🔐 Ledger.com/Start — Official

Ledger.com/Start — Official Ledger Wallet Setup ✨

Welcome to the official Ledger setup guide. This page walks you through initializing your Ledger device securely, protecting your recovery phrase, confirming firmware, and adopting reliable habits so your crypto assets remain safe. Whether you're setting up a Nano S, Nano X, or a future model, these steps are crafted for clarity and security. ₿🔑🪙

Ledger places hardware-level protection at the center of digital ownership. The device isolates private keys, enforces on-device approvals, and ensures firmware integrity. Combined with Ledger Live and careful backup practices, you'll have a resilient foundation for storing, trading, and using crypto with confidence.

Start setup — Secure your Ledger 🔑

Why Ledger matters — hardware-first security

Ownership of crypto is ownership of private keys. Software-only storage exposes those keys to malware, phishing, and cloud risk. Ledger devices generate and store private keys inside a secure element — a tamper-resistant chip — and require physical confirmation for all sensitive operations. This simple separation dramatically reduces attack surface while keeping your experience practical and seamless.

Ledger Live, the official desktop and mobile companion, pairs with your device to show balances, install app-specific firmware, and prepare transactions. Crucially, all signing happens on the Ledger device itself — Ledger Live never has access to your private keys. Approve every action on-screen to keep intent clear and avoid blind signatures.

Step-by-step: official setup

  1. Download Ledger Live: Visit Ledger.com/Start and get Ledger Live from the official domain. Verify the URL and checksums when offered.
  2. Connect your device: Plug in (or pair via Bluetooth for Nano X) and follow the on-screen prompts inside Ledger Live.
  3. Initialize as new device: Choose "Set up as new device" — the device will generate a recovery phrase (24 words recommended). Write every word down in order on the provided recovery card or a durable metal backup.
  4. Set a PIN: Choose a strong PIN on-device to protect against physical access. Do not use trivial sequences and avoid sharing.
  5. Verify the recovery phrase: Ledger will prompt you to confirm certain words — this ensures you've recorded them correctly. Never store the phrase digitally.
  6. Install apps & update firmware: Use Ledger Live to install coin-specific apps and validate firmware updates. Always confirm firmware updates on-device and read release notes from the official site.
  7. Test with a small transfer: Send a minor amount to confirm the receive/send flow and device confirmations before moving larger balances.

Pro tip: keep a small "test" wallet for routine checks and a separate cold storage account for long-term holdings.

Recovery phrase — your single most critical asset

The recovery phrase (seed) is the master key that can restore your wallet on any compatible device. Protect it as you would protect cash or legal documents: write it on durable material, store copies in geographically separated secure locations, and never type or photograph it. Digital backups (screenshots, cloud notes) are dangerous — they expose you to theft.

Best practices

  • Record words in exact order with permanent ink.
  • Use a metal backup plate for long-term resilience.
  • Store copies in safe deposit boxes or trusted secure places.

What never to do

  • Do not enter your seed into websites or apps.
  • Do not email or photograph it.
  • Do not share it with anyone — including "support".

Advanced options — passphrases, multi-sig & enterprise

Advanced users can enable BIP39 passphrases for account separation and extra privacy. Multi-signature wallets distribute signing power across several devices or key holders and significantly reduce single-point-of-failure risk — ideal for teams and custodial setups. Ledger's tooling and integrations support institutional workflows and audit-friendly exports for compliance.

Important: a passphrase is an addition to your seed — losing it is equivalent to losing funds. Design processes and backups accordingly.

Troubleshooting & official support

If you face recognition issues, firmware errors, or questions, consult the official Ledger Support center first. Ledger staff will never ask for your full recovery phrase. If you suspect compromise, move funds to a newly initialized device with a fresh seed immediately.

Community forums and developer docs are helpful for integrations, but always cross-check instructions with official Ledger documentation to avoid misinformation.

Community, learning & staying current

Crypto evolves quickly — subscribe to official Ledger channels for firmware announcements, security advisories, and product updates. Participate in developer communities, learn best practices, and engage with auditors and researchers who help keep the ecosystem safe. Your vigilance is one of the best defenses: verify URLs, confirm on-device prompts, and treat the recovery phrase with the highest confidentiality.

Ready to begin? Click below to download Ledger Live and start your secure setup. 🔽

Download Ledger Live — Get started ⬇️