Start

Ledger.com/Start® | Official Site® | Getting started

Official colorful guide to set up your Ledger device, Ledger Live, and secure your crypto the right way.

Updated: September 22, 2025

Start here: what you need

This page walks you through everything found at Ledger.com/Start: preparing your environment, unboxing and initializing your Ledger hardware device, installing Ledger Live, and protecting your recovery phrase. The instructions are colorful but follow Ledger's official security-first approach.

Ledger device (Nano S Plus, Nano X) Trusted computer or phone Pen & paper for recovery phrase

Quick-start checklist

Buy only from the official Ledger store or an authorized retailer.
Unbox the device and verify the tamper-evidence seal is intact.
Install Ledger Live from the official website (ledger.com/start).
Initialize the device: set a PIN and write down the 24-word recovery phrase offline.
Install apps and add accounts in Ledger Live to manage coins and tokens.

Why follow these steps?

Ledger devices are secure because they keep private keys offline inside a Secure Element. The setup process is intentionally manual — PIN creation, physical confirmation, and writing down the recovery phrase reduce online attack vectors. Skipping steps or storing recovery details digitally greatly increases risk.

Step-by-step: From unboxing to first transaction

Follow these expanded steps for a secure, successful setup.

1. Unboxing & verification

Check the box for tamper-evident seals and factory packaging. If seals are broken or packaging looks tampered with, contact support and do not use the device.

2. Install Ledger Live

Visit ledger.com/start and download the correct version for your OS. Install and open Ledger Live; follow prompts for initial configuration.

3. Initialize device & record your recovery phrase

During initialization you'll set a PIN and be shown a 24-word recovery phrase on the device screen. Write these words down in order on the recovery card included — offline, securely, and never digitally. Consider multiple secure copies in separate locations for large holdings.

4. Install apps & add accounts

Use Ledger Live's Manager to install coin-specific apps on the device. Then add accounts in Ledger Live; the app will derive addresses from your device for monitoring balances and preparing transactions.

5. Receive & send test transaction

Before sending large amounts, receive a small test deposit to verify the account and process. When sending, always confirm recipient addresses on the device's screen and check the transaction details before approving.

6. Backup & safety

Store your recovery phrase in a secure, offline location. Consider metal backups for fire and water resistance. Do not enter your phrase into any website, app, or person claiming to help recover funds.

7. Firmware updates

Ledger periodically releases firmware updates. Use Ledger Live to update firmware when notified; follow the official prompts and never enter your recovery phrase during updates.

Troubleshooting

Device not detected: try a different USB cable (data-capable), avoid USB hubs, and ensure Ledger Live is updated.
Forgotten PIN: after multiple incorrect attempts, the device may reset; restore from your 24-word recovery phrase on a new device.
Lost recovery phrase: without it there is no way to recover funds. Consider professional secure custody for very large balances.

FAQs

Can I restore my Ledger on another device?

Yes — your 24-word recovery phrase is platform-independent. Use it on another Ledger or a compatible wallet to restore access to your funds.

Are my funds stored on Ledger's servers?

No. Cryptocurrencies live on blockchains. Ledger devices store your private keys locally; Ledger.com provides tools to manage them, not custody.

What if Ledger stops operating?

With your recovery phrase you can restore funds using other compatible wallets — your assets remain on-chain.