Welcome to Ledger Start
Ledger.com/start is your official beginning point for setting up your Ledger hardware wallet and securing your digital assets. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step process designed to help you start safely, confidently, and without confusion. A Ledger device gives you the ability to store your private keys offline, which is one of the strongest and most effective ways to protect your cryptocurrency. By keeping your keys in a secure hardware environment, you drastically reduce your exposure to online threats, hacking attempts, phishing attacks, and malware.
The purpose of this guide is to help you fully understand how to set up your device, use Ledger Live, verify your wallet, manage coins and tokens, secure your recovery phrase, and confidently control your crypto. Whether you are completely new to crypto or simply upgrading your security, this guide gives you all the essential steps you need to begin safely.
Why Use a Ledger Hardware Wallet?
A Ledger hardware wallet allows you to maintain true ownership over your crypto. With software wallets or centralized exchanges, your private keys often remain online or controlled by third parties. Ledger changes that by storing your private keys offline in a protected chip. Because the device is not always connected to the internet, hackers cannot remotely access your crypto.
Another major advantage is physical verification. Ledger requires you to manually approve every transaction on the device itself. Even if your computer were infected or compromised, no one could move your funds unless they physically access your Ledger and know your PIN. This makes Ledger one of the most secure ways to store digital assets.
Ledger supports thousands of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, NFT collections, and various tokens from major networks. All of these assets can be managed through Ledger Live, giving you a single place to track, send, receive, and organize your portfolio.
What You Need Before Starting
Before setting up your Ledger device, make sure you have:
Your Ledger hardware wallet
A computer or smartphone
A stable internet connection
A pen or pencil
A private place to record your recovery phrase
A secure location to store your recovery phrase afterward
The 24-word recovery phrase is the most critical element of your wallet. It is the only backup to your funds. If you lose it, you lose access to your crypto. If anyone else gains access to it, they can steal your funds. For this reason, your recovery phrase must always remain private, offline, and secure.
Never type your recovery phrase into a website, app, support chat, or online form. Ledger will never ask for it.
Step 1: Unboxing Your Ledger Device
When you unbox your Ledger device, you should find the hardware wallet itself, a USB cable (if your model requires one), recovery phrase cards, and basic instructions. Inspect your device carefully to ensure the packaging is intact and untampered with.
A legitimate Ledger device will never include a recovery phrase pre-written for you. Your device should generate your recovery phrase during setup. If you receive a device that already includes a filled-out seed phrase, do not use it. This is a sign of a compromised product.
Step 2: Power On and Set Your PIN Code
Power on the device using the buttons on the hardware wallet. The device will ask you to create a PIN code, which is used to unlock the device each time. Choose a PIN that is not easy to guess. Do not use repeating numbers or personal information. The PIN is an essential layer of security because it prevents someone from accessing your Ledger if they physically obtain it.
Your PIN should remain private. Do not store it on your phone, do not share it with anyone, and avoid writing it in an easily accessible location.
Step 3: Write Down Your 24-Word Recovery Phrase
The device will now generate your 24-word recovery phrase, also known as your seed phrase. This phrase must be written down on the provided recovery sheet or another safe, offline material. Write the words carefully in the exact order shown. The order matters, and accuracy is crucial.
Your recovery phrase:
Is the only way to restore your crypto wallet
Must always remain offline
Cannot be reset or replaced
Must never be photographed or stored digitally
Anyone who gets your recovery phrase gets full access to your crypto.
If you lose your recovery phrase, you lose your funds forever.
Store this phrase somewhere secure, such as a safe or a metal backup device designed for long-term protection.
Step 4: Download Ledger Live
Ledger Live is the official application for managing your Ledger device. It allows you to install apps, create accounts, check balances, send and receive crypto, and access advanced features like staking or swapping. You should only download Ledger Live from official Ledger sources.
Once installed, open Ledger Live and select “Get Started.” You will be guided through a setup process that includes verifying your device and connecting it to the software.
Step 5: Verify Your Device in Ledger Live
When you plug your Ledger device into your computer or smartphone, Ledger Live will perform a genuine check. This ensures that the device you are using is authentic and has not been tampered with. Follow the on-screen instructions carefully. You may be asked to confirm actions on your Ledger hardware wallet.
This verification step protects you from counterfeit or compromised devices. Only proceed when Ledger Live confirms that your device is genuine.
Step 6: Install Cryptocurrency Apps on Your Ledger
Each blockchain requires a specific app installed on the Ledger device. For example:
Bitcoin uses the Bitcoin app
Ethereum uses the Ethereum app
Solana uses the Solana app
Polygon uses the Polygon app
Installing or removing apps does not affect your crypto. Your assets always remain tied to your recovery phrase. You can manage device storage by uninstalling apps you don’t need at the moment.
Step 7: Add Accounts in Ledger Live
Once apps are installed, you can create accounts for each cryptocurrency you plan to manage. These accounts help Ledger Live track balances and transaction histories.
To add an account:
Open Ledger Live
Go to the “Accounts” section
Click “Add account”
Select the crypto you want to manage
Confirm the process on your Ledger device
You can create multiple accounts per asset if needed for organization or privacy.
Step 8: Receive Crypto Safely
To receive crypto into your Ledger wallet:
Open Ledger Live
Select the account for the asset
Click “Receive”
Copy the address provided
Verify the address on your Ledger device screen
Always check the address on your Ledger device. If it does not match the one on your computer or phone, do not use it. This step prevents address-manipulation attacks.
Step 9: Send Crypto with Full Protection
Sending crypto requires your approval in both Ledger Live and on your Ledger hardware wallet. Enter the amount and destination address in Ledger Live, review the details, and then confirm the transaction physically on your device.
Without physical confirmation, the transaction cannot be completed. This ensures that even if your computer is compromised, your funds cannot be stolen without your device and PIN.
Advanced Features: Swapping, Staking, and NFT Management
Ledger Live integrates multiple features through trusted partners. You can:
Buy crypto
Swap coins across supported networks
Stake assets for rewards
Manage NFTs from your hardware-secured environment
Interact with Web3 apps using WalletConnect
Throughout all of these actions, your private keys remain securely inside the Ledger device.
Long-Term Security Best Practices
To maintain the highest level of security:
Keep your recovery phrase offline at all times
Never share your recovery phrase
Ignore anyone claiming to be support asking for your 24 words
Keep Ledger Live and your device firmware updated
Store your Ledger in a safe location
Bookmark official Ledger pages
Stay alert for phishing sites or fake support teams
Your wallet is only as secure as your habits.
Restoring Your Wallet on a New Device
If your Ledger device is lost, damaged, or replaced, you can restore your wallet on a new Ledger by selecting “Restore from Recovery Phrase” and entering your 24 words. The restored wallet gives you access to all your crypto again. Perform this process privately and securely.
You Are Ready to Begin with Ledger
You now have everything you need to confidently start using your Ledger hardware wallet. With your device set up, your recovery phrase secured, and Ledger Live configured, you have taken a major step toward protecting your digital assets. Ledger empowers you to take control of your crypto with complete ownership and long-term security.