Ledger.com/Start® — Starting Up Your Device

Welcome — what this guide covers

This guide walks you from unboxing to daily use. You’ll learn how to safely initialize your Ledger hardware, record and protect your recovery phrase, install Ledger Live, add accounts, test transactions, and follow security best practices. The instructions are model-agnostic and apply to Nano series devices and other Ledger hardware.

Before you begin — things to prepare

A genuine Ledger device purchased from ledger.com or an authorized reseller.
A computer (Windows / macOS / Linux) or a mobile device (iOS / Android) and a stable internet connection.
Download access to ledger.com/start to get Ledger Live installers and official instructions.
A pen and the recovery card that comes in the box — or a metal backup solution for long-term storage.
20–40 minutes of uninterrupted time for the initial setup (don’t rush the recovery phrase step).

Unboxing & quick authenticity checks

When you open the package, check the tamper-evident seal and the packaging condition. If anything looks suspicious—missing items, resealed packaging, or signs of tampering—contact Ledger support and do not use the device. Always register and verify your device via the official setup flow at ledger.com/start.

Step 1 — Power up and initialize

Power the device and follow on-screen prompts.
Choose Create a new device if you’re initializing a fresh Ledger or Restore device if you already have a recovery phrase.
Set a PIN code on the device; this protects local access if the device is lost or stolen.
The device will generate your recovery phrase — write it down exactly in the order shown. Confirm words as prompted by the device.

Critical: Never type your recovery phrase into a computer, phone, or website. Ledger staff will never ask for your recovery phrase. Storing the phrase digitally (screenshots, notes, cloud) increases the risk of theft.

Step 2 — Install Ledger Live & connect

Visit ledger.com/start, download Ledger Live for your OS, and install it. Open Ledger Live and follow the onboarding — it will ask whether you have a new device or want to restore. Connect your Ledger device with the supplied cable (or Bluetooth for supported Nano X) and complete the handshake by following prompts in Ledger Live and on the device screen.

Step 3 — Install blockchain apps & add accounts

In Ledger Live, open the Manager and install apps for the blockchains you want to use (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.). Then go to Accounts → Add account to create and sync accounts for each asset. Ledger Live reads account balances and transaction history without exposing your private keys.

Step 4 — Do a test transaction

Before transferring large amounts, perform a small test transfer — receive a small amount to a new address, then send a small amount out. Confirm every receiving address on the device screen before sharing it. When sending, confirm destination and amount on-device. The device display is your final security gate against remote tampering.

Tip: For high-value holdings, consider splitting funds across multiple devices or using multisig setups (advanced) to reduce single-point risk.

Security best practices

Keep multiple physical backups of your recovery phrase in geographically separate, secure locations (consider fire/waterproof metal backups).
Keep firmware and Ledger Live up to date — updates often include security improvements.
Only download Ledger Live and firmware from ledger.com. Bookmark official pages to avoid phishing sites.
Never enter your recovery phrase to any app, browser, or person — it is the master key to your funds.
Use a passphrase (optional advanced feature) only if you understand it: a passphrase creates additional hidden wallets but increases recovery complexity.

Troubleshooting common issues

Device not recognized

Try a different USB cable or port, ensure the device is unlocked, restart Ledger Live, and check OS permissions (drivers on Windows). For Nano X, check Bluetooth pairing and permissions.

Firmware update fails

Follow on-screen instructions exactly — if update fails, re-launch Ledger Live, reconnect the device, and retry. If issues persist, consult Ledger’s official support articles before attempting any recovery steps.

Lost recovery phrase

If you lose your recovery phrase, you will not be able to restore access to funds. Make multiple secure backups and store them safely; consider professional-grade metal backups for long-term durability.

Advanced configuration & tips

Use separate accounts for savings and spending to compartmentalize risk.
Export transaction history from Ledger Live for tax reporting or bookkeeping.
Explore staking and swap integrations inside Ledger Live only after verifying provider fees and regional availability.
If you handle very large sums, consider a dedicated, clean machine for transactions or a multisig approach where supported.

Short FAQ

Question	Answer
Can Ledger Live store my recovery phrase?	No — Ledger Live never stores your recovery phrase. The phrase must be kept offline by you.
Is Ledger Live free?	Yes, Ledger Live is free. Third-party providers inside the app (on-ramps, swaps, staking) may charge fees.
What if my device is lost or stolen?	If you have the recovery phrase you can restore your wallet on a new Ledger device or compatible wallet. If not, funds are unrecoverable.

Final thoughts

Starting a Ledger device is straightforward if you follow the official flow at ledger.com/start. The most important practices are: buy genuine hardware, keep your recovery phrase offline and secure, always verify addresses on the device, and keep firmware and apps updated. With those safeguards in place, Ledger provides a strong foundation for safe self-custody of cryptocurrencies.

Begin setup at ledger.com/start