Getting Started Hub

Ledger Getting Started Hub — ledger.com/start

A clear, friendly walkthrough to set up your Ledger device, install Ledger Live, secure your assets, and get confident using crypto safely.

Introduction

Welcome! This guide is designed for people who are new to Ledger hardware wallets and those returning to check best practices. Throughout you'll find step-by-step instructions, security recommendations, common troubleshooting tips, and official resources to explore. Use the headings (H1–H5) to navigate quickly; each section is concise and action-focused.

What you'll learn

H1 — First steps: Unbox & prepare

Unboxing

When your Ledger arrives, inspect the packaging for tamper evidence. Genuine Ledger packaging is sealed and includes the device, a recovery sheet, and cables. If anything looks tampered with, stop and contact official support immediately.

Checklist before you begin

Quick tip

Ledger will never ask for your 24-word recovery phrase online. If anyone asks — it’s a scam.

H2 — Install Ledger Live and add accounts

Download Ledger Live

Download Ledger Live from the official site and verify the installer if prompted. Ledger Live is the desktop and mobile companion app for managing your cryptocurrency accounts and installing device apps.

Install steps

  1. Go to the official download page and select your platform.
  2. Run the installer and follow on-screen prompts.
  3. Open Ledger Live and choose Get started to pair your device.

Connecting your device

Use the supplied cable to connect the Ledger device. Choose "Initialize as new device" if you are creating a new wallet, or "Restore device" if you have an existing recovery phrase.

Security reminder

Always verify the app’s signature when prompted and keep Ledger Live updated to the latest version for security patches and new coin support.

H3 — Security best practices

Protect your PIN and recovery phrase

Your PIN protects access to the device and the 24-word recovery phrase restores funds if the device is lost. Store the recovery phrase offline, ideally in two secure physical locations (for example, a home safe and a safety deposit box).

Do NOT:

Advanced options

Consider using a metal seed storage device for long-term resilience against fire and water damage. For power users, plausible deniability approaches and multi-device redundancy are options — but understand the complexity and risks before pursuing them.

H4 — Daily use: receiving, sending, and managing assets

Receiving crypto

Always verify the receiving address on the Ledger device screen before sending funds to it. Addresses shown in Ledger Live should be cross-checked on the device to avoid malware-manipulated addresses.

Sending crypto

When sending, confirm transaction details (amount, fee, recipient) on the device screen and sign on-device. Never authorize a transaction you don’t recognize.

H5 — Troubleshooting & recovery

Common issues

When to contact support

Contact official Ledger support only through pages listed below. Do not share your recovery phrase with any support representative or in any online form.

Resources — Official links & further reading

Below are direct official Ledger resources for downloads, support, and deeper learning. Each link is clearly labeled; use them to verify software and to find step-by-step articles.

Each link above points to an official Ledger domain. Bookmark them so you always have a trusted starting point.