Securely set up your Ledger hardware wallet and protect your crypto assets.
Before beginning your Ledger setup, ensure that your package is sealed and has not been tampered with. Your Ledger device should come with:
Inspect your device carefully. If you notice any unusual signs such as a broken seal or visible damage, do not connect it. Contact Ledger Support immediately through official channels.
Ledger Live is the official companion app that allows you to manage your cryptocurrency portfolio and access Ledger’s secure ecosystem. Download it exclusively from the official Ledger website at ledger.com/start. Avoid using third-party links to prevent phishing risks.
Once downloaded, install the app on your preferred platform:
Connect your Ledger device to your computer or phone via the provided cable or Bluetooth, depending on your model. Your device screen will light up, displaying instructions. Choose “Set up as new device” to begin.
Now, you’ll need to:
Make sure to memorize your PIN or store it securely. Do not share it with anyone. If the PIN is lost, the only way to recover your funds is through your recovery phrase.
The recovery phrase (or seed phrase) is a list of 24 random words generated by your Ledger device. This phrase is your ultimate backup and can restore your funds on any Ledger device if your wallet is lost, stolen, or damaged.
Ledger will not keep a copy of your recovery phrase. Anyone with access to it can take control of your crypto assets. Treat it like the key to your digital vault.
Once you’ve written down your recovery phrase, your Ledger device will ask you to confirm it. Follow the prompts carefully and verify each word. This confirmation step ensures that you’ve recorded your phrase without error.
Open the Ledger Live app on your device and select “Get Started.” Follow the setup flow, then choose your device model. You’ll be guided through verifying your device’s authenticity to ensure it was manufactured by Ledger and has not been compromised.
After verification, Ledger Live will prompt you to set up a password to secure your app. This password protects local access to your portfolio but is separate from your PIN and recovery phrase.
With your device ready, you can now install cryptocurrency apps. In Ledger Live, navigate to “My Ledger.” Connect and unlock your device, then choose which blockchain apps you wish to install—e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Solana.
Once the apps are installed, go to “Accounts” to add your crypto wallets. Ledger Live will synchronize your balances and allow you to send or receive transactions.
Security is at the heart of Ledger’s technology. To keep your wallet safe:
Hardware wallets like Ledger Stax or Nano X store private keys offline, preventing hackers from accessing your funds even if your computer is compromised.
Beyond secure storage, Ledger Live provides access to a variety of Web3 features and partners. You can buy, sell, swap, stake, and grow your assets—all within a secure environment.
Every activity conducted through Ledger Live keeps your private keys isolated on your hardware device, ensuring complete control over your digital wealth.
Ledger regularly releases firmware and app updates to improve performance, compatibility, and security. You can check for updates directly in Ledger Live under “My Ledger.” Always confirm update authenticity via the official Ledger channels.
Joining Ledger’s official newsletter or community platforms helps you stay informed about new features and product launches.
If you encounter trouble during setup or later use, visit the official Help Center for step-by-step troubleshooting guides. You can also access user communities, FAQs, and security alerts.
Keep in mind that Ledger’s support team will never ask for your recovery phrase. Communication always occurs through official domains ending in “ledger.com.”
By completing your setup at ledger.com/start, you’ve taken a vital step toward controlling and protecting your crypto assets. Ledger’s combination of hardware isolation and intuitive software provides a seamless and secure experience.
Always back up your recovery phrase, keep your firmware current, and interact only with trusted partners inside Ledger Live. Your security begins with you—and with Ledger, it stays entirely under your control.