ledger.com/start — Start Your Ledger Device

Starting your Ledger device is the first and most important step toward secure crypto ownership. ledger.com/start guides you through each step — from download and verification of Ledger Live to initializing your Ledger hardware wallet, safeguarding your recovery phrase, enabling PIN and passphrase, and performing your first secure transaction. This guide focuses on security best practices and practical actions so you can manage Bitcoin, Ethereum, and multi-chain assets safely with Ledger Live and your Ledger device.

Why ledger.com/start matters

Proper setup prevents common mistakes that lead to loss or theft. ledger.com/start emphasizes:

• Hardware-backed security so private keys never leave your device.
• On-device confirmation for every sensitive action to block remote tampering.
• Offline recovery storage to ensure you can restore wallets securely.

Quick overview: what you'll do

The complete start flow includes: downloading Ledger Live, verifying the installer, connecting and initializing your Ledger device, creating or restoring your recovery phrase, setting a PIN, enabling optional passphrase protection, adding accounts in Ledger Live, and making a small test transaction to confirm everything works as expected.

Step-by-step: start your Ledger device

1. Download Ledger Live from official source: Always use HTTPS and the official domain. Do not install from mirror sites or unverified links.
2. Verify installer checksum: If a checksum is published, verify it with shasum -a 256 filename (macOS/Linux) or a checksum tool on Windows. Mismatches = abort and re-download.
3. Install and launch Ledger Live: Complete the installer and open Ledger Live. Choose "Get started" when prompted.
4. Connect your Ledger device: Use the provided cable to connect the Ledger hardware device. Follow on-screen instructions and confirm prompts on-device.
5. Create or restore wallet: Choose to create a new wallet (new recovery phrase generated on-device) or recover an existing wallet by entering the seed on-device. Never type your seed into a computer or website.
6. Set a PIN on-device: Choose a secure PIN using the device buttons. This PIN protects device access locally.
7. Write down recovery phrase: The device will display a 24-word (or model-appropriate) recovery phrase. Write words down in order on the supplied card or a metal backup solution. Store it offline in multiple secure locations.
8. Enable optional passphrase: For an extra hidden-wallet layer, enable passphrase protection if you understand the implications (a passphrase adds privacy but if lost, funds cannot be recovered).
9. Add accounts in Ledger Live: After device initialization, add your cryptocurrency accounts (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) in Ledger Live and allow the app to synchronize balances.
10. Perform a test transaction: Send a small amount from an exchange or another wallet to a Ledger Live-generated address, verify the address on-device, then confirm receipt and try sending a small test back. This ensures your flow is fully functional.

Security best practices (must-read)

• Never share your recovery phrase: Ledger support will never ask for your seed. If asked, it’s a scam.
• Keep seed offline: Use paper or a metal backup stored in a secure location, ideally in two geographically separate places.
• Verify addresses on-device: Malware can alter addresses on your screen; always confirm the address shown on your Ledger device before sending.
• Use official downloads and checksums: Confirm checksums/signatures and use HTTPS to avoid tampered installers.
• Update firmware via Ledger Live: Apply firmware updates only when prompted by Ledger Live to keep device secure.

Using Ledger Live after setup

Ledger Live is your portfolio hub: add accounts, monitor balances, swap tokens using integrated providers, stake supported assets, and export transaction history. Ledger Live never exposes private keys; it interacts with your device to request signatures. Use Ledger Live settings to customize portfolio views, enable price alerts, and manage application permissions for third-party integrations.

Troubleshooting & common issues

If Ledger Live doesn't detect your device: try a different USB cable or port, unlock the device, ensure the device firmware is not awaiting an update, and restart Ledger Live. For OS-level USB permission issues on Linux or older macOS, check official docs. For persistent errors, export logs from Ledger Live and consult official support channels.

FAQ

Tip: keep a small practice amount for test transactions until you're comfortable with the full flow — safety first.