Ledger.com/Start – Get Started with Your Ledger Device

A step-by-step, security-first guide to initialize, secure, and use your Ledger hardware wallet with Ledger Live.

Start Setup Read Full Guide

Why use Ledger.com/Start?

If you own a Ledger hardware wallet, the first and most important step is a secure setup. Ledger.com/Start is the official starting point that walks you through every essential step—downloading Ledger Live safely, initializing your device, storing your recovery phrase, adding accounts, and performing transactions while maintaining best security practices. The steps below focus on keeping your private keys offline and minimizing exposure to online threats.

Quick overview

This guide covers practical actions and explanations so you understand not only the how but the why. If you prefer, click the primary action to open the official setup: Ledger.com/Start.

Step 1 — Download Ledger Live (official)

Always download Ledger Live from the official Ledger site to avoid malicious copies. Visit Ledger.com/Start and choose the version for your platform (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android). Avoid third-party download links and never download from search results that appear suspicious.

Step 2 — Unbox & verify authenticity

Confirm the device packaging is intact and tamper-free. Ledger devices ship with tamper-evident seals and packaging; if something looks tampered with, contact Ledger support via Ledger.com/Start before proceeding.

Step 3 — Initialize your Ledger device

Connect your Ledger to the computer and follow Ledger Live prompts. During initialization you will:

  • Create a PIN (choose something memorable but not guessable).
  • Generate a recovery phrase (write it down on the provided card—never store it digitally).
  • Verify the recovery phrase as instructed on the device.

These steps secure your private keys. Ledger.com/Start provides clear walkthroughs and visuals to avoid common mistakes — open the official instructions at Ledger.com/Start.

Step 4 — Install Ledger Live and add accounts

Ledger Live connects to your Ledger hardware to let you manage accounts, view balances, and perform transactions. After installing Ledger Live from Ledger.com/Start, open the app, add accounts for the coins you hold, and let it sync balances. Always confirm receiving addresses on the device screen to ensure they haven’t been altered by malware.

Step 5 — Send & receive safely

When sending crypto, always confirm the recipient address on your Ledger device’s screen—not just in the Ledger Live desktop UI. Ledger Live signs transactions but the device shows the final address and amount. For receiving, generate the address in Ledger Live and confirm it on the device. If the address displayed on the device differs from the one shown in your app, do not proceed and revisit Ledger.com/Start for troubleshooting.

Step 6 — Keep firmware and software updated

Firmware and Ledger Live updates patch vulnerabilities and add features. Ledger Live will notify you of updates; install them promptly and verify the updates are delivered via the official app (download from Ledger.com/Start).

Step 7 — Strong security practices

  • Never type or photograph your recovery phrase — keep it offline and in multiple safe places.
  • Use a strong PIN and enable passphrase features if you need additional separation between accounts.
  • Beware of phishing — Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase online. For official guides always use Ledger.com/Start.
  • Consider metal backup solutions for the recovery phrase to withstand fire/flood damage.

Step 8 — Advanced features & staking

Ledger Live supports advanced operations such as staking for selected coins, portfolio analytics, and third-party integrations (DeFi browsers, DApps). Activate only features you fully understand; when in doubt, consult the official documentation at Ledger.com/Start.

Step 9 — Troubleshooting

If your device isn’t recognized, try a different cable or USB port, restart Ledger Live, or check for OS permissions. The Ledger Help Center includes step-by-step fixes and resources on Ledger.com/Start.

Step 10 — Final checklist before transacting

  1. Device PIN set and working
  2. Recovery phrase recorded and stored offline
  3. Ledger Live downloaded from Ledger.com/Start
  4. Firmware up to date
  5. Receiving and sending addresses confirmed on device

Why security-first matters

Hardware wallets like Ledger keep your private keys offline, drastically reducing the attack surface compared to software wallets. However, the security chain is only as strong as your setup: downloading official software, protecting your recovery phrase, and verifying addresses all matter. For official, step-by-step instructions at any point, go to Ledger.com/Start.

Resources & official links

Use these official entry points for the safest experience:

Ledger.com/Start Download Ledger Live Setup Guide Security Tips

If you want to embed a short link on your site or documentation, use this snippet: 

<a href="https://www.ledger.com/start" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Get started with Ledger: Ledger.com/Start</a>

Thank you for choosing a security-first approach. With Ledger and Ledger Live, you keep control of your crypto — and that control starts at Ledger.com/Start.

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