Ledger.com/Start — Official Ledger Wallet Setup Guide
A colorful, practical, step-by-step 2000-word guide to unbox, set up, secure, and begin using your Ledger hardware wallet safely.
Updated: September 22, 2025
Welcome — start here
Ledger.com/Start is the official onboarding portal for Ledger hardware wallets. This guide mirrors the core instructions on that portal while adding approachable explanations, best practices, and troubleshooting tips so you feel confident managing your crypto assets from day one.
UnboxingSetupSecurityLedger Live
What you’ll learn
How to verify you received an authentic Ledger device
How to initialize the device, set PIN, and record the 24-word recovery phrase
How to download and use Ledger Live — desktop & mobile
How to safely send, receive, and sign transactions
Advanced protections: passphrases, hidden wallets, and backups
Troubleshooting, updates, and day-to-day best practices
Unboxing: authenticity & checks
Upon arrival, inspect packaging carefully. Genuine Ledger boxes are factory sealed and include a device, USB cable, recovery sheet, and quick start guide. If packaging appears tampered with, do not proceed — contact Ledger or your retailer. Inside, find the device serial number. Save receipts for warranty and authenticity verification.
Initial authenticity check
Ledger Live performs a device authenticity check during pairing. When you connect, follow on-screen prompts; Ledger Live will verify firmware signatures and device identifiers. Only continue when the app confirms the device is genuine.
Download & install Ledger Live
Ledger Live is the official companion app for desktop and mobile that allows you to manage accounts, install coin apps on the device, review portfolio balances, and perform transactions. Always download Ledger Live from ledger.com/start — avoid links from search results or third-party sites which may be spoofed.
Supported platforms
Windows, macOS, Linux (desktop)
iOS, Android (mobile)
Initial Ledger Live flow
Install Ledger Live and open the app.
Choose "Get started" then "Set up a new device" or "Restore from recovery phrase".
Allow Ledger Live to update the device firmware if prompted.
Install apps for the coins you want to use via Ledger Live's Manager.
Initialize your Ledger: PIN & recovery phrase
During initial setup you’ll choose a PIN and be shown a 24-word recovery phrase on the device screen. These two items are your key protections: the PIN defends against casual physical access while the recovery phrase is the definitive backup for your private keys.
Setting a secure PIN
Choose a 4–8 digit PIN that’s not easily guessable.
Do not record the PIN on the recovery card; store it separately.
If you enter the wrong PIN multiple times, the device may wipe — ensure you have your recovery phrase securely backed up.
Recording the recovery phrase
Write the 24 words exactly as displayed, in order, on the provided recovery sheet. Never take photos, store in cloud storage, or type the phrase into a computer. For durability and disaster protection, consider metal backup plates that resist fire and water.
Ledger Login is not a cloud-based username/password flow. It’s a hardware-backed authentication: connecting your Ledger device and entering your PIN unlocks the device so Ledger Live can read public addresses and request signatures. Private keys never leave the secure element on the device.
Login steps
Connect your Ledger device to your computer or phone using a data-capable USB cable (or Bluetooth for supported models).
Open Ledger Live and allow it to detect the device.
Enter your PIN directly on the device when prompted.
Ledger Live will display account data; you must approve any transaction or sensitive operation on the device itself.
Always verify that the address displayed in Ledger Live matches the address shown on your device screen before approving a receive or send operation.
Managing accounts & apps
Ledger uses small coin-specific apps installed on the device to support various blockchains. Use the Manager in Ledger Live to install or uninstall apps. Only install the apps you need to conserve limited device storage.
Adding and labeling accounts
Open Ledger Live > Accounts > Add account.
Select the coin and follow discovery prompts; Ledger Live queries the blockchain using the device's public keys.
Label accounts (e.g., "BTC - Savings") for easy organization.
Sending and receiving funds
To receive funds, generate a receiving address in Ledger Live and verify it on-device. When sending, enter recipient details in Ledger Live, then confirm the transaction on your device. Always check recipient addresses carefully — blockchain transfers are irreversible.
Approve on the device to sign and broadcast the transaction.
Working with dApps & third-party wallets
Ledger can act as a secure signer for many web3 wallets (MetaMask, MyEtherWallet, etc.). When a dApp requests a signature, always confirm the exact transaction details on your device. Be especially cautious with token approvals: some approvals allow unlimited spending rights — only approve what you trust and understand.
Phishing protection
If a dApp or website asks for your recovery phrase or to download odd software, it’s a scam. Disconnect and verify the official dApp address and documentation before proceeding.
Ledger supports an optional passphrase that acts as an additional word appended to your recovery seed — it creates hidden wallets. Passphrases provide powerful privacy and deniability but are unforgiving: losing the passphrase means losing access to the funds in that hidden wallet.
When to use passphrases
Separating operational funds from cold storage.
Creating deniable or privacy-focused accounts.
Troubleshooting common issues
Device not detected: Try a different USB cable/port and avoid hubs; restart Ledger Live and the device.
Wrong PIN: Repeated wrong PIN attempts may wipe the device — restore from your recovery phrase if needed.
App errors: Reinstall apps via Ledger Live Manager and ensure firmware compatibility.
Bluetooth pairing issues (Nano X): Toggle Bluetooth and re-pair using Ledger Live prompts.
Backup & restore — recovery scenarios
If your Ledger is lost or damaged, restore your crypto using the 24-word recovery phrase on a new Ledger device or compatible wallet. If you lose the recovery phrase, funds cannot be recovered. Keep multiple physical backups in separate secure locations if required for large holdings.
Restoring a device
Purchase a new Ledger device from official channels.
During setup select "Restore from recovery phrase" and enter the 24 words in order.
Set a new PIN and complete the restore process.
Keeping Ledger Live & firmware up-to-date
Updates fix bugs, close vulnerabilities, and add features. Ledger Live will notify you when firmware updates are available. Always update via Ledger Live and official prompts, and never enter your recovery phrase during an update process.
Update checklist
Back up your recovery phrase in a secure location.
Use a trusted computer and stable internet connection.
Follow on-screen instructions and confirm prompts on-device.
Daily best practices
Test with small transactions when using new services or dApps.
Consider multisig or cold-storage for very large portfolios.
Store recovery seeds offline and consider metal backups for disaster protection.
Be wary of unsolicited support requests and phishing attempts.
FAQs
Can Ledger.com/Start help me set up multiple devices?
Yes — you can initialize multiple Ledger devices from the same recovery phrase for redundancy. Store backups securely and separately.
What happens if Ledger stops operating?
Your crypto exists on public blockchains. Using your recovery phrase, you can restore access with another Ledger or compatible wallet. Ledger services are not the custodian of your funds.
How do I report a suspicious site or scam?
Report phishing sites and suspicious activity to Ledger's official support channels and avoid interacting with unknown links. Never share your recovery phrase.