN, the device will display a recovery seed (usually 24 words). This seed is the ultimate backup for your wallet — anyone with access to it can recover funds.

• Write the words in order on the supplied card. Use indelible ink.
• Create multiple physical copies and store them in separate secure locations (safe deposit box, home safe).
• Do not photograph, screenshot, or store the seed electronically.

Warning: Treat the recovery seed like cash or legal documents — protect it accordingly.

Step 6 — Firmware updates and app installation

Ledger Live may prompt you to install firmware updates. Only install firmware obtained through Ledger Live or the official website. After firmware is up to date, use Ledger Live's Manager to install blockchain-specific apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) on your device. Remove apps you don't use to free device space.

Step 7 — Add accounts and test

1. In Ledger Live, add accounts for the cryptocurrencies you plan to use.
2. To receive funds, generate a receive address in the app and verify it on the device screen.
3. Perform a small test transaction before transferring large amounts to ensure end-to-end correctness.

Always confirm addresses and transaction details on the device itself — never trust the host computer alone.

Ongoing best practices

• Never share your recovery seed or enter it into any software or website.
• Maintain multiple offline backups of your recovery seed in geographically separated locations.
• Keep Ledger Live and your operating system updated.
• Consider using passphrase-protected hidden wallets for extra privacy and security (advanced users).
• For very large holdings, evaluate multi-signature setups to avoid single-point-of-failure risk.

Troubleshooting

• Device not recognized: try a different USB cable/port and restart Ledger Live; ensure OS permissions for USB access.
• Genuine check fails: reconnect, verify the URL, and contact official support if problem persists.
• Forgot PIN: factory reset required; restore using your recovery seed.

Recovery guidance

If your device is lost or damaged, obtain a new genuine Ledger device and choose "Restore from recovery phrase" during setup. Enter your seed words exactly in order. If you believe your seed was exposed, move funds immediately to a new wallet generated from a fresh seed.

Conclusion

Secure setup is the most important step you will take to protect your crypto assets. By verifying packaging, using Ledger Live from the official site, keeping your recovery seed offline, and confirming transaction details on the device, you minimize exposure to common threats. For model-specific instructions, software downloads, and support, always visit ledger.com/start and the official Ledger support center.