Ledger Live Setup

Ledger.com/Start – Official Ledger Wallet Setup Guide

Welcome to Ledger.com/start, your comprehensive guide to setting up your Ledger hardware wallet securely and efficiently. Ledger devices store private keys offline in a secure element, giving you complete control of your digital assets. This guide walks you through every step, from unboxing your device to managing your first cryptocurrency transactions, ensuring maximum security at all times.

1. Unboxing and Initial Setup

When you unbox your Ledger device, ensure the packaging is intact and untampered. Power on the device and follow the welcome instructions. Choose between setting up a new wallet or restoring an existing one. Always use only your physical device to prevent phishing or fraud.

2. Visit Ledger.com/Start

Open a web browser and navigate to Ledger.com/start. This is the official source for downloading Ledger Live, the companion application for Ledger devices. Ledger Live allows you to manage your portfolio, receive and send crypto, stake tokens, swap cryptocurrencies, and track your holdings in real time. Always verify that you are on the official Ledger domain to avoid phishing risks.

3. Installing Ledger Live

Download Ledger Live for your operating system. Launch the app and select “Initialize new device” if you are setting up for the first time. Ledger Live will guide you through installing firmware updates and creating a secure PIN. Choose a PIN that is difficult for others to guess but easy for you to remember.

4. Securing Your 24-Word Recovery Phrase

During setup, your Ledger device generates a 24-word recovery phrase. This phrase is the master key to restore your wallet if the device is lost or damaged. Write it carefully on the provided sheet and store it offline in a secure place. Never take photos, save it digitally, or share it. Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase; any request is a scam.

5. Installing Cryptocurrency Apps

Each cryptocurrency requires a separate app on your Ledger device. In Ledger Live, navigate to “My Ledger” and install apps for supported coins such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana. Apps allow your device to sign transactions securely while keeping your private keys offline.

6. Adding Accounts

After installing the apps, create corresponding accounts inside Ledger Live. Each account generates receiving addresses. Always verify these addresses on your Ledger device screen to prevent malware or phishing attacks.

7. Receiving and Sending Crypto

With accounts created, you can safely receive cryptocurrency. Ledger Live ensures that addresses are verified on-device, protecting you from malicious software. You can also send, swap, stake, and monitor your portfolio while your private keys remain offline and secure.

8. Staking, Swapping, and Portfolio Monitoring

Ledger Live allows staking supported coins like ETH, DOT, and ATOM. Token swaps and portfolio monitoring are also available. All operations are verified on-device, ensuring your private keys never leave the secure element. This provides both security and convenience.

9. Security Best Practices

  • Never share your 24-word recovery phrase.
  • Only download Ledger Live from Ledger.com/start.
  • Verify addresses on your device before sending or receiving crypto.
  • Keep Ledger Live and device firmware up to date.
  • Store your recovery phrase offline in a secure location.