Follow this professional guide to set up your Ledger device securely and connect it with the Ledger Live app to manage your digital assets.
The official ledger.com/start page serves as your verified entry point for initializing your Ledger hardware wallet. Whether you are new to cryptocurrency management or an experienced investor upgrading your storage security, this guide ensures that you follow each step with precision and confidence.
Ledger wallets protect your crypto assets through hardware-level encryption. The onboarding process helps establish a foundation for private key safety, firmware trust, and secure device pairing.
Always buy directly from ledger.com or authorized retailers. Ledger devices come sealed in tamper-evident packaging. If you suspect tampering, do not connect the device—contact Ledger Support for guidance. Authentic devices ensure that your cryptographic keys are generated within a trusted secure element.
Install the Ledger Live app on your desktop or mobile device. It provides an intuitive dashboard for managing assets, updating firmware, and monitoring your portfolio. Only download Ledger Live from official sources to avoid counterfeit software or phishing attacks.
Download Ledger LiveWhen powered on, your Ledger device will prompt you to create a new wallet or restore an existing one. Choose a secure PIN, then record your 24-word recovery phrase offline using the supplied sheet. This phrase represents your ultimate backup. Never store it digitally, and never share it with anyone. Keep it safe from fire, water, and unauthorized access.
Through Ledger Live’s “Manager” section, install crypto-specific apps such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Solana directly onto your hardware device. Each app securely enables support for that asset family. Once installed, create new accounts in Ledger Live to view balances, send and receive funds, and confirm all transactions on your Ledger device screen.
Every outgoing transaction must be approved on your Ledger device. Confirm recipient addresses and amounts directly on the hardware screen before pressing the confirmation buttons. This physical verification ensures that malware or phishing attempts cannot secretly alter your transaction data.
Ledger periodically releases updates that improve performance, fix vulnerabilities, and add new asset support. Perform updates exclusively via Ledger Live. Before updating, confirm that you still have your recovery phrase stored securely. This ensures full recoverability if a reset occurs.
Advanced users can activate a “passphrase” option, which adds an extra layer of encryption to your existing recovery phrase. This creates a hidden wallet only accessible with your passphrase. Use this feature carefully, as lost passphrases cannot be restored by Ledger.
If your computer does not recognize the Ledger device or if you experience firmware update errors, visit support.ledger.com. Never share your recovery phrase with anyone, including support staff. All troubleshooting should occur within official channels only.
Keep your Ledger device disconnected when not in use. Avoid connecting to public computers or untrusted networks. Consider maintaining separate wallets for daily transactions and long-term holdings. Always double-check URLs before entering any credentials or connecting your wallet. Phishing sites can look identical to official pages—trust only ledger.com.
By following this official setup guide, you create a resilient foundation for cryptocurrency self-custody. Ledger’s combination of secure hardware and Ledger Live software delivers a verified, transparent environment for digital asset protection. Once configured properly, your Ledger wallet empowers you with complete ownership and peace of mind.