Overview — what this guide covers

This guide walks you through the entire onboarding experience: from unboxing and verifying your device, to installing Ledger Live (via Ledger.com/start), initializing the wallet, securing and verifying your recovery phrase, enabling optional protections, and performing safe transactions. It also includes troubleshooting, advanced custody considerations, and a final checklist so you can move substantial funds with confidence.

Short recommendation: Read the full guide first, then perform the steps while keeping this page open. Use the official Ledger.com/start portal to download software and follow vendor-supplied firmware prompts.

Why use Ledger.com/start

Ledger.com/start centralizes authentic downloads, firmware guidance, and onboarding instructions. Using the official portal reduces the risk of counterfeit apps or phishing pages and ensures that you install the correct, signed Ledger Live application. The portal also explains device authenticity checks and links to official support resources.

What you should gather before starting

  • Your Ledger device (e.g., Nano S Plus, Nano X) and the supplied USB cable.
  • A personal computer (Windows, macOS, or Linux) with a trusted browser.
  • Pen and the recovery card included with your device, or a durable metal backup plate if you prefer.
  • Time and a private setting — plan 30–60 minutes for initial setup and verification.

Step 1 — Unbox and inspect

Check packaging for signs of tampering. Ledger packages are sealed; if seals are broken or packaging seems manipulated, stop and contact the seller or official support. Physical inspection helps rule out rare but possible supply-chain compromises. If everything looks normal, connect the device to your computer using the provided cable.

Step 2 — Visit Ledger.com/start and download Ledger Live

Open Ledger.com/start. Choose the Ledger Live download for your operating system. Prefer the desktop application for the full onboarding experience — mobile apps are appropriate for day-to-day checks once you are set up. Verify the HTTPS connection and certificate in your browser before downloading. If your organization requires it, verify file checksums or signatures against vendor-provided values.

Installer integrity: On systems with high security requirements, verify provided checksums or signed hashes. For ordinary users, ensuring you downloaded from Ledger.com/start and not from a third-party mirror is generally sufficient.

Step 3 — Install and launch Ledger Live

Run the installer and follow the platform prompts. On macOS you may need to allow the application in Security & Privacy; on Linux you may need to install distro-specific packages or add udev rules so non-root users can access the device. Launch Ledger Live after installation — the app will guide you through device setup, firmware checks, and the onboarding wizard.

Step 4 — Initialize your Ledger device

Ledger Live will ask whether you want to set up a new device or restore an existing wallet. For new users: choose "Set up as new device." Follow on-screen instructions and complete the flow on the physical device when prompted. The device will ask you to choose a PIN; enter it using the device buttons and not the computer.

PIN guidance: Choose a PIN that you can remember but that others cannot guess. Avoid obvious sequences or dates. The device may wipe itself after a set number of incorrect PIN attempts — this is a security feature to protect your keys.

Step 5 — Generate and secure your recovery phrase

The device will generate a recovery phrase (commonly 24 words). Write each word in order on the supplied recovery card. Double-check spelling and order. Do not take photos or store the words digitally — digital files and cloud backups are easily compromised. Consider creating two separate physical backups stored in different secure locations (for example, a home safe and a bank safe deposit box).

Never share your recovery phrase or enter it into a website, app, or phone. Ledger support will never ask for your seed or passphrase.

Step 6 — Verify device authenticity & firmware

Ledger Live will perform an authenticity check and offer firmware updates if needed. Only accept firmware updates through Ledger Live and confirm update prompts on the physical device screen. Firmware updates patch security issues and should be applied when recommended — but only apply updates from the official Ledger Live workflow.

Step 7 — Install apps and add accounts

Ledger devices use small on-device apps for specific blockchains (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum). In Ledger Live's Manager tab, install the apps you need and then add accounts to the Portfolio screen. Ledger Live will synchronize balances and transaction history via network providers — always verify receiving addresses on the device screen before sharing them with senders.

Step 8 — Sending and receiving safely

When receiving, generate an address in Ledger Live and confirm it on the device display. When sending, Ledger Live prepares the transaction and sends it to the device to sign. Carefully verify recipient address, amount, and fee on the device screen before approving the signature — the device's display is your single source of truth and cannot be tampered with by host software.

Test transaction: For new services or unfamiliar addresses, perform a small test transfer first to confirm end-to-end behavior before moving larger amounts.

Advanced options — passphrase and multisig

Optional features provide additional security but add complexity:

  • Passphrase: an extra secret that creates hidden wallets. Powerful but riskier — if you forget the passphrase you lose access to the hidden wallet forever.
  • Multisignature: split signing authority across multiple devices/people for institutional or high-value custody.
  • Air-gapped signing: keep a device offline for signing using QR or offline transfer workflows.

Only enable advanced features if you understand operational implications and have tested recovery procedures.

Troubleshooting common issues

Device not detected

Try a different USB cable and port. Avoid hubs. Restart Ledger Live and the computer. On Linux, ensure udev rules are installed and that your user belongs to the appropriate group for device access.

Forgotten PIN

If you forget your PIN you must reset the device and restore from your recovery phrase. Do not reset unless you have a secure copy of your seed — resetting without a seed will permanently block access to funds on that device.

Suspicious prompts or phishing

If a website or an app asks for your recovery phrase, or if you see unexpected prompts that request words from your seed, treat it as a scam. Disconnect, close applications, and consult official Ledger support via verified channels.

Operational tips for ongoing security

  • Keep Ledger Live and device firmware updated via official channels.
  • Consider a dedicated device or isolated machine for very high-value operations.
  • Rehearse recovery using a secondary test device to make sure backups work.
  • Store seeds in geographically separated, secure locations and inspect backups periodically for damage.

Incident response: lost device or compromised seed

If your device is lost but the seed is secure, restore the seed to a new Ledger device via Ledger Live and continue operations. If you suspect the seed was exposed, move funds to a newly initialized wallet with a new seed as soon as possible — use test transactions and verify every step on devices involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need Ledger.com/start every time?

Ledger.com/start is primarily for onboarding and as a trusted source for downloads and guidance. Once setup is complete, you can use Ledger Live for regular management, but return to Ledger.com/start for firmware, important advisories, or if reinstalling.

Can I restore my wallet on another brand of device?

The recovery phrase often follows widely accepted standards, but compatibility varies across devices. Use official guidance for cross-device restores; using Ledger devices and Ledger Live ensures the vendor-tested workflow.

Is it safe to backup my seed in multiple places?

Yes — multiple physical backups in different secure locations protect against loss. Avoid storing backups together (same building) and avoid digital storage entirely.

Final checklist before moving significant funds

  1. Installer verified and Ledger Live installed from Ledger.com/start.
  2. Device inspected, PIN set, and recovery phrase securely recorded offline.
  3. Firmware verified and applied via Ledger Live when recommended.
  4. Accounts added and small test transactions validated.
  5. Operational recovery plan documented if used for organizational custody.
Closing thought: Hardware wallets give you control over your keys — that control comes with responsibility. Prioritize secure backups, verify everything on device screens, and keep your recovery material offline. When in doubt, pause and consult the official Ledger.com/start resources or verified support channels.