Ledger Live® — Starting Up Your Device | Trezor Setup Guide
Ledger Live® — Starting Up Your Device | Trezor Setup Guide
Setting up a new hardware wallet can feel technical at first, but with the right steps it becomes a straightforward and secure process. Whether you are using a Ledger Live Download environment alongside your device or transitioning from another wallet ecosystem like Trezor, understanding how initialization works is essential for protecting your digital assets.
This guide walks you through starting up your device, installing necessary applications, and connecting securely to Ledger Live®, while also highlighting key safety practices used by hardware wallet users worldwide.
Ledger Live® is the official companion application used to manage crypto assets on Ledger hardware wallets. It allows users to install apps, manage accounts, send and receive cryptocurrencies, and monitor portfolios in a secure interface.
When you first unbox your device, it is important to understand that the wallet itself does not store coins directly. Instead, it stores your private keys offline, ensuring maximum protection against online threats. The initial setup process ensures your device is authentic, secure, and ready to generate a recovery phrase.
You can explore the setup environment here:
Get Started with Ledger Live Setup
Begin by connecting your hardware wallet to your computer or mobile device using the official USB cable. Once powered on, your device will guide you through a setup wizard.
You will typically be prompted to:
Choose between “Set up as new device” or “Restore from recovery phrase”
Create a PIN code for device access
Write down your 24-word recovery phrase
This recovery phrase is the most critical part of your wallet security. It should never be shared or stored digitally. Anyone with access to it can control your funds.
Even if you are transitioning from another wallet system such as Trezor, the same principle applies: your recovery phrase is your ultimate backup.
Once your device is initialized, the next step is installing Ledger Live®. This software acts as your control center for managing digital assets.
You can download it here:
Download Ledger Live Desktop & Mobile
After installation, open the application and follow the setup prompts:
Select your device type
Run the genuine check to verify hardware authenticity
Pair your device via USB or Bluetooth (depending on model)
Ledger Live ensures your device firmware is up to date, which is essential for maintaining security against emerging threats.
Once your device is connected, you can begin adding crypto accounts inside Ledger Live®. Each blockchain requires a separate app installation on your hardware wallet (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum).
Inside Ledger Live, you can:
Create new accounts
View balances in real time
Send and receive cryptocurrency securely
Track transaction history
For users migrating from other ecosystems such as Trezor, this is often the stage where portfolio organization becomes more structured, especially when managing multiple assets.
Learn more about managing accounts here:
Ledger Live Accounts Guide
Security is the foundation of hardware wallet usage. While Ledger Live® provides a secure interface, user behavior is equally important.
Key practices include:
Never entering your recovery phrase on any website or app
Keeping your device firmware updated
Verifying all transaction details on the device screen itself
Avoiding unofficial apps or plugins
Even advanced users often reinforce their security habits when switching between platforms like Ledger and Trezor, since both rely on similar self-custody principles.
You can also explore advanced protections such as passphrases and hidden wallets inside Ledger Live for added security layers.
Beyond basic transactions, Ledger Live® also supports additional features such as staking and DeFi integrations. This allows users to earn rewards on supported assets while maintaining full custody of their keys.
You can explore staking options here:
Ledger Live Staking Guide
This feature is especially useful for long-term holders who prefer passive income strategies without relying on centralized exchanges.
Starting up your hardware wallet is not just a technical setup process—it is the foundation of your entire digital asset security system. Whether you are using Ledger Live® for the first time or transitioning from a device like Trezor, the key principles remain the same: secure your recovery phrase, verify your device, and maintain strict control over access.
Once properly configured, Ledger Live becomes a powerful hub for managing crypto assets safely and efficiently, combining usability with industry-leading security standards.