Welcome to Ledger.com/Start — the official starting page for new and returning Ledger hardware wallet users. This guide mirrors the streamlined instructions you’ll find on the official site and expands with practical tips to help you complete setup securely and confidently. Read through this walkthrough before you begin to reduce mistakes and avoid common phishing traps.
Why start at Ledger.com/Start?
Ledger.com/Start centralizes the essential first steps: downloading the official Ledger Live app, choosing the right device model, and following verified setup instructions. Beginning here helps ensure you’re using the authentic installer and not a malicious copy. The page also links to updated device compatibility notes, system requirements, and official safety advice.
Before you click — what to prepare
Your Ledger hardware device (Ledger Nano S, Nano S Plus, Nano X or a supported successor).
A computer (Windows, macOS, or Linux) or a smartphone compatible with Ledger Live mobile.
A USB cable for wired connections or a Bluetooth-capable phone for Nano X pairing.
Pen and paper for your recovery phrase. Do not take photos or store it digitally.
A secure, private place to write and later store your recovery phrase (ideally offline and fireproof for long-term holdings).
Safety reminder: Ledger will never ask you to share your recovery phrase. If anyone requests it, it is a scam.
Step 1 — Download Ledger Live from Ledger.com/Start
Visit Ledger.com/Start from a browser you trust. The landing page offers the official Ledger Live installers as well as links to the mobile app stores. Choose the correct operating system and verify the file source when prompted. Avoid downloading from search results that display paid or third-party download sites.
Step 2 — Install Ledger Live and open the app
Run the installer you downloaded and follow the on-screen prompts. On first launch, Ledger Live will guide you through the initial setup flow. The app does not hold your private keys; it acts as a secure interface to the private keys stored inside the hardware device.
Step 3 — Initialize your Ledger device
You will choose between two primary options when powering a new Ledger device:
Create a new device: Choose this if you’re setting up Ledger for the first time. You will set a PIN on the device and write down the recovery phrase displayed on the device screen.
Restore from a recovery phrase: Choose this option if you already have an existing wallet and a recovery phrase. Carefully enter the recovery words in the exact order.
During setup, your device will display a recovery phrase (commonly 24 words). Write them down in order on the provided recovery sheet. Confirm the words when prompted by the device. Ledger Live will never show your recovery phrase — it is only visible on the device screen during initialization or restoration.
Step 4 — Connect Ledger Live to your device
Connect the device to your computer or pair it with your phone (Nano X). Unlock the device with the PIN you set. Grant Ledger Live permission to access the device. The app will then scan the device to discover or derive accounts associated with the recovery phrase secured on the hardware wallet.
Step 5 — Add accounts and install coin apps
To manage cryptocurrencies you must add accounts in Ledger Live. Some blockchains require an additional small application installed on the device (installed via the Manager inside Ledger Live).
Open Accounts in Ledger Live and click Add account.
Select the currency and install the corresponding app on your device if prompted.
Allow Ledger Live to scan the blockchain and populate account balances. This may take a few minutes depending on account history.
Best practice — Always verify addresses on-device
When receiving crypto, Ledger Live will show an address but you must verify the same address on the physical device screen. This prevents malware on the host from substituting addresses. When sending funds, verify the transaction details (amount and destination) on the device before approving. The device is the single source of truth.
Security essentials — protecting your recovery phrase
Never type your recovery phrase into a website, application, or chat. No legitimate service will ask for it.
Store the recovery phrase offline. Use a metal backup if you are securing significant funds for the long term.
Consider splitting large holdings across multiple independent backups and devices for redundancy.
Keep your device firmware and Ledger Live up to date, but only install updates from Ledger.com or official app stores.
Troubleshooting common issues on Ledger.com/Start
Installer blocked or flagged: Some OS security settings may block the installer. Use your OS’s allow/run options or refer to Ledger’s official troubleshooting instructions on the Start page.
Device not recognized: Try a different USB cable/port, ensure the device is unlocked, and that the device is in the correct mode for the requested operation. For Bluetooth pairing, ensure Bluetooth is enabled and the device is in discovery mode.
App shows no accounts: Make sure you installed the correct coin app on the Ledger device and allowed Ledger Live to finish scanning. Try reconnecting and restarting the app.
Forgot PIN: If you forget your PIN, the device can be reset and then restored from the recovery phrase. This will erase local data, but the recovery phrase will restore access to the funds.
Advanced options and integrations
Ledger supports advanced users who wish to use multiple accounts, custom derivation paths, or interact with Web3 applications. Ledger Live’s Manager allows you to install/uninstall coin apps. For DeFi dApps and NFT platforms, you can use WalletConnect or browser wallet integrations that link to Ledger for transaction signing. Always confirm every action on the device screen.
FAQ — quick answers from Ledger.com/Start
Is Ledger.com/Start the only place to download Ledger Live?
Ledger.com/Start is the official recommended starting point. The mobile apps are available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Avoid third-party download sites to prevent installing tampered software.
Can I use Ledger Live on multiple devices?
Yes. Ledger Live can be installed on multiple computers and phones. Your crypto is protected by the hardware device and recovery phrase, not by the application installation.
What if I lose both my device and recovery phrase?
Without the recovery phrase, funds cannot be recovered. The recovery phrase is the ultimate backup; protect it diligently.
This document is built to match the tone and guidance of the official Ledger.com/Start flow. Always refer to Ledger’s official pages for the most current instructions and security notices. If you suspect any hacks or scams, contact Ledger support through the official website immediately.