Ledger.com/Start® | Starting Up Your Device® — Ledger®

Introduction — Why Ledger?

Hardware wallets like Ledger put your private keys inside a secure chip — physically separated from your computer or phone — so signing transactions requires confirming them on the device itself. That design dramatically reduces exposure to malware and remote attackers. This guide will walk you through Ledger.com/start, demonstrating how to safely unbox, initialize, use Ledger Live (desktop & mobile), add accounts, and adopt long-term custody practices.

Unboxing & initial checks

When your device arrives, inspect the packaging carefully. Ledger ships devices in sealed boxes. If packaging is visibly tampered with, contact official support and do not use the device. Inside you should find the hardware device (Nano S Plus, Nano X, or another model), a USB cable, a recovery card, and quick-start documentation.

• Check the seal: Broken or resealed packaging is suspicious.
• Confirm accessories: Device, cable, recovery card — no extra stickers recommending websites.
• Official channels: Purchase only from ledger.com or authorized resellers.

Install Ledger Live — desktop & mobile

Ledger Live is the official application to manage apps, accounts, transactions, and firmware. Download Ledger Live only from ledger.com/start. Ledger Live is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.

Desktop installation

1. Visit ledger.com/start → choose Ledger Live for your OS.
2. Download the installer and run it. Accept OS prompts (UAC on Windows, allow access on macOS).
3. Open Ledger Live and follow the first-time setup wizard. The app guides you through firmware and app installation steps as needed.

Mobile installation

1. Open App Store / Google Play → search for "Ledger Live" → install.
2. For Ledger Nano X, you can pair via Bluetooth; for other devices, use USB OTG adapters (Android) or compatible connectors for iPhone where supported.
3. Open the app and follow in-app instructions for pairing and account setup.

Initialize your device (create or restore)

Ledger Live will ask whether to create a new device or restore one from an existing recovery phrase. Creating a new device generates a new recovery phrase (24 words). Restoring requires entering the exact words in order.

Create a new device

1. Power on the device and choose Create a new device.
2. Set a secure PIN. Keep it memorable but not obvious to others.
3. Your device will display the 24-word recovery phrase on-screen. Write the words in order on the recovery card provided. Do not take photos or store them digitally.
4. Confirm the words when prompted. Ledger Live will verify the device and help finalize setup.

Restore an existing device

1. Select Restore device during initialization.
2. Carefully enter each recovery word using the device interface.
3. Set a new PIN and complete the setup flow in Ledger Live.

Ledger Live Manager — install blockchain apps

Ledger devices support blockchain-specific apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.). Installing an app on the device enables that blockchain's signing features.

1. Open Ledger Live → Manager. Connect and unlock your device.
2. Find apps and click Install for the chains you want. Apps occupy device storage; you can uninstall/reinstall without losing funds (keys are derived from your recovery phrase).
3. After installing an app, use Accounts → Add account to create or discover accounts for that blockchain.

Receiving, sending, and verifying transactions

Ledger Live and the device work together: Live constructs the transaction; the device displays details (recipient, amount, fees) and requires on-device confirmation to sign.

Receive

1. Select Receive in Ledger Live and choose an account.
2. Open the corresponding app on your device and verify the address displayed on the device matches the address in Ledger Live — always trust the device screen.
3. Share the verified address with the sender.

Send

1. Click Send, paste the destination address and amount.
2. Review transaction details in Ledger Live, then confirm on the device. The device will show the final data — only approve if it matches your intent.

Security fundamentals — irreplaceable rules

• Recovery phrase = your keys: Never share it. Ledger or support will never ask for it.
• Write it by hand: Use the provided card or a metal backup. Avoid digital storage of your seed (photos, notes, cloud).
• PIN & physical security: Never reveal your PIN. If coerced, a passphrase (hidden wallet) can add an extra layer, but treat passphrases carefully — losing them means permanent loss of funds in that hidden wallet.
• Buy official: Only obtain devices from ledger.com or authorized resellers.
• Always verify on-device: The device screen is your final arbiter of truth for addresses and transaction details.

Advanced features — passphrases, hidden wallets & multi-accounts

For advanced users, Ledger supports optional passphrases which derive additional hidden wallets from your main recovery phrase combined with the passphrase. This feature provides plausible deniability and extra segmentation, but mismanaging passphrases is risky — if lost, the funds in that hidden wallet are unrecoverable.

Ledger devices also support multiple accounts per currency, delegation/staking for supported chains, and integrations with DeFi and dApp ecosystems. These features often require using external web interfaces — always confirm contracts and actions on-device.

Troubleshooting — common issues & fixes

Device not detected

• Try different USB ports and cables; avoid unpowered hubs.
• Unlock the device and ensure the app for the coin is open.
• Restart Ledger Live and your computer.
• On macOS, ensure Ledger Live has permission to access USB devices if prompted.

Firmware update failed

If a firmware update fails, do not unplug your device mid-update unless instructed. Follow on-screen recovery instructions in Ledger Live. If the device becomes unresponsive, official Ledger support may recommend a recovery flow using your recovery phrase on a new, genuine device.

App install errors / insufficient memory

Uninstall unused apps to free space. Remember: uninstalling an app doesn't delete the accounts or funds — keys are stored in the recovery phrase. Reinstall apps when needed.

Using Ledger for NFTs and DeFi

Ledger Live supports some NFTs and DeFi integrations; for many smart-contract interactions (e.g., Uniswap, Yearn), you will use Ledger in combination with web wallets like MetaMask (configured to use Ledger signing). Always preview contract calls on the device and only confirm precise addresses, amounts, and allowance changes. When interacting with unfamiliar contracts, consider using read-only blockchain explorers or test small transactions first.

Backup, recovery & migration

If your device is lost or damaged, you can recover funds on a new Ledger or any compatible wallet using your 24-word recovery phrase. For migration between devices, follow Ledger Live prompts to reset and restore using your recovery phrase — never enter your recovery phrase into a website or app; only enter it directly on a device when performing a recovery.

Privacy & Ledger Live data

Ledger Live derives account data from public blockchains and uses light APIs for convenience. Review the privacy controls in Settings to limit analytics. Your recovery phrase never leaves the secure element and is not stored by Ledger.

Enterprise & team custody notes (brief)

Organizations using Ledger devices for team custody often adopt multi-signature setups, HSMs, or Ledger Enterprise solutions. Multi-signature wallets distribute signing control across several parties — ideal for shared custody. For high-value custody, consult Ledger's enterprise offerings and qualified security advisors to design redundant, auditable, and legally compliant arrangements.

Developer integrations (overview)

Ledger exposes SDKs and libraries for integrating device signing into apps. Developers should follow the official docs, request user consent clearly, and never ask for or transmit recovery phrases. Use hardware signing flows that minimize sensitive data exposure on the host machine and implement strong logging/monitoring to detect misuse.

Checklist — Quick startup summary

1. Buy ONLY from ledger.com or authorized resellers.
2. Inspect packaging, unbox, and verify contents.
3. Download Ledger Live from ledger.com/start and install on your OS.
4. Create a new device or restore an existing one via Ledger Live; write your recovery phrase offline.
5. Install necessary blockchain apps via Manager and add accounts.
6. Verify all addresses and transactions on-device.
7. Keep backups secure — consider metal backups for disaster resistance.

FAQ — short answers

Can I use Ledger with my phone?

Yes. Ledger Live Mobile supports Ledger Nano X via Bluetooth and other models via OTG adapters on Android. iOS compatibility varies — check device support notes on ledger.com.

What if I forget my PIN?

If you forget the PIN, you can reset the device to factory and recover using your recovery phrase. Resetting will wipe the device; the recovery phrase is required to restore accounts.

What if my recovery phrase is compromised?

If someone obtains your recovery phrase, move funds immediately by creating a new wallet with a new recovery phrase and transferring funds there. Consider migrating to a new device and new seed as soon as possible.

When to contact support

Contact official Ledger support for hardware defects, firmware issues that brick a device, suspected supply-chain tampering, or replacement requests. Always avoid sharing your recovery phrase — support will never ask for it. Gather device model, OS, Ledger Live version, and clear reproduction steps to speed support.

Long-term ownership habits — living with a hardware wallet

Owning crypto long-term with a hardware wallet means treating modern digital custody like secure physical property:

• Create multiple geographically distributed backups (e.g., primary safe + secure deposit box) — but avoid duplicating recovery phrases in many insecure locations.
• Periodically inspect physical backups for legibility and integrity.
• Test recovery on a disposable device if you need absolute assurance (do not test with your live funds unless you are confident in the process).
• Monitor addresses and transactions via block explorers or watch-only wallets to detect unexpected activity.

Closing — ready to start

Ledger devices combine secure hardware with a fluid software experience through Ledger Live. Follow the steps above, keep your recovery phrase offline and secure, verify everything on-device, and approach advanced features deliberately. Head to ledger.com/start, download Ledger Live, and follow the in-app prompts. Welcome to secure self-custody.