Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start® — Getting started

A concise, secure onboarding guide to set up your Ledger device, install Ledger Live, secure your recovery phrase, and begin managing crypto safely.

Begin with confidence: Ledger.com/Start

Keywords: Ledger.com/Start, Ledger Start, Ledger Live

Ledger.com/Start is a guided onboarding portal created to help you begin your crypto journey securely. Whether you are unboxing a Ledger device for the first time or restoring an existing wallet, Ledger.com/Start walks through the trusted steps: download and verify Ledger Live, initialize your Ledger device, create and store your recovery phrase offline, set a secure PIN, optionally enable a passphrase, add accounts, and perform a test transaction. Following these steps protects your private keys and reduces the risk of phishing or device compromise.

Why the Ledger Start flow matters

Security begins at setup. By generating your recovery phrase on-device and never entering the seed into a computer or phone, your private keys remain isolated. Ledger.com/Start emphasizes hardware-backed security: all critical approvals—sending funds, swaps, or staking—are confirmed on your Ledger device screen. This on-device confirmation prevents malware or browser-based attacks from changing addresses or amounts.

What you will do (high level)

  1. Download Ledger Live from an official source and verify the installer checksum when available.
  2. Install and launch Ledger Live, then connect your Ledger hardware wallet using the supplied cable.
  3. Create a new wallet or restore an existing one on the device; set a secure PIN directly on-device.
  4. Write down and securely store your recovery phrase offline (paper or metal backup).
  5. Optionally enable a passphrase (advanced). Add accounts in Ledger Live and perform a small test transaction to confirm everything works.

Step-by-step Ledger device setup (concise)

  1. Download & verify Ledger Live: Use the Ledger.com/Start link to reach the official downloads page. Compare checksums where published (macOS/Linux example: shasum -a 256 filename).
  2. Install and open Ledger Live: Follow the guided UI. Choose “Get started” and select your device model when prompted.
  3. Initialize device: On your Ledger device choose "Set up as new device" or "Restore an existing device". Create a PIN using device buttons.
  4. Backup recovery phrase: The device will display 24 words. Write them in order on the provided card and store copies offline in secure locations — consider a metal backup for physical durability.
  5. Enable optional passphrase: A passphrase creates an additional hidden wallet. Use it only if you understand recovery implications — a lost passphrase cannot be recovered.
  6. Add accounts: Add Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other supported accounts in Ledger Live and let the app sync balances.
  7. Test with small amounts: Receive a small deposit and send a small outgoing transaction to validate the whole flow and on-device confirmations.

Security best practices

  • Only download Ledger Live from official HTTPS pages. Bookmark the official downloads page and avoid search result typos.
  • Never enter your recovery phrase into a computer, phone, or website. Ledger or legitimate services will never request it.
  • Store recovery words offline, ideally in multiple secure, geographically separated locations.
  • Verify addresses on the device display before sending funds to prevent address-substitution attacks.
  • Keep Ledger Live and device firmware up to date and verify checksum/signatures for installers when provided.
  • Be wary of phishing: check links carefully and use official support channels for help.

Managing multi-chain assets with Ledger Live

After onboarding, Ledger Live serves as your portfolio manager: monitor balances, check transaction history, perform swaps via integrated providers, stake supported assets, and export data for taxes. Ledger.com/Start ensures you begin with the correct security posture so Ledger Live can safely display and manage your holdings.

Troubleshooting & help

If Ledger Live does not detect your device, try a different USB cable or port, unlock the device, and ensure the device is not awaiting a firmware update. For persistent issues, export logs via Ledger Live and contact official support. Avoid third-party tools for firmware updates or seed conversions.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a Ledger device to use Ledger Live?

Ledger Live can be installed independently, but signing transactions, swaps, and staking requires a Ledger hardware device for private-key security.

What if I lose my recovery phrase?

Without your recovery phrase you cannot restore funds. Keep secure offline backups in multiple locations.

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