Ledger Setup Guide — ledger.com/start

Overview: What to expect at ledger.com/start

ledger.com/start is the official starting point for setting up Ledger hardware wallets. The page links to Ledger Live (desktop and mobile), provides firmware and device instructions, and guides you through creating and safeguarding your recovery phrase. Use ledger.com/start as your trusted source when beginning the setup process.

Before you begin — safety checklist

Before you visit ledger.com/start, prepare the following to ensure a secure setup:

• Purchase your Ledger device from an official source — avoid second-hand or grey-market devices.
• Have a secure, offline place to write and store your recovery seed (paper or metal backup).
• Use a trusted computer or mobile device to download Ledger Live from the links provided on ledger.com/start.
• Do not share your recovery phrase with anyone — Ledger support will never ask for it.

Step 1 — Download Ledger Live from ledger.com/start

1. Open a browser and navigate to ledger.com/start. Choose the official Ledger Live download for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux) or mobile platform.
2. Verify the download if checksums or signatures are provided; then install Ledger Live following the on-screen instructions.

Tip: If prompted to install drivers or browser extensions, follow the instructions shown on Ledger Live and only install software from Ledger's official channels linked on ledger.com/start.

Step 2 — Initialize your Ledger device

1. Connect your Ledger device to your computer and open Ledger Live.
2. Choose Create a new device if this is your first Ledger, or Restore from recovery phrase if you are restoring an existing wallet.
3. Follow the device prompts to set a PIN. Choose a PIN you can remember but that others cannot easily guess.
4. Ledger will display a recovery seed on the device; write this seed down exactly and keep it offline — this step is critical and part of the ledger.com/start guidance.

Important: Never enter your recovery seed into a computer or phone. Ledger devices generate the seed offline and the recovery phrase must remain offline at all times.

Step 3 — Install apps and add accounts in Ledger Live

1. In Ledger Live, open the Manager tab and install apps for the cryptocurrencies you plan to use (for example, Bitcoin, Ethereum).
2. After installing apps, add accounts via the Accounts tab to view balances and transaction history.
3. Use the device to confirm each account and check addresses on-device before receiving funds.

Always verify receiving addresses on your Ledger device screen — host software can be compromised and the device display is the authoritative source.

Security best practices recommended at ledger.com/start

• Keep your recovery seed offline: Store copies in secure, geographically separated locations. Consider metal backups for fire and water resistance.
• Use a strong PIN and enable passphrase (optional): A passphrase creates an additional hidden wallet — use it only if you understand the risks and storage requirements.
• Verify firmware updates: Only install firmware from the device prompts and Ledger Live after confirming authenticity.
• Beware of phishing: Always navigate to ledger.com/start manually — do not follow search-result links or emails without verifying the URL.

Troubleshooting common issues

• If Ledger Live fails to detect your device, try a different USB cable or port and ensure your OS has the necessary drivers.
• If firmware updates stall, follow Ledger Live prompts and consult official support resources linked on ledger.com/start.
• For recovery or device errors, only use official recovery steps and avoid third-party repair services for seed-related problems.

After setup — everyday use and maintenance

Once set up via ledger.com/start, use Ledger Live for portfolio management, secure transaction signing, and firmware updates. Keep Ledger Live updated, review connected apps and account approvals, and consider using multiple accounts for compartmentalization of assets.