A friendly, step-by-step guide to setting up your Ledger hardware wallet, installing Ledger Live, and securing your crypto—written for beginners and seasoned users alike.
The Ledger Getting Started Hub is the official first-stop resource at ledger.com/start for anyone who owns a Ledger device (Nano S Plus, Nano X, or similar). It provides clear instructions, best practices, and troubleshooting tips so you can initialize your device, install apps, and manage cryptocurrencies using Ledger Live safely.
Why use it? Because hardware wallets put you in control of your private keys. The hub walks you through each critical decision—device initialization, firmware updates, recovery phrase handling, and connecting to Ledger Live—reducing common mistakes that put funds at risk.
Only accept Ledger devices sealed in the company packaging. Check for tamper-evident seals and verify the serial number on the device matches any printed documentation.
Power the device and follow on-screen prompts. Choose a PIN code and write down the recovery phrase (seed phrase) on the provided card—never store it digitally.
Download Ledger Live from the official site and install it on your computer or mobile device. Ledger Live manages apps, firmware updates, and account views for different blockchains.
Connect your Ledger to Ledger Live, install apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) and create accounts. Ledger Live will not move funds—your private keys stay on the device.
Store your recovery phrase in a safe place, ideally using fireproof metal backup solutions. Never share it with anyone, and beware of phishing attempts asking for it.
Always buy directly from Ledger or an authorized reseller. Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase or PIN—if anyone asks, it’s a scam.
Open the package, plug the Ledger into your device using the provided cable, and follow on-device prompts. Choose a secure PIN (6+ digits recommended) and confirm it twice. The device will display a 24-word recovery phrase—write each word in order on the recovery card.
Visit the official ledger.com/start page and choose your platform (macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android). Download Ledger Live and follow the installer. After installing, open Ledger Live and complete the initial setup flow.
Ledger occasionally releases firmware updates that improve features and security. Ledger Live will prompt you when an update is available. Always read the release notes and update through Ledger Live—do not follow links from suspicious emails.
Ledger devices use small blockchain-specific apps (eg. Bitcoin, Ethereum). Use Ledger Live’s Manager to install the apps you need. Each app uses on-device keys so private keys never leave the device.
To receive funds: open the relevant account in Ledger Live, click Receive, verify the address on your Ledger device screen, then share that address with the sender. To send: create a transaction in Ledger Live and confirm it on your device before broadcasting.
Always verify the exact address shown on the physical device screen; malware can alter addresses shown on your computer.
Try a different cable, USB port, or computer. Ensure Ledger Live is running the latest version and that no other wallet software is interfering.
If you enter the PIN incorrectly too many times the device will factory-reset to protect the keys. Use your recovery phrase to restore accounts on the same or a new Ledger device.
If your recovery phrase is ever exposed, move funds to a new wallet generated from a new, secure recovery phrase as soon as possible.