Ledger.com/Start — Official Getting Started Guide
Welcome to the official onboarding guide for your Ledger hardware wallet. This step‑by‑step walkthrough will help you unbox, install, initialize, and secure your device so you can manage your crypto assets safely and with complete control.
1. Unbox & Inspect
When your Ledger wallet arrives, check the packaging for signs of tampering. Inside you should find the hardware device (like Ledger Nano S, Nano X or Stax), a USB cable, recovery seed cards, and quick‑start instructions. If anything looks compromised, contact official support before proceeding.
2. Download Ledger Live
- Visit ledger.com/start and download the correct version of Ledger Live for your operating system or mobile device.
- Install the application and launch it.
3. Connect & Initialize Your Device
- Connect your Ledger wallet to your computer via the supplied USB cable (or Bluetooth / mobile if supported).
- In Ledger Live, follow prompts to either “Set up as new device” or “Restore from recovery phrase” if you are recovering an existing wallet.
- Choose a strong PIN on the device — you will need this each time you unlock your wallet.
- Write down your recovery seed (usually 24 words) on the provided card or a secure offline medium. This is your only backup. Store it offline in a safe place.
4. Add Accounts & Manage Crypto
Once initialization is complete, use Ledger Live to add crypto accounts, send and receive assets, and explore additional services like staking or swapping. Your private keys always remain offline inside the device — the software serves only as an interface.
5. Tips for Long‑Term Safety
- Store your recovery phrase in a secure offline location (consider metal backups for durability).
- Keep your device firmware and Ledger Live up to date to receive the latest security enhancements.
- Use only trusted computers or mobile devices — avoid public machines or unknown networks.
- Consider enabling additional security options like a passphrase if you understand how to use them.