Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start® — Getting Started with Ledger

This official getting-started guide walks you through safely buying a Ledger device, installing Ledger Live, initializing your hardware wallet, and protecting your recovery seed — with plain-language steps and trusted links.

Why Ledger matters

Ledger devices secure your private keys in a dedicated hardware element, keeping them isolated from internet-connected devices. Ledger Live is the companion application that lets you manage accounts, view balances, install blockchain apps on the device, and prepare transactions — signing always happens on the hardware.

What you’ll need

  • A Ledger hardware device (Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, etc.) ordered from ledger.com or an authorized reseller.
  • An internet-connected computer or mobile device and a data-capable USB cable (or Bluetooth for Nano X).
  • A clean place to write down your 24-word recovery phrase; consider a metal backup for durability.

1 — Download Ledger Live (official)

Get Ledger Live only from the official Ledger page: ledger.com/ledger-live. For mobile devices use the verified App Store or Google Play listing. Avoid third-party downloads, email links, or search results that might point to malicious copies.

2 — Install & setup Ledger Live

Run the installer on desktop or open the app on mobile. Choose Get started, then select whether you are setting up a new device or restoring an existing wallet. For new devices, follow the on-device prompts to create a PIN and generate your recovery phrase.

3 — Initialize your Ledger device

  1. Power on the device and follow the language selection and PIN setup prompts on-device.
  2. The device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase — write it down exactly in the order shown. Use the supplied recovery sheet or a metal seed storage solution.
  3. Confirm the recovery phrase on the device when prompted to ensure it was recorded correctly.

Important: Ledger support will never ask for your recovery phrase. If someone requests it, it is a scam. Never share the phrase and never enter it into a website or app.

4 — Add accounts & install blockchain apps

Open Ledger Live’s Manager to install blockchain-specific apps (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum). Add accounts for the networks you use — Ledger Live will display balances and transactions while the device holds private keys safe.

5 — Receive and send crypto securely

To receive, use Ledger Live’s Receive flow and always verify the address on your device screen before sharing. To send, prepare the transaction in Ledger Live and confirm the details on-device — the hardware display is the final authority and prevents remote tampering.

Security checklist

Official downloads only

Use ledger.com for downloads and support — avoid third-party links or attachments.

Protect your recovery phrase

Never store your seed digitally. Consider a metal backup to protect against fire and water damage.

Verify on-device

Always verify addresses and amounts on the Ledger device screen before approving.

Keep firmware & app updated

Updates include security fixes and new features; apply official updates promptly.

Troubleshooting

Device not detected:
  • Try another USB cable/port (some cables are charge-only).
  • Ensure the device is unlocked (enter PIN) before pairing or adding accounts.
  • Restart Ledger Live and your computer if needed.
Install app on device prompt:
  • Open Manager in Ledger Live and install the required blockchain app on your device.
Bluetooth pairing issues (Nano X):
  • Toggle Bluetooth, remove old pairings, and re-pair from Ledger Live mobile.

Advanced topics

Ledger supports optional features like passphrases (hidden wallets), staking for supported assets, and integrations with third-party apps. Passphrases provide an extra security layer but are irreversible if lost — use them only after understanding the tradeoffs. Developers can integrate Ledger via official APIs — see Ledger’s developer documentation for guidance.

FAQ

Does Ledger Live store my private keys?
No — private keys remain on your Ledger device. Ledger Live prepares transactions; signing is performed on-device.
Can I recover funds if I lose my Ledger device?
Yes — restore your wallet using your 24-word recovery phrase on a new Ledger or compatible device.
Is Ledger Live free?
Yes — Ledger Live is free to download and use. Blockchain network fees still apply when sending transactions.

Printable checklist

  • Purchase from the official Ledger store or authorized reseller.
  • Download Ledger Live from ledger.com/ledger-live.
  • Install Ledger Live and initialize your device: set PIN, write down recovery phrase offline.
  • Install blockchain apps via Manager and add accounts.
  • Verify addresses and confirm all transactions on the device.
  • Keep firmware & Ledger Live updated.

For official support, release notes, and developer docs visit Ledger’s site. This guide is a practical, user-friendly start — always rely on official Ledger resources for legal, security, or account-specific assistance.