Official Site®

Ledger.com/Start® — Getting started with Ledger

Ledger.com/Start® — Official getting started guide

Welcome to Ledger’s official start page. Whether you’re new to hardware wallets or migrating existing funds, this guide walks you through the official, safest path: purchasing genuine hardware, installing Ledger Live, initializing your device, safeguarding your recovery phrase, and performing your first secure transactions.

Visit Ledger.com/Start Learn more
1
Buy genuine hardware
Only buy Ledger products from the official store or authorized resellers to avoid tampered devices.
2
Download Ledger Live
Use Ledger.com/Start to download the official Ledger Live app for desktop or mobile.
3
Set up & secure
Initialize your device, write and protect your recovery phrase, and complete the secure pairing with Ledger Live.

Official start — what this page provides

This page is curated to reduce the most common onboarding risks: fake downloads, supply‑chain tampering, and poor recovery practices. Follow the official checkout, download Ledger Live directly from Ledger.com/Start, and always verify software checksums when available. The guide below expands every step into actionable instructions that protect your crypto holdings.

1. Buying your Ledger device

Purchase Ledger hardware directly from Ledger.com or from an authorized reseller listed on the official site. Check product packaging: Ledger devices are shipped sealed and include a recovery sheet. If anything looks tampered with or missing, contact Ledger before powering the device. Avoid purchasing from second-hand marketplaces where tampering risks are higher.

2. Downloading and verifying Ledger Live

From Ledger.com/Start, choose the Ledger Live version for your operating system — Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS or Android. For desktop installers, Ledger sometimes publishes checksums and PGP signatures. Verifying those ensures the downloaded installer matches Ledger’s official release and wasn’t modified in transit. If you’re unsure how to verify checksums, the support center on Ledger.com/Start contains step-by-step instructions for each OS.

3. Initializing your device securely

After installing Ledger Live, open the app and follow the initialization flow. Connect your Ledger device using the provided USB cable (or Bluetooth for supported mobile models). Ledger will prompt you to choose between creating a new device or restoring from an existing recovery phrase. If creating new, the device will generate a recovery phrase on-device — write it down in order on the provided recovery sheet and store it offline. Never take photos or enter the recovery phrase into a computer or phone.

Protecting the recovery phrase

The recovery phrase (typically 24 words) is the only way to restore access to your funds. Follow these rules: write the words by hand on the supplied card, store backups in secure, geographically separated locations, and consider a metal backup for long-term durability against fire or water damage. Never store the phrase in cloud storage, email, or photos.

4. Pairing with Ledger Live & installing apps

Use Ledger Live's Manager to install blockchain-specific apps onto your device (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.). Installing an app does not export private keys; it adds the logic necessary to manage a chain. After app installation, add accounts in Ledger Live. The app will derive addresses from the device and display balances; all signing happens on-device and requires manual confirmation.

5. Receiving and sending — verifying addresses

To receive funds, copy the receive address from Ledger Live and always verify that the same address is displayed on your Ledger device before sharing it. On sending, Ledger Live composes a transaction but the device will display transaction details (amount, fee, destination). Confirm every detail on the device screen — this prevents host‑level malware from altering addresses or amounts.

Security recommendations

Ledger.com/Start emphasizes a threat model where the host (computer or phone) may be compromised. Defenses include:

  • Private keys never leave the Ledger device’s secure element.
  • Every transaction requires on-device confirmation with physical button presses.
  • Use a unique PIN and consider enabling passphrase protection (a user-defined 25th word) for added account segregation — but record passphrases securely as they are required for access.
  • Keep Ledger Live and device firmware updated via official Ledger prompts; updates patch vulnerabilities and add features.
  • Be cautious with third-party integrations: use only verified partners and inspect contract approvals carefully.

Recovery & migration

If you ever lose your Ledger device, your recovery phrase allows you to restore on a new compatible device. If migrating to a different hardware wallet, follow the receiving wallet’s official restore flow while keeping recovery data offline and secure. Practice a recovery test in a controlled environment if you manage significant balances.

FAQ

Is Ledger.com/Start the only safe place to download Ledger Live?
Yes. Ledger.com/Start is the canonical source for official Ledger Live downloads, security guides, and firmware updates. Avoid third-party mirror sites and random links.
What does Ledger do if my device was tampered with?
If you suspect tampering, stop setup, contact Ledger support, and do not enter any recovery phrase into any device until you have guidance from official support.
Can Ledger support recover my funds for me?
No. Ledger cannot access your private keys or recovery phrase. Ledger support can provide guidance, but the recovery phrase is solely in your control.

Troubleshooting

  • If Ledger Live does not detect your device: try another USB cable or port, ensure the device is unlocked, and check OS permissions for USB access.
  • If firmware update fails: do not disconnect mid-update; follow official recovery steps and contact support if required.
  • If account balances are incorrect: ensure apps are installed on-device and allow time for Ledger Live to sync; use block explorers to verify transactions directly.