Ledger Live Setup

Ledger.com/Start – Official Ledger Wallet Setup Guide

Welcome to Ledger.com/start, your official guide to safely set up your Ledger hardware wallet. Ledger devices secure your private keys offline, giving you full control over your cryptocurrency while protecting against online threats. This guide walks you through every step: unboxing, device initialization, Ledger Live installation, recovery phrase security, account management, receiving and sending crypto, staking, swapping, and portfolio tracking. Following this guide ensures a safe and seamless onboarding experience.

1. Unboxing Your Ledger Device

Verify that the packaging is intact and untampered. Power on the device and follow on-screen instructions. Choose either to set up a new wallet or restore an existing one. Always operate directly on the device to avoid phishing. Confirm the official Ledger logo is displayed before proceeding.

2. Access Ledger.com/Start

Navigate to Ledger.com/start to download Ledger Live, the companion software for your device. Ledger Live lets you manage crypto assets, install apps, send and receive coins, stake, swap, and monitor your portfolio. Always ensure you are on the official domain to avoid scams.

3. Installing Ledger Live

Download Ledger Live for your operating system. Open the app and select “Initialize new device” if it’s your first setup. Ledger Live guides you through firmware installation and PIN setup. Use a secure, memorable PIN to protect the device from unauthorized access.

4. Securing Your 24-Word Recovery Phrase

During setup, the device generates a 24-word recovery phrase. This phrase is essential for restoring your wallet if the device is lost or damaged. Write it down on the provided recovery sheet and store it offline in a secure location. Never photograph, save digitally, or share your recovery phrase. Ledger will never ask for it.

5. Installing Cryptocurrency Apps

Each blockchain requires a separate app on your Ledger device. Navigate to “My Ledger” in Ledger Live to install apps for Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and other supported coins. These apps allow your device to sign transactions securely while keeping private keys offline.

6. Adding Accounts

After installing apps, create accounts in Ledger Live. Each account generates unique receiving addresses. Always verify addresses on the device before sending or receiving crypto. Ledger Live lets you manage multiple accounts securely while keeping private keys protected.

7. Receiving and Sending Crypto

Once accounts are ready, you can safely receive crypto. Ledger Live provides verified receiving addresses. Sending crypto is secure as all transactions are signed directly on the device. Always double-check recipient addresses on the device before confirming to prevent errors or fraud.

8. Staking, Swapping, and Portfolio Tracking

Ledger Live supports staking coins such as Ethereum, DOT, and ATOM. You can swap tokens directly within the app and monitor your portfolio in real time. All actions are verified on-device, ensuring security while maintaining convenience. Ledger Live also provides insights, notifications, and portfolio analytics to help you manage your investments effectively.

9. Security Best Practices

  • Never share your 24-word recovery phrase.
  • Download Ledger Live only from Ledger.com/start.
  • Verify all addresses on your Ledger device before sending or receiving crypto.
  • Keep Ledger Live and your device firmware up-to-date.
  • Store your recovery phrase offline in a secure location.
  • Be cautious of phishing attempts via email or social media.
  • Consider using a secure safe for long-term storage of recovery sheets.