Ledger.com/Start® — Starting Up Your Device®

Overview

This guide takes you through the essential steps to get your Ledger hardware wallet operational and secure. A hardware wallet keeps your private keys offline — the device signs transactions on its secure chip, and Ledger Live (the companion app) helps you manage accounts, install apps, and interact with blockchains. Read every step fully before acting, and always download software only from the official site.

Before you begin

• Use a trusted computer and a secure internet connection.
• Only download Ledger Live from ledger.com/start (or ledger.com). Avoid search-ad links and unofficial mirrors.
• Keep a pen and the supplied recovery sheet (or another approved physical backup) handy for writing down your recovery phrase.
• Familiarize yourself with your device model: Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, and others have slightly different screens and button layouts — the onboarding prompts will guide you.

Step 1 — Download & install Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the official desktop/mobile companion for device setup, app management, and account viewing. Visit ledger.com/start, select your platform (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android), and download the official installer. Verify the download if checksums or digital signatures are provided.

1. Run the installer and follow the platform prompts.
2. Open Ledger Live and accept any required permissions.
3. If Ledger Live asks to update itself, allow updates from the official source.

Ledger Live can be used without the device to explore the interface, but transaction signing requires the physical device connected and unlocked.

Step 2 — Initialize your Ledger device

When you power a new Ledger, follow the on-device setup flow. The exact wording differs by model but the sequence is consistent.

1. Connect the device via the included USB cable and power it on.
2. Select Create a new device (unless you are restoring from an existing recovery phrase — then choose Restore device).
3. Choose a strong PIN. This prevents local unauthorized use; choose something memorable but not trivial, and do not reuse passwords from other services.
4. The device will display a recovery phrase (commonly 24 words) — write each word down exactly, in order, on the supplied recovery sheet.
5. Confirm the recovery phrase when prompted by selecting the words shown on the device.

Important: Never store your recovery phrase digitally (screenshots, cloud notes, password managers). Treat it as physical cash: anyone with the phrase can restore and control your funds. Ledger support will never ask for your recovery phrase.

Step 3 — Connect Ledger Live & install apps

With your device initialized and connected, use Ledger Live's Manager to install apps for the blockchains you plan to use (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum). Apps allow the device to derive addresses and sign transactions for each supported network.

1. Open Ledger Live and go to Manager.
2. Allow Ledger Live to detect your device and accept any on-device prompts.
3. Install the apps you need; each app uses device storage — remove apps you don't use to free space.
4. Use Accounts to add wallets for each coin after installing its app.

Ledger Live will synchronize balances and transaction history; the device remains the only place private keys exist.

Step 4 — Receive & Send securely

When receiving funds, always check the receiving address on the device screen before sharing it. For sending:

1. Create the transaction in Ledger Live (recipient, amount, fees).
2. Ledger Live will prepare the transaction and ask the device to sign it.
3. Carefully verify the recipient address and amount on the device display — approve only after visual confirmation.
4. Once approved, the signed transaction is broadcast by Ledger Live.

Verifying details on the physical device is the single most important habit to prevent theft via malware or phishing.

Security best practices

• Download Ledger Live only from ledger.com/start and verify checksums if available.
• Never reveal your recovery phrase — not to anyone, not to support staff.
• Store your recovery phrase offline in a secure location (safe, safety deposit box, or geographically separated backups).
• Consider using a passphrase (optional advanced feature) to create additional logical wallets derived from the same seed.
• Keep your firmware and Ledger Live updated, but only apply updates from official sources and after confirming instructions.
• Use a secure, up-to-date host machine and avoid performing large operations on public or untrusted devices.

Troubleshooting common issues

• Device not detected: try a different USB cable/port, unlock the device, restart Ledger Live, or reboot the computer.
• App installation failed: remove unnecessary apps to free device space, update firmware, and retry.
• Restore problems: ensure words are entered in exact order and spelled correctly; some models use word selection on-device rather than text entry.
• Sync errors: check internet connection and update Ledger Live to the latest version.

If issues persist, consult official Ledger support resources. Do not share recovery seeds with anyone when seeking help.

FAQ — quick answers

Can I use Ledger Live without a device?

Yes, you can install and explore Ledger Live, but signing transactions requires a physical Ledger device.

What if I lose my Ledger device?

Funds are recoverable using your recovery phrase on a new Ledger device or any compatible BIP39 wallet — provided your seed is secure.

Should I enable Bluetooth (Nano X)?

Bluetooth enables mobile convenience for models that support it (e.g., Nano X). Evaluate your threat model: Bluetooth provides convenience but consider local risks and use strong device PINs.