Ledger.com/Start® | Getting Started™ | Ledger®®
A thoughtful first setup helps keep your digital assets in your control. Use this straightforward guide to prepare your Ledger hardware wallet, install Ledger Live from an official source, and understand the security steps that matter before you begin.
01 — BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Set up with confidence
Unbox your Ledger wallet and make sure it is a device you purchased through Ledger or an authorized reseller. A genuine device should guide you through creating a new wallet during setup. If it arrives with a recovery phrase already written down, do not use it; contact Ledger Support through the official website.
Choose a quiet, private place and use a trusted computer or phone. Your Ledger hardware wallet keeps private keys protected on the device, while Ledger Live provides an interface for managing supported accounts and transactions. Keep your device firmware and companion software current, and take time to read each prompt on the device screen.
02 — GET THE COMPANION APP
Download Ledger Live from an official source
For Ledger Live App Download, go directly to Ledger’s official download page and choose the version for your operating system. Ledger Live Desktop is available for supported desktop platforms; mobile users should follow the official link to the applicable app store. Check the publisher and address carefully before installing, and avoid sponsored search results or third-party download sites.
Open Ledger Live and follow its on-screen onboarding instructions to connect your device. The app may offer an authenticity check and firmware guidance. Complete these steps within the official app and confirm sensitive actions on the hardware wallet itself. Never install a file sent by an unsolicited message.
03 — CREATE YOUR WALLET
Complete Ledger wallet setup on the device
Select the option to set up as a new device and choose a PIN directly on your Ledger. Your device will generate a recovery phrase, generally shown one word at a time. Write it down in the supplied recovery materials, check every word and its order, then store it somewhere private and physically secure. Never photograph, type, email, upload, or share this phrase.
The recovery phrase can restore access to your assets, so Ledger Support, Ledger Live, and legitimate wallet tools will never ask you to reveal it. Do not enter it into a website, browser extension, app, or computer—even if a message claims your wallet is locked or needs verification. Anyone who obtains it may be able to access your crypto.
04 — ADD ACCOUNTS & USE YOUR WALLET
Review every transaction on your Ledger
After setup, use Ledger Live to install the relevant blockchain app on the device, then add the corresponding account in the companion app. Availability varies by asset and region. To receive crypto, generate an address and compare it on your computer or phone with the address displayed on your Ledger screen. For a transfer, carefully verify the destination, network, and amount on the device before approving.
Searches for Ledger Live Login often lead to phishing pages: Ledger Live is opened through the installed app, and you should never enter your recovery phrase to log in. Ledger Wallet Extension references can also be confusing; only install wallet extensions from verified official sources, confirm compatibility for your network, and approve connections and signatures on your hardware wallet. A browser extension does not replace device verification.
05 — KEEP YOUR SECURITY ROUTINE
Pause before you approve
Scammers may impersonate support teams or create urgent-looking alerts. Ignore unsolicited requests for your recovery phrase, PIN, or remote access. Bookmark official Ledger resources, update apps from their original sources, and consider a small test transaction before moving a larger amount. Self-custody means you are responsible for protecting access and checking what each approval does.
This educational getting-started overview is not financial advice and is not a substitute for the device instructions. Product names and trademarks belong to their respective owners. For current compatibility, troubleshooting, or safety guidance, use Ledger’s official support center.
QUICK ANSWERS
Frequently asked questions
Keep these essentials in mind as you get started.
Where should I download Ledger Live?
Download Ledger Live only from Ledger’s official website at ledger.com/ledger-live, or follow its official app-store links for mobile. Verify the publisher before installing.
Does Ledger Live ask for my 24-word recovery phrase?
No. Never enter or share your recovery phrase in Ledger Live, a website, extension, or support conversation. It should remain offline and known only to you.
What should I do if my Ledger arrives with a recovery phrase?
Do not use a device accompanied by a prewritten recovery phrase. A new wallet generates its phrase during setup on the device. Contact official Ledger Support for guidance.
Is Ledger Live Login a separate web sign-in?
Manage your device through the official Ledger Live application. Avoid login pages from search results and never disclose your recovery phrase to access an account.
Can I use a Ledger Wallet Extension?
Only use a wallet extension from a verified official source and confirm it supports your network. Carefully review connection requests, and verify transaction details on your Ledger screen.
How do I confirm a receiving address?
Compare the address shown in Ledger Live with the address displayed on the hardware wallet itself. If they differ, stop and do not share or use the address.
Security guidance can change. Check official Ledger documentation for the latest device-specific instructions.