Official© Site® | Ledɠer.com/Start® — Getting™ started

start

— 5 min read

Welcome to your complete guide on how to get started with Ledger hardware wallets — secure devices that help you protect your cryptocurrencies and digital assets. If you’re here to begin your journey in safekeeping your crypto the right way, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through every step, from unboxing your device to managing accounts and troubleshooting common issues.

👉 Start here: Visit Ledger.com/Start® to begin the setup process with official instructions tailored to your device.

1. Why Use a Ledger Hardware Wallet?

As crypto adoption grows, so do security risks. Unlike software wallets or exchanges, a Ledger hardware wallet stores your private keys offline — in what’s known as “cold storage.” This dramatically reduces exposure to online threats like hacks or phishing.

Key Benefits

  • Maximum security: Private keys never touch the internet
  • User control: Only you can sign transactions
  • Multi‑crypto support: Bitcoin, Ethereum, NFTs, DeFi tokens, and more
  • Easy to use: Guided setup and companion apps

To begin protecting your assets right away, go to Ledger.com/Start® for your personalized step‑by‑step setup.

2. What’s in the Box

Before you start, make sure you have all the components included with your Ledger device:

  • Ledger hardware wallet (e.g., Ledger Nano S Plus or Ledger Nano X)
  • USB cable (if applicable)
  • Recovery sheets
  • Quick start guide
  • Stickers and packaging

If anything looks suspicious or tampered with, stop and contact support before proceeding.

3. Getting Started: First Steps

Step 1 — Go to Ledger’s Official Start Page

Your journey begins at Ledger.com/Start®. This page automatically detects your device and gives you the right guide to download Ledger Live and initialize your device.

4. Downloading and Installing Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the companion application that lets you manage your crypto accounts, send/receive transactions, and access decentralized apps (dApps) securely.

How to Install Ledger Live

  1. Visit Ledger Live Download from the Ledger.com/Start® page.
  2. Choose your operating system: macOS, Windows, Linux, or mobile (iOS/Android).
  3. Follow the installation prompts.
  4. Launch Ledger Live once installation is complete.

💡 Reminder: Always download Ledger Live only from the official site to avoid scams or malware.

5. Initializing Your Ledger Device

Now that you have Ledger Live installed, it’s time to set up your device.

Step‑by‑Step Initialization

  1. Open Ledger Live and click “Get Started.”
  2. Choose your device model (e.g., Nano S Plus, Nano X).
  3. Connect your device to your computer or mobile using the USB cable.
  4. Follow the on‑screen prompts.

💡 If you need help understanding recovery phrases, see our detailed resource: What is a Recovery Phrase?

6. Creating Your PIN and Recovery Phrase

This is the most critical part of your security.

PIN Setup

  • Choose a 4‑ to 8‑digit PIN.
  • Confirm it on your hardware device.
  • Memorize it — but don’t write it down anywhere digital.

Recovery Phrase Generation

Your Ledger will generate a 24‑word recovery phrase. Write each word on the provided recovery sheet.

Important:

  • Never store your recovery phrase digitally.
  • Never share it with anyone.
  • Ledger Support will never ask for your recovery phrase.

For a deep dive, see: Recovery Phrase Best Practices

7. Installing Apps on Your Ledger

Ledger uses a modular system, so you install only the crypto apps you need.

How to Install Apps

  1. Open Ledger Live.
  2. Navigate to Manager.
  3. Connect and unlock your device.
  4. Install the apps for coins/tokens you want to manage (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum).

➡️ Learn more about supported coins: Supported Cryptocurrencies

8. Adding Accounts

Once apps are installed, add accounts to Ledger Live:

  1. Open Ledger Live and click “Accounts.”
  2. Select “Add account.”
  3. Follow the prompts to add Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other assets.

Each account syncs with the blockchain and allows you to receive/send funds securely.

9. Sending and Receiving Crypto

Receiving Crypto

  1. Go to Accounts in Ledger Live.
  2. Select the account.
  3. Click “Receive.”
  4. Verify the address on your Ledger device.
  5. Share the address with the sender.

Sending Crypto

  1. Select the account in Ledger Live.
  2. Click “Send.”
  3. Enter the recipient address and amount.
  4. Confirm on your Ledger device.

📌 Always verify addresses on your device screen, not just in the app.

10. Connecting to DeFi and dApps

Ledger Live supports a wide range of decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms and decentralized applications through integrations.

To use DeFi, you’ll often connect your Ledger to:

  • Web3 wallets like MetaMask
  • DeFi platforms like Uniswap, Aave, Compound

For step‑by‑step guidance, check: Using Ledger with DeFi & dApps

11. Updating Firmware and Software

Keeping your device updated is crucial.

Firmware Updates

Ledger periodically releases firmware updates that improve security and add features.

To update:

  1. Open Ledger Live.
  2. Go to Manager.
  3. If a firmware update is available, follow the prompts.

⚠️ Never disconnect your device during an update.

For more info: How to Update Firmware

12. Common Troubleshooting

Running into issues is normal — especially on your first setup. Here’s how to handle some common problems.

Device Not Recognized

  • Try a different USB cable or port
  • Ensure Ledger Live is updated
  • Restart your computer

Incorrect PIN Error

After 3 wrong PIN attempts, the device resets — requiring you to restore from your recovery phrase.

For help with restores: Restore from Recovery Phrase Guide

Missing Accounts

Sometimes accounts don’t show up immediately:

  • Ensure the correct app is installed
  • Refresh Ledger Live
  • Re‑add the account

Visit: Accounts Not Showing?

13. Keeping Your Crypto Secure: Best Practices

Security doesn’t end after setup. Adopt these best practices:

Never Share Your Recovery Phrase

Your recovery phrase is the master key to your funds.

Beware of Scams

  • Ledger Support will never ask for your recovery phrase.
  • Verify URLs carefully before entering any credentials.

Learn how to avoid scams: Security Tips and Scam Prevention

14. Transferring Funds from Exchanges

If you’re migrating crypto from an exchange to your Ledger:

  1. Get your Ledger receive address in Ledger Live.
  2. Initiate a withdrawal from the exchange to that address.
  3. Confirm the transaction on the blockchain.

Always double‑check the address.

For details: Moving Crypto to Ledger

15. Using Ledger with Mobile Devices

Ledger Live Mobile lets you manage crypto on the go.

Steps to Connect Mobile

  1. Download Ledger Live: iOS / Android.
  2. Connect via USB‑C or Bluetooth (Nano X).
  3. Follow sync instructions.

Get the app here: Ledger Live Mobile

16. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Ledger Safe?

Yes — when used properly — because private keys never leave the device.

Can I Recover If My Device Is Lost?

Yes. Use your 24‑word recovery phrase on a new Ledger or compatible wallet.

Do I Need Internet to Use Ledger?

No — only for Ledger Live transaction sync and updates. The device itself signs transactions offline.

More FAQs: Ledger Support FAQs

17. What’s Next? Advanced Features

After you’re comfortable with basic setup, explore:

  • Staking directly from Ledger Live
  • Multi‑signature setups
  • NFT management
  • Third‑party integrations (e.g., MetaMask)

Explore advanced topics: Advanced Ledger Features

18. Ledger for Business

Large holders and institutions can benefit from Ledger’s enterprise solutions, like Ledger Vault and multi‑user policy enforcement.

Learn more: Ledger for Business

19. Staying Updated

Crypto evolves fast. For latest features, firmware releases, and security updates:

  • Subscribe to the Ledger Newsletter
  • Follow Ledger on official social channels
  • Check the Support Blog

20. Need Help? Contact Support

If you ever get stuck, Ledger’s official support team is here to help.

👉 Get support: Ledger Support Center

Remember: Ledger Support never asks for your recovery phrase.

Conclusion

Congratulations — you’ve now learned how to set up your Ledger device securely, install Ledger Live, manage accounts, and interact with the broader crypto ecosystem. Your next step is to go live with your setup:

➡️ Visit: Ledger.com/Start® and follow the guided setup for your device.

Feel confident, take your time, and always prioritize security when managing your crypto. Ledger has given you the tools — now make them work for you.

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