Ledger.com/Start® — Official Getting Started Guide

This concise, practical guide helps you set up and log in to Ledger Live using your Ledger hardware device. Follow each step carefully to protect your crypto assets — keep your recovery phrase offline and never share it with anyone.

What you’ll need

Prepare the following items before you begin: a Ledger hardware wallet (Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X or similar), the USB cable or Bluetooth-capable host device for Nano X, a computer or phone with the Ledger Live app or a supported web browser, and your recovery sheet that came with the device (store it offline).

Step 1 — Power up and initialize

Power on your Ledger device. For a brand-new device, follow the on-device prompts to create a new wallet or recover an existing one. When creating a new wallet you will be asked to choose a PIN — choose a PIN that is easy for you to remember but not easily guessed. Your device will then generate a 24-word recovery phrase (recovery seed). Write this phrase down in the exact order on the recovery sheet provided — never photograph or copy it digitally.

Step 2 — Install or open Ledger Live

Download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website or open the desktop/mobile app you already have installed. Ledger Live is the companion app used to manage accounts, install apps on the device, and send/receive crypto. Verify the download checksum or install through official channels to avoid tampered software.

Step 3 — Connect and pair your device

Connect the Ledger device to your computer with the supplied cable or pair via Bluetooth for Nano X.
Open Ledger Live and choose Get started → I have a device or Set up a new device depending on your situation.
Follow on-screen prompts to select your device model and allow Ledger Live to pair with the device. For Bluetooth pairing, confirm the code shown on the Ledger matches the one in Ledger Live.

Important: Never enter your recovery phrase into Ledger Live or any website. Your recovery phrase is only for restoring a device and must remain offline at all times.

Step 4 — Install crypto apps and add accounts

Within Ledger Live, go to the Manager to install blockchain apps (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) on your device. Installing an app does not move funds — it enables your device to understand specific coin types. After installing apps, add accounts in Ledger Live to track balances and create receive addresses. Each account is derived from your recovery phrase and the latest standards (BIP32/BIP44/BIP39/BIP84).

Step 5 — Sending and receiving funds

To receive funds, open an account in Ledger Live and click Receive — confirm the address shown in the app against the address displayed on your Ledger device before sharing it. To send funds, create a transaction in Ledger Live and confirm the details on your hardware wallet. The device’s screen is the authoritative source — always verify recipient addresses and amounts on-device.

Optional: Passphrase & Advanced Recovery

Ledger devices support adding an extra passphrase (a 25th word) to create an additional hidden wallet. This is powerful but risky — if you forget the passphrase, the associated funds are unrecoverable. Use passphrases only if you understand the implications, and store backups in secure, separate locations.

Common setup problems & fixes

Device not detected: Try a different USB cable or port. Remove third-party USB hubs and ensure the device is unlocked (enter PIN) before connecting. For Nano X Bluetooth issues, restart both devices and reinitiate pairing.

Ledger Live not loading or errors: Update Ledger Live to the latest version, check system requirements, and temporarily disable interfering firewall or antivirus settings. If you see unexpected prompts, stop and verify you downloaded Ledger Live from the official Ledger domain.

Lost recovery sheet: If you lose your recovery phrase and still have access to your unlocked device, create a new wallet and transfer funds to it immediately — then write down the new recovery phrase securely. Losing both device and recovery phrase typically means irreversible loss of funds.

Security best practices

Never disclose your recovery phrase or enter it into a computer or phone. Ledger staff or support will never ask for your full recovery phrase.
Store your recovery phrase on paper or a metal backup — avoid digital storage (photos, text files, cloud drives).
Verify firmware updates on the device and apply only updates published by Ledger through official channels.
Use a strong PIN and change it occasionally. Avoid obvious PINs (birthdays, repeated numbers).
Consider a dedicated device for large holdings and use passphrases carefully for added privacy.

Quick pre-send checklist

Verify the recipient address on your Ledger device screen, not just in Ledger Live.
Confirm asset type and network (e.g., ERC-20 vs. native ETH) so you don’t send tokens across incompatible chains.
Check fees and expected confirmation times inside Ledger Live.
Send a small test amount when sending to a new address or smart contract first.

FAQ

Q: Can Ledger Live recover my wallet if I lose my device?
A: Yes — any BIP39-compatible wallet can restore your accounts using the 24-word recovery phrase. However, keep your recovery phrase secure and only use trusted wallet software for recovery.

Q: Is Ledger Live required to use my Ledger device?
A: Ledger Live is the recommended companion app for most users, but advanced users can interact with hardware wallets via other compatible software wallets or CLI tools — always ensure compatibility and security.