Welcome to Ledger — Protect Your Crypto with Confidence
ledger.com/start is the official getting-started portal for Ledger users. Whether you're initializing a new Ledger device or restoring an existing wallet, this page walks you through downloading Ledger Live, installing necessary drivers, setting up your hardware wallet, and safeguarding your recovery phrase. Our goal: make secure crypto management simple, transparent, and reliable.
What You’ll Need
- A Ledger device (Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, or supported model)
- A desktop or laptop computer with USB (or Bluetooth for Nano X)
- A reliable internet connection to download Ledger Live and firmware
- A pen and blank paper (for writing down your recovery phrase)
Step-by-step: Initialize Ledger Live & Your Device
Click "Download Ledger Live" above and choose your operating system. Ledger Live is the official desktop app used to manage accounts, install apps on your device, update firmware, and send/receive crypto.
Run the installer, grant permissions if prompted, and open Ledger Live. Create or restore a wallet from the app’s welcome screen. Ledger Live uses a secure local environment — your private keys remain on the device, never on your computer.
Connect your Ledger via USB (or Bluetooth for Nano X). Follow the on-device prompts to set a PIN and generate your recovery phrase. Choose a strong PIN and keep it secret.
Write down your 24-word recovery phrase exactly as shown. Store it offline in a secure place — consider multiple copies in separate secure locations. Do not photograph, store digitally, or share it with anyone.
Use Ledger Live to verify your device and apply the latest firmware updates. Authenticity checks help ensure your device hasn't been tampered with. Never use unofficial firmware.
Within Ledger Live, add accounts for the cryptocurrencies you hold (Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, etc.). Ledger Live bridges the device and available networks while signing transactions directly on your Ledger hardware.
When sending or receiving funds, always confirm addresses on your device screen. Ledger signs each transaction on-device, ensuring private keys never leave the hardware.
Security Best Practices
- Always buy Ledger devices from official channels to avoid tampered hardware.
- Never disclose your recovery phrase — Ledger will never ask for it.
- Use a strong PIN and consider passphrase protection for added security layers.
- Keep Ledger Live and device firmware up to date using official releases.
- Back up your recovery phrase in multiple secure, offline locations.