Ledger.com/start — Starting Up™ Your Device | Ledger® Setup Guide

Getting started with a hardware wallet is an important step toward taking greater control of your digital assets. If you have recently purchased a Ledger device, Ledger.com/start is the official starting point for downloading the Ledger Wallet™ app and beginning the setup process. Ledger currently directs users to its official setup page to download Ledger Wallet for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. {"fallbackMarkdown":"(Ledger)","reference":{"matched_text":"","prefix":null,"start_idx":893,"end_idx":912,"safe_urls":["https://www.ledger.com/start","https://www.ledger.com/start?utm_source=chatgpt.com"],"refs":[],"alt":"(Ledger)","prompt_text":null,"type":"grouped_webpages","status":"done","error":null,"fallback_items":null,"items":[{"title":"How to set up your Ledger hardware wallet | Ledger","url":"https://www.ledger.com/start?utm_source=chatgpt.com","attribution":"Ledger","pub_date":null,"snippet":"","attribution_segments":null,"supporting_websites":[],"refs":[{"turn_index":0,"ref_type":"search","ref_index":0}],"hue":null,"attributions":null}],"style":null},"showLoginRequiredCard":false}

Whether you are setting up a Ledger for the first time or learning how hardware wallets work, following the official process can help you avoid common security mistakes. This guide explains how to get started, what to expect during setup, and how Ledger compares with another well-known hardware-wallet brand, Trezor®.

Start Your Device at Ledger.com/start

The first step is to visit the official Ledger.com/start setup page. This page provides access to the official Ledger Wallet application and directs users toward the appropriate download for their operating system. {"fallbackMarkdown":"(Ledger)","reference":{"matched_text":"","prefix":null,"start_idx":1527,"end_idx":1546,"safe_urls":["https://www.ledger.com/start","https://www.ledger.com/start?utm_source=chatgpt.com"],"refs":[],"alt":"(Ledger)","prompt_text":null,"type":"grouped_webpages","status":"done","error":null,"fallback_items":null,"items":[{"title":"How to set up your Ledger hardware wallet | Ledger","url":"https://www.ledger.com/start?utm_source=chatgpt.com","attribution":"Ledger","pub_date":null,"snippet":"","attribution_segments":null,"supporting_websites":[],"refs":[{"turn_index":0,"ref_type":"search","ref_index":0}],"hue":null,"attributions":null}],"style":null},"showLoginRequiredCard":false}

Using the official website is particularly important when dealing with cryptocurrency hardware wallets. Search results can sometimes contain misleading advertisements, imitation websites, or unofficial downloads. Always verify that you are using Ledger's genuine website before installing wallet software or entering any sensitive information.

Once Ledger Wallet is installed, connect your compatible Ledger device using the appropriate cable and follow the instructions displayed by the application and on the hardware wallet.

How to Start a New Ledger Device

After installing the official software, your Ledger device can be initialized through the guided setup process. The exact screens and instructions can vary depending on the Ledger model, so users should follow the instructions provided for their specific device.

During setup, you may be asked to configure security features such as a PIN and create a wallet backup or recovery phrase. These credentials are critical to protecting access to your assets.

For a more detailed walkthrough, users can visit this Ledger device setup guide before proceeding with their new device. {"fallbackMarkdown":"(Ledger)","reference":{"matched_text":"","prefix":null,"start_idx":2741,"end_idx":2760,"safe_urls":["https://www.ledger.com/start/device-setup","https://www.ledger.com/start/device-setup?utm_source=chatgpt.com"],"refs":[],"alt":"(Ledger)","prompt_text":null,"type":"grouped_webpages","status":"done","error":null,"fallback_items":null,"items":[{"title":"Device Setup | Ledger","url":"https://www.ledger.com/start/device-setup?utm_source=chatgpt.com","attribution":"Ledger","pub_date":null,"snippet":"","attribution_segments":null,"supporting_websites":[],"refs":[{"turn_index":0,"ref_type":"search","ref_index":2}],"hue":null,"attributions":null}],"style":null},"showLoginRequiredCard":false}

Take your time during every stage. If something appears different from the instructions displayed by your genuine Ledger device or official application, stop and verify the information before continuing.

Protect Your Recovery Phrase

One of the most important parts of setting up a hardware wallet is protecting the recovery information generated during initialization. Your recovery phrase should be treated as highly sensitive information because it can be used to restore access to a wallet.

Write the recovery phrase down exactly as instructed and keep the backup somewhere secure and offline. Avoid taking photographs of it or storing it in email, cloud storage, messaging apps, or ordinary computer files.

Never give your recovery phrase or PIN to another person. Ledger specifically warns users that it will not ask for the 24 words of their recovery phrase. {"fallbackMarkdown":"(Ledger)","reference":{"matched_text":"","prefix":null,"start_idx":3634,"end_idx":3654,"safe_urls":["https://www.ledger.com/ledger-extension","https://www.ledger.com/ledger-extension?utm_source=chatgpt.com"],"refs":[],"alt":"(Ledger)","prompt_text":null,"type":"grouped_webpages","status":"done","error":null,"fallback_items":null,"items":[{"title":"Ledger Crypto Wallet - Security for DeFi & Web3","url":"https://www.ledger.com/ledger-extension?utm_source=chatgpt.com","attribution":"Ledger","pub_date":null,"snippet":"","attribution_segments":null,"supporting_websites":[],"refs":[{"turn_index":0,"ref_type":"search","ref_index":12}],"hue":null,"attributions":null}],"style":null},"showLoginRequiredCard":false}

For additional information, you can use this Ledger security resource to review security guidance and learn more about protecting your wallet.

Ledger Wallet™ for Managing Digital Assets

Ledger Wallet™ is the current name of Ledger's wallet application, formerly known as Ledger Live. The application is designed to work alongside Ledger hardware devices and provides an interface for managing digital assets. Ledger says the app is available across desktop and mobile operating systems. {"fallbackMarkdown":"(Ledger)","reference":{"matched_text":"","prefix":null,"start_idx":4195,"end_idx":4227,"safe_urls":["https://shop.ledger.com/pages/ledger-wallet-download","https://shop.ledger.com/pages/ledger-wallet-download?utm_source=chatgpt.com","https://www.ledger.com/start","https://www.ledger.com/start?utm_source=chatgpt.com"],"refs":[],"alt":"(Ledger)","prompt_text":null,"type":"grouped_webpages","status":"done","error":null,"fallback_items":null,"items":[{"title":"How to set up your Ledger hardware wallet | Ledger","url":"https://www.ledger.com/start?utm_source=chatgpt.com","attribution":"Ledger","pub_date":null,"snippet":"","attribution_segments":null,"supporting_websites":[{"title":"Ledger Wallet (formerly Ledger Live): The best crypto wallet app | Ledger","url":"https://shop.ledger.com/pages/ledger-wallet-download?utm_source=chatgpt.com","pub_date":null,"snippet":"","attribution":"Ledger"}],"refs":[{"turn_index":0,"ref_type":"search","ref_index":0},{"turn_index":0,"ref_type":"search","ref_index":3}],"hue":null,"attributions":null}],"style":null},"showLoginRequiredCard":false}

After completing setup, users can use Ledger Wallet to manage supported accounts and interact with their digital assets. Depending on the asset and service, features can include sending, receiving, buying, swapping, staking, and connecting with decentralized applications.

Hardware-wallet security does not mean users can ignore basic security practices. Always carefully review transaction details on your device before approving a transaction and remain cautious of unexpected links, messages, and websites.

Trezor® Starting Guide

If you are researching alternatives to Ledger, you may also encounter Trezor®, a separate hardware-wallet ecosystem. Trezor has its own devices and software, and its official starting page directs new users to download the Trezor Suite application and follow its setup instructions. {"fallbackMarkdown":"(Trezor)","reference":{"matched_text":"","prefix":null,"start_idx":5055,"end_idx":5074,"safe_urls":["https://trezor.io/start","https://trezor.io/start?utm_source=chatgpt.com"],"refs":[],"alt":"(Trezor)","prompt_text":null,"type":"grouped_webpages","status":"done","error":null,"fallback_items":null,"items":[{"title":"Trezor Suite App (Official) | Congrats on your new Trezor | Trezor","url":"https://trezor.io/start?utm_source=chatgpt.com","attribution":"Trezor","pub_date":null,"snippet":"","attribution_segments":null,"supporting_websites":[],"refs":[{"turn_index":0,"ref_type":"search","ref_index":1}],"hue":null,"attributions":null}],"style":null},"showLoginRequiredCard":false}

Trezor's setup process includes downloading Trezor Suite, installing or opening the application, connecting the hardware wallet, and following the guided device setup. Trezor's documentation notes that setup generally takes around 15 minutes for supported devices. {"fallbackMarkdown":"(Trezor)","reference":{"matched_text":"","prefix":null,"start_idx":5341,"end_idx":5373,"safe_urls":["https://trezor.io/guides/trezor-devices/trezor-model-t/get-started-with-the-model-t","https://trezor.io/guides/trezor-devices/trezor-model-t/get-started-with-the-model-t?utm_source=chatgpt.com","https://trezor.io/guides/trezor-devices/trezor-safe-7/get-started-with-the-trezor-safe-7","https://trezor.io/guides/trezor-devices/trezor-safe-7/get-started-with-the-trezor-safe-7?utm_source=chatgpt.com"],"refs":[],"alt":"(Trezor)","prompt_text":null,"type":"grouped_webpages","status":"done","error":null,"fallback_items":null,"items":[{"title":"Get started with the Trezor Model T | Trezor Knowledge Base | Trezor","url":"https://trezor.io/guides/trezor-devices/trezor-model-t/get-started-with-the-model-t?utm_source=chatgpt.com","attribution":"Trezor","pub_date":null,"snippet":"","attribution_segments":null,"supporting_websites":[{"title":"Get started with the Trezor Safe 7 | Trezor Knowledge Base | Trezor","url":"https://trezor.io/guides/trezor-devices/trezor-safe-7/get-started-with-the-trezor-safe-7?utm_source=chatgpt.com","pub_date":null,"snippet":"","attribution":"Trezor"}],"refs":[{"turn_index":0,"ref_type":"search","ref_index":5},{"turn_index":0,"ref_type":"search","ref_index":7}],"hue":null,"attributions":null}],"style":null},"showLoginRequiredCard":false}

Ledger and Trezor are separate brands, so users should always use the software designed for their particular hardware wallet. If you own a Ledger device, use official Ledger resources such as Ledger.com/start. If you own a Trezor device, use Trezor's official setup resources.

Troubleshooting Your Ledger Setup

If your Ledger device is not recognized, check that you have installed the official Ledger Wallet application and that the connection cable is suitable for data transfer. Reconnecting the device or restarting the application may also help with basic connection issues.

Most importantly, do not use unofficial “activation,” “verification,” or “recovery” websites that request your recovery phrase. Legitimate wallet setup should never require you to disclose your recovery phrase to a website, support agent, or stranger.

For official software downloads and current setup instructions, return to Ledger.com/start.

Start Securely With Ledger.com/start

Setting up a Ledger device can be straightforward when you follow the official process. Begin with Ledger.com/start, download the genuine Ledger Wallet application, connect your device, and follow the instructions shown on your Ledger hardware wallet.

Take particular care with your PIN and recovery phrase, and never share confidential wallet credentials. If you are comparing Ledger with Trezor, remember that each brand has its own devices, applications, and setup procedures.

Starting correctly is the foundation of responsible self-custody. By using official resources and maintaining strong security habits, you can make your hardware-wallet setup safer and more confident from the very beginning.