Ledger.com/Start® | Getting Started™ — Ledger Support
Ledger.com/Start® | Getting Started™ — Ledger Support
Welcome to the Ledger.com/Start® Getting Started™ guide. If you have recently purchased a Ledger hardware wallet, this resource will help you set up your device, secure your recovery phrase, install Ledger Live, and begin managing your digital assets with confidence. Following the correct setup process is essential for protecting your cryptocurrencies and maintaining full control over your funds.
Ledger.com/Start® serves as the official starting point for new Ledger device owners. It provides step-by-step instructions for initializing a hardware wallet, downloading the Ledger Live application, verifying device authenticity, and learning security best practices.
Whether you are using a Ledger device for the first time or setting up a replacement device, the getting started process is designed to ensure your wallet is configured securely from the beginning.
Before starting the setup process, make sure you have:
A genuine Ledger hardware wallet
A computer or smartphone with internet access
The latest version of Ledger Live
A secure location to write down your recovery phrase
A pen and the recovery sheets included with your device
Never share your recovery phrase with anyone, and never store it in screenshots, cloud storage, emails, or messaging applications.
Ledger Live is the companion application used to manage your hardware wallet and digital assets. After downloading and installing the software on your preferred device, launch the application and select the option to set up a new Ledger device.
The application will guide you through the setup process and provide security checks to help ensure your device is authentic and functioning properly.
Turn on your Ledger hardware wallet and follow the instructions displayed on the screen. You will be asked whether you want to:
Set up a new device
Restore an existing wallet using a recovery phrase
If you are using the device for the first time, choose the option to create a new wallet.
Next, create a PIN code. This PIN helps protect your wallet from unauthorized access. Choose a unique PIN that is difficult to guess and avoid using common number combinations.
One of the most important steps during setup is recording your recovery phrase. Your Ledger device will generate a series of words that act as the master backup of your wallet.
Write each word down carefully in the exact order presented on the screen. Double-check the spelling and sequence before continuing.
Your recovery phrase is the only way to recover access to your assets if your device is lost, stolen, or damaged. Anyone who possesses this phrase can access your funds, so it must be stored securely and privately.
Important security reminders:
Never share your recovery phrase.
Never enter it on websites.
Never send it through email or chat.
Store it in a secure offline location.
After initialization, Ledger Live will perform a genuine check. This process verifies that your device is authentic and has not been altered.
Completing this verification step helps ensure that your hardware wallet meets Ledger’s security standards and is ready for use.
Ledger devices support multiple cryptocurrencies through dedicated applications. Using Ledger Live, you can install apps for supported assets directly onto your device.
Popular cryptocurrency apps include those for:
Bitcoin
Ethereum
Litecoin
Polygon
Solana and other supported networks
The specific apps you install will depend on the digital assets you plan to manage.
Once your desired applications are installed, you can add accounts within Ledger Live. Accounts allow you to view balances, monitor transactions, and manage your portfolio.
You can:
Receive cryptocurrency
Send cryptocurrency
Track portfolio performance
Manage supported digital assets securely
Always verify receiving addresses directly on your Ledger device screen before approving transactions.
To maximize the security of your wallet:
Keep your recovery phrase offline.
Use a strong PIN code.
Verify all transactions on your device.
Download software only from trusted sources.
Be cautious of phishing emails and fake support messages.
Never disclose your recovery phrase to anyone claiming to provide support.
Legitimate support representatives will never ask for your recovery phrase.
The Ledger.com/Start® Getting Started™ process is designed to help users securely set up and manage their hardware wallets. By carefully following each step—installing Ledger Live, creating a PIN, securing your recovery phrase, verifying device authenticity, and adding cryptocurrency accounts—you can build a strong foundation for protecting your digital assets. Security begins during setup, and maintaining good security habits will help ensure your cryptocurrency remains safe for years to come.