Ledger — Getting Started Hub

Why Use Ledger?

Security is the foundation of digital asset ownership. Ledger provides a hardware wallet solution that keeps your private keys isolated in a secure element — completely offline. Even if your computer or smartphone is compromised, your keys remain safe.

The design principle is simple: your device signs transactions internally, so your keys never leave your hardware. Ledger Live, the companion app, is only a control interface — it never stores or has access to your keys.

With support for thousands of coins and tokens, firmware updates, and integrations with Web3 tools, Ledger is built to grow with your crypto journey.

Three Simple Steps to Get Started

Step 1: Choose Your Device

Select the Ledger device that fits your lifestyle:

Ledger Nano X — Bluetooth + larger capacity, great for use on the go.
Ledger Nano S Plus — More compact, for desktop and daily crypto use.

Step 2: Download Ledger Live

Go to the official Ledger site (e.g. ledger.com/start) to download the Ledger Live app for your platform: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, or Android. Always verify the installer’s checksum or signature to ensure authenticity.

Step 3: Initialize & Secure Your Device

Connect your Ledger, choose to Set up as new device (or restore, if migrating). Set a secure PIN (4–8 digits). Then the device generates your 24‑word recovery phrase — write it down *offline*, confirm it, and store it safely.

Download & Install Ledger Live

Ledger Live is your dashboard to manage accounts, send/receive crypto, stake, swap, and more. But remember — it never has access to your private keys.

Follow these steps:

Download the correct installer for your system.
Verify the file’s integrity via the published checksum/signature.
Install and launch the application.
Connect your Ledger device via USB (or Bluetooth for Nano X).

Once running, Ledger Live will guide you through initializing your wallet and adding accounts.

Initialize Device & Recovery Phrase

During initialization:

Choose a PIN code (never share it).
Write down the 24‑word recovery phrase in order, on the provided recovery sheets (or a durable alternative). Do *not* take photos, store it in digital form, or share it with anyone.
Confirm your phrase on the device to ensure correctness.

If you ever lose your hardware, your recovery phrase lets you restore your wallet on a new device — as long as the phrase remains secret and safe.

Add Accounts & Manage Crypto

After setup, Ledger Live lets you:

Install cryptocurrency “apps” on your device (e.g. Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana).
Add accounts to your Ledger Live portfolio.
Receive crypto: Ledger Live gives you an address; verify it on your device screen.
Send crypto: initiate in Ledger Live, then confirm (amount, address) on the device — never blindly approve transactions in the app.

You can also stake supported assets, swap tokens, or connect Ledger to Web3 apps while keeping custody of your keys.

Security Best Practices

Protecting your crypto is a shared responsibility. Here are critical practices:

Never share your recovery phrase or PIN. Not with anyone — Ledger support included.
Always verify transaction details on your device screen. Malware may try to spoof amounts or destinations.
Store backups in multiple, secure, offline locations. Consider metal backup solutions for fire/water resilience.
Keep firmware and Ledger Live updated. Updates often patch vulnerabilities or expand features.
Be cautious of phishing links and impostor websites. Always access ledger.com/start directly, not via email links.

Advanced Features & Use Cases

Once you’re comfortable, you can explore advanced capabilities:

Passphrase support: Add an extra layer to your seed with a custom passphrase (effectively generating hidden wallets).
Multisignature & multisig: Use multiple devices or participants to require multiple signatures for transactions.
Web3 / DeFi / dApp connectivity: Use your Ledger with Metamask, WalletConnect, or other interfaces, while keeping your keys offline.
Enterprise & institutional: Use Ledger’s advanced hardware and management tools for business-grade custody.

Support & Resources

If you hit a snag, Ledger provides:

Official help center and support articles.
Video walkthroughs and printable guides.
Community forums and peer support.
Firmware status, alerts, and announcements.

Always ensure you’re on official Ledger sites when accessing support. Scammers often impersonate support pages.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Ledger.com/start safe?: Yes. It is Ledger’s official onboarding portal. Always verify the URL and access it directly (do not click links from uncertain sources).
What if I lose my Ledger device?: If you still have your 24‑word recovery phrase, you can restore your wallet on a new Ledger or compatible device. If you lose both device and phrase, funds are irrecoverable.
Can I use Ledger Live without a device?: No. Ledger Live is designed to interface with a Ledger device for signing — it never stores private keys itself.
How do I know if my Ledger is genuine?: Ledger devices include built-in checks. Also, inspect packaging, anti‑tamper seals, and only buy from trusted sources.
What if I forget my PIN?: You can reset the device, but you’ll need your recovery phrase to restore funds. Without the recovery phrase, funds are lost.