Ledger.com/Start — Official Ledger Wallet Setup ✨
Welcome to the official Ledger setup guide. This step-by-step walkthrough helps you initialize your Ledger hardware wallet securely, protect your recovery phrase, verify firmware authenticity, and follow best practices to keep your crypto safe. ₿🔑🪙
Whether you're new to hardware wallets or migrating funds, Ledger.com/Start gives clear, practical instructions. Follow the official flow, confirm everything on-device, and never disclose your recovery phrase — it's the single master key to your assets.
Begin Setup — Secure Your Ledger 🔑Before you start — safety checklist
Purchase only from authorized Ledger channels. Inspect packaging for tamper-evidence and never accept pre-written recovery sheets. Have a pen and sturdy backup material ready (paper or metal backup). Prepare a clean, malware-free computer for the initial setup.
What you’ll need
- Your Ledger device (Nano S, Nano S Plus, Nano X, or newer)
- USB cable or Bluetooth-capable device (for Ledger Nano X)
- Ledger Live app installed on your computer or mobile
- Pen and offline backup for your recovery phrase
Step-by-step: official setup
- Download Ledger Live: Go to Ledger.com/Start and download Ledger Live from the official site. Verify the website URL and checksum when provided.
- Connect your device: Plug in your Ledger and follow on-screen prompts. For Nano X, pair via Bluetooth if you prefer mobile setup.
- Create a new device: Choose "Set up as new device" — your Ledger will generate a recovery phrase (24 words recommended). Write every word in order on the provided recovery card or durable backup medium.
- Set a PIN: Protect your device with a PIN code. This prevents unauthorized local access if the device is lost or stolen.
- Verify recovery phrase: Your Ledger will ask to confirm certain words to ensure accurate backup. Never store the phrase digitally.
- Install apps & update firmware: Use Ledger Live to install coin-specific apps and apply any firmware updates. Ledger firmware updates are signed; always confirm the update on your device and follow official release notes.
- Test with a small transfer: Send a small transaction to verify receiving and confirming flows in Ledger Live. Confirm everything on the device screen before approving.
Tip: Keep one small test wallet for routine checks and a separate cold storage account for long-term holdings.
Recovery phrase — absolute priority
The recovery phrase restores access to your funds. Treat it like the master key — never share, photograph, or store it digitally. For extra resilience, consider multiple physical backups in geographically separated secure locations.
Backup best practices
- Record words in order with permanent ink on provided card or metal backup.
- Do not take photos or copy the phrase into cloud services.
- Consider storing a copy in a safe deposit box or trusted secure location.
Everyday security & tips
On-device confirmations
Always verify transaction details on the Ledger device itself. Ledger Live prepares transactions, but the device shows the final human-readable details — approve only what you recognize.
Beware phishing
Only use Ledger.com and Ledger Live. If a site or email asks for your recovery phrase or private key — it’s a scam. Report suspicious links to official support.
Device hygiene
Keep Ledger Live updated, use a secure computer, avoid public networks for large transactions, and consider a dedicated device for custody if you hold large balances.
Advanced setups — passphrases & multi-sig
Power users can enable passphrases for account separation (strong caution: losing the passphrase is equivalent to losing access) and deploy multi-signature wallets to distribute custody across multiple devices or keyholders for enhanced security.
Support & community
If you encounter issues, consult the official Ledger Support center and community documentation. Ledger staff will never ask you for your full recovery phrase. If you suspect a device compromise, immediately move funds to a newly initialized device with a new recovery phrase.