Welcome to your gateway into secure cryptocurrency management. When you first power on your Ledger hardware wallet, the official launch point is **Ledger.com/start**. This URL is not just a convenience—it is the only trusted path to initialize, authenticate, and protect your device. Avoid third‑party links; always begin at **Ledger.com/start** to download Ledger Live, verify device genuineness, and step carefully through your setup.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through every stage: from unboxing, login®, PIN setup, recovery phrase safekeeping, to managing crypto accounts. You’ll also find design highlights, usage tips, and a FAQ section to resolve common doubts.
Take your Ledger device out of its packaging. The box must be sealed, untampered, and include: the Ledger hardware (e.g. Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Stax model), a USB cable, a recovery sheet, and a quick start guide. If anything seems off—damaged seals, pre‑written recovery papers—pause and contact support.
On a secure computer or mobile device, open your browser and directly enter **https://ledger.com/start**. From there, select your platform (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android) and download the Ledger Live installer. This ensures you get the genuine application—not a phishing spoof.
After installing, launch Ledger Live. The welcome screen offers the option to “Set up as new device” (or restore from a recovery phrase if you already have one). Click that to begin onboarding your hardware.
Use the Ledger device buttons to input a 4–8 digit PIN. This code will secure access to your device. Never reveal this PIN to others.
The device will generate a 24‑word recovery phrase. Write these words carefully, in order, on the supplied recovery sheet. This is your only backup. **Never store it digitally, never photograph it**, and never share it. If your hardware is lost or broken, this phrase lets you recover your funds.
The device will prompt you to verify certain words from your phrase. This ensures you recorded them correctly. Only once confirmation is successful will setup proceed.
Ledger Live will perform a check to confirm your device is genuine and untampered. Once verified, you’ll see a confirmation of authenticity. If this fails, do not continue—contact official support.
Use the **Manager** section in Ledger Live to install apps for the cryptocurrencies you intend to use (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.). Then in the **Accounts** tab, add these assets so your wallet can manage balances, send, receive, stake, or swap.
After setup, your private keys remain stored offline within the secure element of the Ledger device. All transactions must be manually approved on the physical device, adding a layer of protection from malware or remote attacks.
Ledger Live supports over 5,000 cryptocurrencies and tokens across blockchains (ERC‑20, BEP‑20, Solana, Cardano, etc.). You can manage all from one interface.
Integrated partners (e.g. MoonPay, 1inch) allow you to **buy**, **swap**, or **stake** assets securely—all while your keys remain hardware‑protected.
Get up‑to‑date views of your holdings, transaction histories, staking rewards, and valuation changes—right from Ledger Live.
Manage NFTs, connect to Web3 apps via Ledger Live or browser extensions, and interact with DApps while keeping private keys offline.
If your device is lost or damaged, you can restore your wallet on a new Ledger (or compatible hardware) using the 24‑word recovery phrase. That’s why it’s critical you stored it safely offline.
Yes, there are phishing clones. Always double-check the URL (ledger.com/start), ensure HTTPS and a valid SSL certificate. Never click random links in emails or social media.
Yes. For models like Nano X, Bluetooth is an option—but wired setup is standard and secure, provided you're using Ledger.com/start and confirmed authenticity checks.
You need Ledger Live to install apps, add accounts, and perform updates. But after setup, you can open it when needed; it does not have to run constantly.
Without your PIN and recovery phrase, they cannot access funds. Even with physical possession, they can't extract private keys. But if they obtain your 24‑word phrase, your wallet is compromised.