A short, safe, and practical guide to setting up your Ledger hardware wallet and Ledger Live so you can manage crypto with confidence.
What "Get started with Ledger — Ledger.com/start" means
Get started with Ledger — Ledger.com/start is the official entry point for downloading Ledger Live and following Ledger’s recommended setup flow. The page guides you through installing Ledger Live, initializing your hardware device, creating a PIN, and securely backing up your recovery phrase.
Quick checklist: Before you begin
Buy your Ledger device from Ledger.com or an authorized reseller to avoid tampered units.
Use a secure, personal computer or phone (avoid public/shared devices).
Have a pen and a secure place to write and store your recovery phrase offline.
Disconnect any unnecessary USB devices and temporarily disable non-essential apps that might interfere (e.g., VPN/antivirus if instructed by support).
Step-by-step: How to get started with Ledger — Ledger.com/start
1. Download Ledger Live
Open your browser and go to Ledger.com/start. Choose the Ledger Live app for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android) and download the official installer.
2. Install Ledger Live and verify the installer
Run the installer and follow on-screen prompts. When possible, verify the checksum or signature as recommended by Ledger’s support pages to ensure the file hasn’t been tampered with.
3. Connect and initialize your Ledger device
Connect your Ledger device using the provided cable. Follow Ledger Live’s prompts to either create a new device (generate a new recovery phrase) or restore from an existing recovery phrase if you already have one.
4. Set a PIN and write down your recovery phrase
Pick a PIN you’ll remember and write down the 24-word recovery phrase exactly as shown on the device (never type it into a computer or phone). Store the written copy securely — offline and preferably in more than one secure location.
5. Install apps & add accounts
Within Ledger Live, install the coin-specific apps (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) onto your device and add accounts to view balances, send, and receive funds.
Security best practices when you Get started with Ledger — Ledger.com/start
Do
Only download Ledger Live from Ledger.com/start.
Always confirm the device’s screen shows the same words or prompts when entering PINs or approving transactions.
Keep your recovery phrase offline and never share it with anyone — Ledger support will never ask for it.
Don’t
Never enter your recovery phrase into a website, app, or chat.
Don’t buy second-hand devices or accept used hardware wallets.
Don’t store your recovery phrase in cloud storage, email, or photos.
Common setup hiccups and quick fixes
Device not detected: Try a different USB cable or port, and ensure Ledger Live is up to date.
Update failed: Reboot your computer and device; follow Ledger Live instructions and only proceed if the official app confirms the update.
Forgot PIN: You will need to reset the device and restore from your recovery phrase — that’s why secure storage of the phrase is essential.
Useful after setup
After you finish Get started with Ledger — Ledger.com/start, explore Ledger Live’s features: portfolio tracking, buy/sell integrations, swap providers, staking, NFT management, and integrations with third-party wallets. Keep Ledger Live and your device firmware current for security and functionality improvements.