Ledger.com/start — Complete setup & security guide for Ledger hardware wallets
A friendly, step-by-step walkthrough to safely set up your Ledger device and Ledger Live. Learn best practices for recovery, daily use, DeFi interactions, and long-term storage — all without exposing your private keys.
Why start at Ledger.com/start?
Ledger.com/start is the official onboarding hub created to make your first connection secure and simple. It hosts verified Ledger Live downloads, firmware checks, and official documentation. Using the official path reduces the risk of counterfeit devices and malicious downloads — a vital step in protecting your crypto.
What you'll achieve by the end of this guide
- Install Ledger Live and connect your Ledger device.
- Initialize a new wallet, create a secure PIN, and back up your recovery phrase.
- Add accounts for supported cryptocurrencies and verify addresses on-device.
- Understand how to safely use buy, swap, and staking features inside Ledger Live.
- Adopt best practices to protect against phishing and social engineering.
Pre-setup checklist
- Buy only from ledger.com or an authorised reseller.
- Have a secure surface and pen to write your recovery phrase (do not store it digitally).
- Use an up-to-date operating system and a modern browser for the initial setup.
- Allocate a small amount of crypto for a test transaction before migrating large holdings.
Step-by-step: setting up your Ledger device
1. Download Ledger Live
Visit ledger.com/start and download the Ledger Live app for your platform (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android). Verify the download using platform prompts if you are prompted for code signing checks.
2. Initialize the device
Connect your Ledger device via USB (or pair via Bluetooth for supported models). Follow the on-screen instructions to set a PIN and generate a recovery phrase. Write down the phrase in the exact order shown. This phrase is your master backup — treat it like the keys to a safe.
3. Verify firmware & authenticity
Ledger Live will guide you through a genuine check that confirms your device firmware is authentic and untampered. Always accept firmware updates only within Ledger Live.
4. Add accounts
Use Ledger Live to add accounts for each cryptocurrency you want to manage. Install the small "app" for each coin onto your device via the Ledger Live Manager.
5. Receive a test payment
Generate a receiving address in Ledger Live and verify it on your device screen. Send a small test amount from an exchange or another wallet and confirm receipt before transferring larger balances.
Recovery phrase: your single source of truth
The recovery phrase (seed) is the human-readable backup of your private keys. If your hardware is lost or damaged, this phrase lets you restore access to your funds on a new device. Because anyone who knows it can control your funds, never store it online or photograph it.
- Store at least two physical copies in separate secure locations.
- Consider metal backups for protection against fire and water.
- If you enable an additional passphrase (25th word), understand it creates a hidden wallet — losing it means losing access to those funds permanently.
Using Ledger Live: buy, swap, stake, and track
Ledger Live integrates third-party onramps for buying/selling, swap partners for exchanges, and staking providers for selected assets. These flows keep custody with your device: you approve every transaction on the hardware screen.
- Review fees and provider terms before using buy/sell features.
- For swaps, always confirm destination addresses and amounts on-device.
- Staking locks may have unbonding periods — check network rules before staking large amounts.
Interacting safely with DeFi and NFTs
Connect to DeFi dApps using WalletConnect or other supported integrations. Use the hardware wallet to verify every transaction payload. Limit token approvals and revoke allowances once you finish interacting with a contract.
Common troubleshooting tips
- Device not detected: Try another USB cable or port, ensure Ledger Live is up-to-date.
- Bluetooth pairing issues: Reboot both devices and retry pairing from Ledger Live's mobile app.
- PIN forgotten: You must reset the device and restore from your recovery phrase — keep it safe.
Hardening your security: recommended practices
- Always verify addresses on the device's physical screen before sending.
- Keep firmware and Ledger Live updated; updates include security patches.
- Don't enter your recovery phrase on any computer, phone, or website.
- Beware of phishing: bookmark ledger.com/start and use the bookmark rather than searching.
- Consider splitting large holdings across multiple devices for redundancy.
Enterprise & multi-user custody options
For teams and institutional use cases, Ledger provides multi-signature solutions and enterprise tooling that integrate hardware security with governance and audit logs. These options help organisations manage operational risk and access controls for large treasuries.
After setup — what to do next
After you’ve set up and verified everything, plan your operational routine:
- Move most funds to cold storage and keep a small amount in active accounts for trades/staking.
- Test restore procedures on an inexpensive device to familiarize yourself with recovery steps.
- Periodically audit your backups and check for firmware updates.
Final thoughts
Ledger.com/start is the safe, official pathway to ownership of your crypto — empowering you to move away from custodial risk while keeping a user-friendly experience. With hardware-backed keys, clear recovery procedures, and a mindful security posture, you can manage your crypto with confidence for years to come.
Ready to begin? Visit ledger.com/start, download Ledger Live, and follow the guided setup. Your keys. Your control.