Ledger.com/Start — Official Setup Guide

Welcome to the Ledger start page. This concise guide walks you through initializing your Ledger device (Nano S, Nano S Plus, or Nano X), installing Ledger Live, securing your PIN and recovery phrase, and performing your first safe transaction.

Before you begin

Use only official Ledger downloads from ledger.com/start or ledger.com/ledger-live.
Have your Ledger device and USB cable ready (or Bluetooth for Nano X).
Prepare a private, distraction-free workspace and something to write your recovery phrase on (preferably the supplied card or a metal backup).

Quick setup steps

Download Ledger Live — install the official Ledger Live app for your OS or use the web setup flow.
Power up and connect — plug in your Ledger device (or pair via Bluetooth for Nano X) and follow on-device prompts.
Install firmware — if prompted, install the official firmware through Ledger Live to ensure latest security fixes.
Create a PIN — choose a secure PIN on the device. Never store PINs digitally in plain text.
Back up your recovery phrase — write down the 24-word recovery phrase exactly in order and store it offline. This is the only way to restore your wallet.
Install apps & add accounts — use Ledger Live to install coin-specific apps (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) and add accounts for managing assets.
Verify addresses on-device — always confirm receive addresses on the device screen before sending funds from exchanges or other wallets.

Fast tip: Ledger Live connects to your device but your private keys never leave the Ledger hardware. Treat your 24-word recovery phrase as the most sensitive item you own.

Security best practices

Download only from ledger.com to avoid phishing and fake installers.
Never share your recovery phrase — Ledger support will never ask for it.
Store your recovery phrase offline (paper or metal). Consider a fireproof, waterproof storage solution.
Enable optional passphrase (25th word) for an additional hidden wallet if you require plausible deniability or split funds.
Keep firmware and Ledger Live updated — updates include important security and compatibility fixes.

Troubleshooting

Device not detected: Try a different USB cable/port, ensure cable supports data transfer (not charge-only), and restart Ledger Live.
Bluetooth pairing issues (Nano X): Toggle Bluetooth, remove previous pairings, and re-pair via Ledger Live.
Forgot PIN: Reset the device to factory settings and restore using your recovery phrase. This will erase device state but not your funds.

Getting started with crypto

Once your device is set up and accounts are added in Ledger Live, transfer funds from exchanges to addresses shown in Ledger Live — always verify the address on your Ledger device before finalizing any transfer.

Download Ledger Live Official Start Page

FAQs

What is the recovery phrase?: The 24-word recovery phrase is a human-readable backup of your private keys. Anyone with this phrase can access your funds — keep it secret and offline.
Can Ledger Live be used without the device?: No — Ledger Live requires the Ledger device to sign transactions. The app alone cannot move funds without the hardware signature.
What if I lose both device and recovery phrase?: Unfortunately, if both are lost, funds cannot be recovered. That’s why secure backup of the recovery phrase is essential.