Ledger.com/start — Quick Start: Get started with Ledger
Welcome to Ledger.com/start, your official hub to get started with Ledger. This guide walks you through the essential steps: Ledger Live download, hardware wallet initialization, recovery phrase backup, and the best security practices to keep Bitcoin, Ethereum and tokens safe. Follow this step-by-step Ledger setup to build a secure wallet strategy and confidently manage digital assets.
Why get started with Ledger?
Getting started with Ledger means choosing a security-first approach. A Ledger hardware wallet stores your private keys offline, inside a secure element, so your keys never touch an internet-connected device. When you get started with Ledger and follow the Ledger.com/start instructions, you reduce exposure to phishing, malware and exchange risks. Ledger Live pairs with your hardware wallet to offer account management, transaction history and portfolio views — all while transaction signing happens on-device.
Step 1 — Visit Ledger.com/start and download Ledger Live
To get started with Ledger, begin at Ledger.com/start. Download the official Ledger Live application for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux). Verify the download source and checksum when possible; using Ledger.com/start ensures you get the authentic Ledger Live installer. Ledger Live is the trusted interface for adding accounts, viewing balances, and initiating transactions.
Step 2 — Choose and connect your Ledger hardware wallet
Ledger offers models for different needs — Nano S, Nano S Plus, Nano X — each designed to keep private keys offline. After purchasing a new device from official channels, connect it to your computer or mobile device and follow the on-screen prompts in Ledger Live. When you get started with Ledger hardware, you'll initialize the device, choose a PIN, and produce your recovery phrase.
Step 3 — Create & protect your recovery phrase
The recovery phrase (12–24 words) is the single most important secret for any Ledger wallet. When you get started with Ledger and generate your recovery phrase, write the words down carefully and store them offline in at least two secure locations. Never photograph or store your recovery phrase digitally, and never share it. Ledger support will never ask for your recovery phrase.
Step 4 — Add accounts in Ledger Live
After you get started with Ledger Live, you can add accounts for Bitcoin, Ethereum and many other supported coins and tokens. Click “Add account”, choose the currency, connect your device when prompted, and Ledger Live will synchronize the account. Organize accounts with clear names for simple portfolio tracking and secure management.
Step 5 — Sending, receiving and verifying transactions
Compose transactions in Ledger Live but always verify the address, amount and fee directly on your Ledger device before approving. When you get started with Ledger and follow this verification rule, you prevent address-replacement and man-in-the-middle attacks. Transaction signing always happens on the hardware wallet — private keys remain on-device.
Step 6 — Cold storage and everyday use
Decide which funds to keep in cold storage and which to use for daily transactions. Getting started with Ledger often means keeping the bulk of holdings in a Ledger device stored offline, and moving smaller amounts to hot wallets for trading or spending. This hybrid approach balances convenience with robust crypto security.
Best practices after you get started with Ledger
- Always download Ledger Live from Ledger.com/start.
- Verify installers and firmware updates via official channels.
- Never disclose your recovery phrase or private keys.
- Use strong PINs and consider the optional passphrase for hidden wallets.
- Keep multiple physical backups of your recovery phrase in separate secure locations.
When you get started with Ledger and follow these precautions, you build a resilient foundation to protect digital wealth. Ledger Live and the hardware wallet form a secure pair: Ledger Live for account management and the Ledger device for private key custody.
Ready to begin? Click the button below to get started with Ledger at Ledger.com/start.