Ledger Live Setup

Ledger.com/Start – Official Ledger Wallet Setup Guide

Welcome to the Ledger.com/start guide. This page is your official roadmap to setting up your Ledger hardware wallet safely. Whether you're initializing a Ledger Nano X, Nano S Plus, or migrating from another wallet, these instructions ensure a secure and smooth setup. Ledger devices store private keys offline in a secure element, giving you full control over your digital assets and protecting them from unauthorized access.

1. Unbox and Power On Your Ledger Device

Check that your Ledger device is untampered. Power it on, follow on-screen instructions, and choose to either set up a new wallet or restore an existing one. Interact only with your authentic device and follow prompts carefully.

2. Visit Ledger.com/Start

Navigate to Ledger.com/start to download Ledger Live. Ledger Live is the official management app for portfolio tracking, crypto swaps, staking, and app management. Always ensure you are on the legitimate Ledger domain to avoid phishing or malware risks.

3. Install and Launch Ledger Live

Install Ledger Live for your operating system and launch it. Choose “Initialize new device” for first-time setup. Ledger Live guides you through firmware updates and PIN creation. Select a secure PIN that is memorable yet hard to guess.

4. Secure Your 24-Word Recovery Phrase

Your Ledger device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase. This phrase is the key to restoring your wallet. Write it down carefully on the provided recovery sheet and store offline. Never take pictures or save digitally. Ledger will never request your recovery phrase. Sharing it can compromise your funds.

5. Install Cryptocurrency Apps

Each blockchain requires an app on your Ledger device. In Ledger Live, use the “My Ledger” tab to install apps like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, XRP, and more. Apps allow secure transaction signing and portfolio management.

6. Add Accounts in Ledger Live

After installing apps, create accounts inside Ledger Live for each cryptocurrency. Each account generates receiving addresses that must be verified on the device screen to prevent phishing and malware risks.

7. Receive and Manage Crypto

With accounts ready, receive crypto using addresses confirmed on your Ledger device. Ledger Live enables sending, swapping, staking, and monitoring your assets while keeping private keys offline.

8. Staking, Swapping & Portfolio Tracking

Stake supported coins such as ETH, DOT, and ATOM, swap tokens securely, and monitor portfolio performance. All sensitive operations are verified on-device to maintain top-level security.

9. Security Best Practices

  • Never share your 24-word recovery phrase.
  • Use only Ledger.com/start for downloads and instructions.
  • Verify all addresses on your Ledger device before transactions.
  • Regularly update Ledger Live and device firmware.
  • Store your recovery phrase offline in a secure location.