Ledger® Wallet Setup — Getting Started Safely with Ledger.com/Start

Note: This is an unofficial, educational guide that explains a secure, standard process for initializing and using a Ledger hardware wallet. For the manufacturer’s official downloads, firmware, and support, always visit ledger.com/start.

Why use a hardware wallet?

Hardware wallets like Ledger keep your private keys in a secure, isolated element on a physical device. That means your private keys never touch the internet-connected computer or phone you use to manage transactions. Transactions are signed on the device itself and must be physically confirmed, which greatly reduces risk from malware, phishing, or compromised apps.

Quick takeaway: A hardware wallet is one of the strongest practical protections for long-term crypto storage — but it only helps when combined with safe operational practices (secure backups, address verification, caution around phishing).

What you'll need before starting

  • Your Ledger device (for example Ledger Nano S Plus or Ledger Nano X) and its original cable or Bluetooth capability for Nano X.
  • A computer or mobile device with internet access.
  • The recovery card provided with the device (or a robust metal backup solution if you prefer long-term durability).
  • A pen and a quiet, private place to record the recovery phrase accurately.

Step 1 — Purchase and inspect packaging

  1. Buy from the manufacturer or an authorized reseller. Avoid second-hand devices whenever possible.
  2. Inspect the box and any tamper-evident seals. If packaging looks opened or altered, pause and contact the seller or the manufacturer's support.

Warning: A pre-owned or tampered device can be compromised. Do not proceed without verifying authenticity.

Step 2 — Download Ledger Live from the official source

  1. Open your browser and type ledger.com/start manually — do not trust links in unsolicited emails or social posts.
  2. Download Ledger Live for your operating system (desktop or mobile) and install it.
  3. Open Ledger Live — it is the official companion app used to install coin apps, create accounts, and manage firmware updates.
Only download Ledger Live from the official site or from verified app stores to avoid counterfeit apps that may attempt to phish your information.

Step 3 — Initialize the device

  1. Connect the Ledger to your computer (or pair via Bluetooth for Nano X) and launch Ledger Live.
  2. Choose Initialize as a new device if this is your first setup. Only choose Recover if you already have a recovery phrase to restore.
  3. Set a PIN on the device. Avoid trivial PINs — pick something memorable but not obvious.
  4. Write down the recovery phrase (24 words for most Ledger devices) exactly as displayed on the device screen. Preserve the order — it matters.

Critical: Do not capture the recovery phrase digitally (photos, screenshots, cloud notes). Treat it like the single most sensitive secret protecting your funds.

Step 4 — Confirm the recovery phrase and test

  1. The device will prompt you to confirm certain words from your recovery phrase to ensure you copied them correctly.
  2. After confirming, consider receiving a small test amount and then sending a small amount to practice the workflow and verify everything functions as expected.

Performing small test transactions helps you learn address verification and device approval steps without risking large sums.

Step 5 — Install coin apps and add accounts

Ledger devices use compact on-device apps to interact with different blockchains. In Ledger Live:

  1. Open the Manager and install the apps for the cryptocurrencies you plan to use (for example Bitcoin, Ethereum).
  2. Then go to Accounts and add accounts for each coin. Ledger Live will derive addresses from your device securely.
Uninstalling an app from the device does not remove funds; your private keys remain recoverable with your recovery phrase.

Step 6 — Receiving funds: always verify addresses on-device

  1. Generate a receiving address for the intended account in Ledger Live.
  2. Always verify that the address shown in Ledger Live matches the address displayed on your Ledger device screen before sharing it.
  3. Share the on-device verified address with the sender.

Important: Malware can alter addresses on a compromised computer. The device display is the authoritative source — always confirm there.

Step 7 — Sending funds securely

  1. Create the transaction in Ledger Live (recipient address and amount) and review the details on your computer.
  2. Verify the recipient address and amount on your Ledger device screen, then approve and sign using the device buttons.
  3. Only after on-device confirmation should you consider the transaction signed and broadcast.

Signing on-device ensures private keys never