Welcome to Ledger.com/Start, your official guide to setting up a secure hardware wallet for your cryptocurrencies. Ledger hardware wallets, such as the Ledger Nano S Plus and Ledger Nano X, provide top-tier security by keeping your private keys offline. Trusted by over 8 million customers worldwide, Ledger ensures your digital assets are protected from hackers and online threats. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through every step to get your device up and running quickly and safely.
Download Ledger LiveStart by unboxing your Ledger device. Inside the package, you'll find the hardware wallet, a recovery sheet, USB cable (for Nano S Plus), and getting started card. Inspect the packaging for any tampering—Ledger devices ship in secure, tamper-evident boxes. If anything looks off, contact Ledger support immediately.
Place your device on a clean, flat surface. Do not connect it to your computer yet. The initial setup is crucial for security, so follow these instructions precisely to avoid common pitfalls like using a pre-initialized device, which could compromise your funds.
Next: Initialize DeviceLedger Live is the companion app that allows you to manage your crypto portfolio, buy, sell, swap, and interact with dApps—all from one intuitive interface. Download it only from the official Ledger website to avoid malware. Choose your operating system: Windows, macOS, or Linux.
For mobile users, Ledger Live is also available on iOS and Android. The app syncs seamlessly with your hardware wallet via Bluetooth (Nano X) or USB (Nano S Plus). Once installed, launch the app and select 'Get Started' to begin the setup wizard.
Pro tip: Always verify the download link starts with https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live to ensure authenticity. Fake apps are a common scam vector in the crypto space.
Download Now Verify DownloadWith Ledger Live open, connect your device using the provided USB cable or Bluetooth pairing. The device will prompt you to choose a PIN code—select a strong 4-8 digit combination. Remember it securely, but never write it down near the device.
Next, generate your recovery phrase. This 24-word seed is the master key to your wallet. Write it down on the provided recovery sheet in the exact order shown on the device screen—never on a digital device or cloud storage. Verify by re-entering a few words as prompted.
Security note: Anyone with your recovery phrase can access your funds. Store it in a safe, offline location like a fireproof safe. Ledger does not store this information; it's entirely your responsibility.
Learn About Recovery PhraseIn Ledger Live, navigate to the 'Accounts' tab and select 'Add Account.' Choose your desired cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin or Ethereum. The app will guide you through installing the necessary apps on your device via the manager.
Confirm the installation on your Ledger screen to ensure no malicious code is added. Once set up, you can receive funds by copying your public address—always verify it on the device for double confirmation.
Explore features like staking, NFT management, and DeFi integrations. Ledger supports over 5,500 coins and tokens, making it versatile for any portfolio.
Add Account Guide Buy CryptoUpdate your firmware regularly through Ledger Live to benefit from the latest security patches. Enable passphrase for an additional layer of protection (hidden wallet). Avoid phishing by never entering your seed phrase on any website.
Regularly back up your recovery phrase and test recovery on a new device if possible. Join the Ledger community on forums and social media for tips and updates. Remember, hardware wallets like Ledger reduce risks but user vigilance is key.
If you encounter issues, Ledger's 24/7 support is available via chat. Your journey to secure crypto management starts here—empower yourself with knowledge and tools.
Contact Support Join CommunityLedger pioneered hardware wallets in 2014, blending cutting-edge security with user-friendly design. Certified by ANSSI, our devices use a secure element chip akin to those in passports. With Ledger Recover (optional), you can safeguard your seed without compromising privacy.
As crypto adoption grows, Ledger remains committed to innovation—introducing Nano Gen5 for enhanced usability. Protect your wealth today; the future of finance is secure with Ledger.