Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start® | Getting started

A practical, step-by-step guide to set up Ledger hardware, install Ledger Live, perform a secure Ledger.com/Start® login, protect your recovery phrase, and troubleshoot common issues.

Quick overview — Ledger.com/Start®

Ledger.com/Start® is the official starting point for new Ledger users. From here you download Ledger Live, register or connect a Ledger device (Nano S / Nano X / Model T), and walk through the device setup and recovery process. Following the official Ledger.com/Start® flow keeps you on the authentic path and reduces the chance of phishing or mistakes during setup.

Before you begin

Prepare these items before visiting Ledger.com/Start® to ensure a smooth, secure setup:

  • A trusted computer (or the official Ledger Live mobile app) and a USB cable or Bluetooth-capable device for Nano X.
  • Your new Ledger box — confirm factory seal and purchase from an authorized seller.
  • A pen and physical paper to write your recovery seed (never store it digitally).
  • Patience: read each on-screen prompt and confirm actions on the device physically.

Step-by-step: Using Ledger.com/Start® to set up your device

  1. Open Ledger.com/Start® in your browser or open the official Ledger Live app. Always type the address manually or use a trusted bookmark — don’t follow links from emails or social media.
  2. Download Ledger Live for your platform (Windows / macOS / Linux / Android / iOS). Verify the download checksum if you want extra certainty.
  3. Install and launch Ledger Live. Choose “Initialize as new device” on first run or “Restore from recovery phrase” if migrating from an existing seed.
  4. Connect your Ledger device and follow the on-screen prompts. The device will ask you to choose a PIN — enter it directly on the hardware.
  5. Write down your recovery phrase exactly as shown. Ledger will display a 24-word seed; copy it by hand and store it offline in a secure place. This seed is the only way to recover funds if the device is lost.
  6. Confirm the seed on the device by selecting words in order when prompted. Never type the seed into a computer, phone, or cloud service.
  7. Finish setup inside Ledger Live: add accounts for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other supported coins, and allow Ledger Live to sync balances from the blockchain.

Completing these steps from Ledger.com/Start® ensures you used the official, most up-to-date onboarding process.

Security essentials — protect your Ledger.com/Start® setup

Your security posture during setup determines how safe your funds will be. Key principles:

  • Never share your 24-word recovery phrase. Ledger staff or support will never ask for it.
  • Store your seed offline — etched metal backups are ideal for long-term resilience.
  • Use a unique PIN and enable an optional passphrase for a hidden wallet if you want added deniability.
  • Buy only from authorized sellers to avoid tampered or pre-initialized devices.

Tip: Consider using a metal seed backup (steel/cryptosteel) and placing it in a secure location like a safety deposit box.

Ledger Live: features & post-setup actions

After completing Ledger.com/Start®, Ledger Live is your control panel. Key things to do in Ledger Live:

  • Add cryptocurrency accounts and view real-time balances.
  • Install coin apps on your Ledger device only through Ledger Live.
  • Send and receive transactions — each transaction must be confirmed on the physical device.
  • Enable automatic firmware and software updates from official sources.

Ledger Live also surfaces firmware notices and important security alerts related to Ledger.com/Start® and device integrity.

Common issues & quick fixes when using Ledger.com/Start®

Device not detected

If your Ledger is not recognized, try a different USB cable/port, ensure Ledger Live is updated, and install Ledger Bridge (if required for browsers). Restart the computer and reconnect the device.

Wrong PIN / device locked

Repeated wrong PIN attempts lead to device wipe to protect funds. If that happens, restore with your recovery phrase via Ledger.com/Start® and Ledger Live.

Lost recovery phrase

If you lose your seed and still have device access, immediately create a new wallet and transfer assets. Without the seed or device, funds cannot be recovered.

Firmware update failed

If an update fails, follow the official recovery steps on Ledger.com/Start® or contact Ledger Support via verified channels — never follow instructions from unknown emails or sites.

Advanced tips (optional)

  • Use a separate dedicated computer or bootable OS for high-value operations if you require extra security.
  • Consider splitting funds: keep long-term holdings offline and transfer smaller trading amounts to exchanges.
  • Use a passphrase (25th word) sensibly — if lost, that passphrase cannot be recovered.
  • Regularly export account activity from Ledger Live for tax and audit purposes.

Frequently asked questions — Ledger.com/Start®

Is Ledger.com/Start® the official place to download Ledger Live?

Yes. To avoid phishing, type Ledger.com/Start manually into your browser or use an official bookmark. Ledger releases software and firmware notices on this pathway.

Can Ledger support recover my seed if I lose it?

No. Ledger cannot and will not store or retrieve your recovery phrase. That phrase is your sole responsibility and the ultimate backup to access funds.

Should I enable passphrase?

Passphrases create a hidden wallet on your device — powerful but dangerous if forgotten. Use only if you understand the implications and have a secure backup plan.

Is it safe to connect Ledger to a public computer?

While private keys remain on the device, avoid public/shared computers when possible. Always verify the device prompts and never enter your seed anywhere online.

Disclaimer: This page is an informational guide referencing Ledger.com/Start® and general best practices. Always use official Ledger channels and software. This content does not constitute financial or legal advice. Ledger, device models, and software may change — refer to Ledger.com/Start for current instructions. Never share your recovery phrase, PIN, or private keys with anyone.