Ledger Getting Started Hub — ledger.com/start

Why Start Here?

The ledger.com/start page is your trusted, official gateway to securely initializing your Ledger hardware wallet. By following steps from this page, you ensure that you:

Download Ledger Live from an authentic, verified source
Avoid phishing sites, fake software, or malicious apps
Set up your device correctly—PIN, recovery phrase, firmware
Learn best security practices from day one

Warning: Never enter your 24‑word recovery phrase into any website or share it with anyone—even if it claims to be Ledger support.

Step‑by‑Step Setup Guide

Step 1: Verify Your Device

When your package arrives, confirm that the box is sealed and untampered. Ledger devices use tamper‑evident packaging. If your box seems opened, has extra tape, or includes a recovery phrase pre‑written, do not use it. Contact support or return it.

Step 2: Download Ledger Live

From this page, click Download Ledger Live. Choose the version for your platform (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, or iOS). Always download directly from ledger.com to prevent malicious or forged builds.

Step 3: Initialize the Device

Connect your Ledger hardware to your computer (via USB or Bluetooth). On the device, select “Set up as new device.” You will choose a PIN (4–8 digits) and then your device will display your 24‑word recovery phrase. Write each word in correct order on the supplied recovery sheet.

Step 4: Confirm Recovery Phrase

The device will prompt you to verify random words from your written list (e.g. “word #7”). Only proceed if you correctly wrote the entire phrase. This ensures your backup is valid in case the device is lost or reset.

Step 5: Pair with Ledger Live & Add Assets

Open Ledger Live, pick your device, and allow the app to authenticate it. In Ledger Live’s “Manager,” install apps for blockchains you want (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum). Then go to “Accounts” → “Add Account” to begin managing crypto.

Step 6: Use Your Wallet Securely

You can now send and receive crypto. Always verify the receiving address shown on your device screen matches the one in Ledger Live before sending funds. For advanced use, you can stake, swap, or connect to Web3 apps — all transactions must be approved on the device itself.

Step 7: Keep Firmware & App Updated

Ledger regularly publishes firmware updates and app updates to patch vulnerabilities and add support for new coins. Use Ledger Live’s update feature regularly. Never interrupt updates mid‑process.

Security Best Practices

Never share your recovery phrase. Ledger or support will never ask for it.
Store your backup offline (paper or metal) — not on devices, screenshots, or cloud storage.
Double-check URLs and avoid phishing domains (e.g. spelled differently). Ledger will never send SMS or phone calls requesting recovery words. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Only download Ledger Live from ledger.com/start or official Ledger sources.
Verify every transaction prompt on the device itself, not just the screen.
Use a secure, private environment—no cameras or onlookers when writing down your phrase.

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: What if my device already shows a recovery phrase?

If you unbox a device that already displays a phrase or is preconfigured, treat it as compromised. Do not use it. Get a fresh device and initialize it yourself.

Q: I forgot my PIN—what do I do?

After a limited number of failed attempts, the device resets. You can restore your wallet using your 24‑word recovery phrase.

Q: Do firmware updates affect my funds?

No. Firmware updates change only the internal software. Your assets are stored on the blockchain via your recovery phrase and will not be affected. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Q: Is ledger.com/start the only safe entry?

It’s the recommended official route. Using other links or fake sites increases your risk of malware or phishing. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}