Ledger.com/start | Getting Started With Secure Device & Setup

Setting up a Ledger hardware wallet is an important first step toward managing cryptocurrency with self-custody. The Ledger.com/start setup process helps users download the official Ledger Wallet application, connect their hardware device, and complete the essential security steps before managing digital assets.

Ledger Wallet was formerly known as Ledger Live and is the companion application used with Ledger hardware wallets. It provides an interface for viewing accounts, managing supported crypto assets, and preparing transactions while the hardware device protects the private keys used to authorize transactions. {"fallbackMarkdown":"(Ledger)","reference":{"matched_text":"","prefix":null,"start_idx":1011,"end_idx":1043,"safe_urls":["https://shop.ledger.com/pages/ledger-wallet","https://shop.ledger.com/pages/ledger-wallet?utm_source=chatgpt.com","https://www.ledger.com/academy/topics/ledger-wallet/ledger-wallet-guide","https://www.ledger.com/academy/topics/ledger-wallet/ledger-wallet-guide?utm_source=chatgpt.com"],"refs":[],"alt":"(Ledger)","prompt_text":null,"type":"grouped_webpages","error":null,"style":null,"status":"done","items":[{"title":"Ledger Wallet (ex. Ledger Live) - Crypto App | Ledger","url":"https://shop.ledger.com/pages/ledger-wallet?utm_source=chatgpt.com","attribution":"Ledger","pub_date":null,"snippet":"","attribution_segments":null,"supporting_websites":[{"title":"Ledger Wallet: Buy, Stake, and Manage Crypto with Self-Custody | Ledger","url":"https://www.ledger.com/academy/topics/ledger-wallet/ledger-wallet-guide?utm_source=chatgpt.com","pub_date":null,"snippet":"","attribution":"Ledger"}],"refs":[{"turn_index":0,"ref_type":"search","ref_index":3},{"turn_index":0,"ref_type":"search","ref_index":4}],"hue":null,"attributions":null}],"fallback_items":null},"showLoginRequiredCard":false}

Begin at Ledger.com/start

To begin, visit the official Ledger.com/start setup page. From there, you can access the appropriate Ledger Wallet application for your operating system. Ledger currently provides desktop versions for Windows, macOS, and Linux, as well as mobile applications for iOS and Android. {"fallbackMarkdown":"(Ledger)","reference":{"matched_text":"","prefix":null,"start_idx":1387,"end_idx":1406,"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","error":null,"style":null,"status":"done","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":0}],"hue":null,"attributions":null}],"fallback_items":null},"showLoginRequiredCard":false}

Always verify that you are using the official Ledger website before downloading software. Avoid unofficial download links, suspicious advertisements, or applications provided by unknown sources, as fraudulent wallet software can be used in phishing attacks.

Download and Install Ledger Wallet

After selecting the appropriate version, download and install Ledger Wallet on your computer or mobile device. Once installation is complete, open the application and follow the setup instructions.

Ledger Wallet works together with your physical Ledger signer. The application provides the connectivity and account-management interface, while the hardware device is designed to keep private keys protected and require physical confirmation for transactions. {"fallbackMarkdown":"(Ledger)","reference":{"matched_text":"","prefix":null,"start_idx":2165,"end_idx":2184,"safe_urls":["https://www.ledger.com/academy/topics/ledger-wallet/ledger-wallet-guide","https://www.ledger.com/academy/topics/ledger-wallet/ledger-wallet-guide?utm_source=chatgpt.com"],"refs":[],"alt":"(Ledger)","prompt_text":null,"type":"grouped_webpages","error":null,"style":null,"status":"done","items":[{"title":"Ledger Wallet: Buy, Stake, and Manage Crypto with Self-Custody | Ledger","url":"https://www.ledger.com/academy/topics/ledger-wallet/ledger-wallet-guide?utm_source=chatgpt.com","attribution":"Ledger","pub_date":1783468800,"snippet":"","attribution_segments":null,"supporting_websites":[],"refs":[{"turn_index":0,"ref_type":"search","ref_index":4}],"hue":null,"attributions":null}],"fallback_items":null},"showLoginRequiredCard":false}

Connect Your Ledger Device

Connect your Ledger hardware wallet using the supported connection method for your model. Unlock the device with your PIN and follow the instructions displayed by Ledger Wallet.

During the setup process, the application can perform checks designed to verify the authenticity of your Ledger device. Ledger explains that its Genuine Check uses cryptographic verification involving the device's Secure Element. {"fallbackMarkdown":"(Ledger)","reference":{"matched_text":"","prefix":null,"start_idx":2626,"end_idx":2646,"safe_urls":["https://www.ledger.com/academy/topics/ledgersolutions/best-practices-to-securely-buy-ledger-signer","https://www.ledger.com/academy/topics/ledgersolutions/best-practices-to-securely-buy-ledger-signer?utm_source=chatgpt.com"],"refs":[],"alt":"(Ledger)","prompt_text":null,"type":"grouped_webpages","error":null,"style":null,"status":"done","items":[{"title":"Best Practices To Securely Buy Your Ledger Signer | Ledger","url":"https://www.ledger.com/academy/topics/ledgersolutions/best-practices-to-securely-buy-ledger-signer?utm_source=chatgpt.com","attribution":"Ledger","pub_date":1772755200,"snippet":"","attribution_segments":null,"supporting_websites":[],"refs":[{"turn_index":0,"ref_type":"search","ref_index":11}],"hue":null,"attributions":null}],"fallback_items":null},"showLoginRequiredCard":false}

If your device is not detected, check the connection and ensure that your cable supports data transfer. You should also make sure that your Ledger Wallet application is updated to the latest available version.

Create or Restore Your Wallet

During initial configuration, you can create a new wallet or restore an existing wallet according to the options supported by your device.

If you create a new wallet, carefully record your Secret Recovery Phrase as instructed on the Ledger device. This information is extremely sensitive because it can be used to recover access to your wallet.

Never share your recovery phrase with anyone. Do not type it into websites, messages, emails, cloud storage, or forms claiming to provide technical support. A person who obtains your recovery phrase may be able to access your cryptocurrency.

Secure Your Ledger With a PIN

Your Ledger device uses a PIN as an additional security measure. Select a PIN that is difficult for other people to guess and keep it private.

Never give your PIN or recovery phrase to someone claiming to be Ledger support. Legitimate support should not require you to reveal your recovery phrase.

Add Cryptocurrency Accounts

After completing device setup, Ledger Wallet allows you to add supported cryptocurrency accounts. Depending on the asset, the relevant blockchain application may need to be installed on your Ledger device first. For example, Ledger's current account setup documentation explains that users need the appropriate blockchain app installed before adding an account. {"fallbackMarkdown":"(Ledger Support)","reference":{"matched_text":"","prefix":null,"start_idx":4211,"end_idx":4230,"safe_urls":["https://support.ledger.com/article/4404389482641-zd","https://support.ledger.com/article/4404389482641-zd?utm_source=chatgpt.com"],"refs":[],"alt":"(Ledger Support)","prompt_text":null,"type":"grouped_webpages","error":null,"style":null,"status":"done","items":[{"title":"Add your accounts","url":"https://support.ledger.com/article/4404389482641-zd?utm_source=chatgpt.com","attribution":"Ledger Support","pub_date":1785110400,"snippet":"","attribution_segments":null,"supporting_websites":[],"refs":[{"turn_index":0,"ref_type":"search","ref_index":2}],"hue":null,"attributions":null}],"fallback_items":null},"showLoginRequiredCard":false}

Once an account is added, you can use Ledger Wallet to view balances and transaction history and manage supported assets.

Verify Every Transaction

Security remains important after setup. When sending cryptocurrency, carefully review the transaction information shown on your Ledger device before approving it. The hardware signer is designed to let you verify transaction details before signing. {"fallbackMarkdown":"(Ledger)","reference":{"matched_text":"","prefix":null,"start_idx":4633,"end_idx":4652,"safe_urls":["https://www.ledger.com/academy/topics/ledger-wallet/ledger-wallet-guide","https://www.ledger.com/academy/topics/ledger-wallet/ledger-wallet-guide?utm_source=chatgpt.com"],"refs":[],"alt":"(Ledger)","prompt_text":null,"type":"grouped_webpages","error":null,"style":null,"status":"done","items":[{"title":"Ledger Wallet: Buy, Stake, and Manage Crypto with Self-Custody | Ledger","url":"https://www.ledger.com/academy/topics/ledger-wallet/ledger-wallet-guide?utm_source=chatgpt.com","attribution":"Ledger","pub_date":1783468800,"snippet":"","attribution_segments":null,"supporting_websites":[],"refs":[{"turn_index":0,"ref_type":"search","ref_index":4}],"hue":null,"attributions":null}],"fallback_items":null},"showLoginRequiredCard":false}

For additional onboarding information, return to the official Ledger.com/start guide whenever you need help downloading the application or beginning device setup.

By using official Ledger software, protecting your recovery phrase and PIN, keeping your device updated, and verifying transactions directly on the hardware wallet, you can establish a secure foundation for managing your digital assets.