Ledger Wallet™ is your all-in-one crypto wallet app to confidently and conveniently manage all your digital assets from one secure place while keeping your private keys offline, far from hackers' reach.
Ledger.com/start is the official gateway to securing your cryptocurrency journey. In an era where digital assets represent significant value, protecting your investments with hardware-backed security is no longer optional—it's essential. This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of setting up your Ledger hardware wallet, from the initial download to advanced security practices that will keep your crypto safe for years to come.
Unlike software wallets that store your private keys on internet-connected devices, Ledger hardware wallets keep your keys completely offline in a secure chip. This means even if your computer is compromised by malware, your funds remain safe. The Ledger.com/start page ensures you download genuine software directly from Ledger, eliminating the risk of counterfeit applications or phishing attempts.
Ledger devices utilize a Secure Element chip—the same technology used in credit cards and passports. This certified chip physically isolates your private keys from any external threats. When you initiate a transaction, the signing happens entirely within this secure environment. Your computer or phone only receives the signed transaction, never your private keys. This architecture makes it virtually impossible for attackers to extract your keys, even with physical access to your device (assuming they don't have your PIN).
During setup at Ledger.com/start, your device generates a 24-word recovery phrase (sometimes called a seed phrase). This phrase is the mathematical root of all your private keys and serves as the ultimate backup. If your device is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can restore complete access to your funds on a new Ledger device using this phrase. However, this power comes with responsibility: anyone who obtains your recovery phrase can access your funds. Never store it digitally, never photograph it, and never share it with anyone—including Ledger support staff.
Navigate to ledger.com/start using a trusted browser. Bookmark this page to avoid phishing sites that mimic the official domain. The page will automatically detect your operating system and recommend the appropriate Ledger Live application version.
Click the download button for your platform. Ledger Live is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. The application is free and serves as your central hub for managing all supported cryptocurrencies. On desktop platforms, verify the digital signature after download to ensure authenticity.
Install Ledger Live following standard procedures for your operating system. On first launch, the application will guide you through the initial configuration. Grant necessary permissions, especially on mobile devices where Bluetooth access is required for wireless connectivity.
Connect your Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, or other model using the provided USB cable, or pair via Bluetooth if supported. If this is a new device, select "Set up as new device." The genuine check will verify your device has authentic Ledger firmware and hasn't been tampered with.
Use the physical buttons on your Ledger device to create a 4-8 digit PIN. This PIN protects against unauthorized physical access. After three incorrect attempts, the device wipes itself, requiring restoration from your recovery phrase. Choose a PIN that balances security with memorability—avoid obvious patterns like 1234.
Your device will display 24 words, one at a time. Write each word in the exact order on the recovery sheet provided with your device. Use a pen, not pencil, to prevent fading. Double-check each word for spelling accuracy. Store this sheet in a secure location, preferably a safe or safety deposit box. Consider creating a second copy stored in a geographically separate location.
The device will quiz you on random words from your recovery phrase to ensure you recorded them correctly. This step is crucial—failing to properly back up your phrase means permanent loss of funds if your device is lost.
Within Ledger Live, navigate to the Manager section. Install apps for each cryptocurrency you plan to manage. Each app is a small program that enables your device to handle that specific blockchain. Popular options include Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Cardano, and hundreds more.
Create accounts for each cryptocurrency. For Bitcoin, you can choose between Native SegWit (recommended for lower fees), SegWit, or Legacy address formats. For Ethereum, your single address can manage ETH and all ERC-20 tokens.
Before moving large amounts, send a small test transaction to verify everything works correctly. Generate a receiving address in Ledger Live, verify it matches exactly on your device screen, then send a small amount from an exchange or another wallet. Wait for confirmation, then try sending it back. This test builds confidence and familiarizes you with the process.
Before confirming any transaction, verify the recipient address on your Ledger's physical screen. Malware can alter addresses displayed on your computer, but it cannot modify what your hardware device shows.
Ledger regularly releases firmware updates that patch security vulnerabilities and add new features. Only update through Ledger Live—never download firmware from external sources.
Scammers create fake Ledger websites and support accounts. Bookmark ledger.com/start and use that bookmark exclusively. Ledger will never email you asking for your recovery phrase or PIN.
Paper can be destroyed by fire, water, or simple deterioration. Metal recovery phrase backup solutions provide superior protection for long-term storage.
Ledger Live integrates with trusted payment providers, allowing you to purchase cryptocurrency using credit cards, debit cards, or bank transfers. Rates are competitive, and the crypto goes directly to your hardware-secured wallet, eliminating exchange custody risk.
The built-in swap feature lets you exchange one cryptocurrency for another without leaving the security of your wallet. Multiple swap providers compete for your business, often resulting in better rates than traditional exchanges. All transactions require confirmation on your device, maintaining security.
For supported Proof-of-Stake cryptocurrencies like Ethereum, Polkadot, Cosmos, and Tezos, you can stake directly from Ledger Live. Staking allows you to earn rewards (typically 4-12% annually) while contributing to network security. Your staked assets remain under your control, unlike exchange staking where the platform has custody.
Use WalletConnect or browser extensions to connect your Ledger to decentralized finance (DeFi) applications. Trade on decentralized exchanges, provide liquidity, borrow against your crypto, and access other DeFi services—all while keeping your keys secure in your hardware device.
Try a different USB port, use the original cable, update Ledger Live to the latest version, or try a different computer to isolate the issue.
Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone, forget and re-pair the device, keep your device within 10 feet of your phone, and verify your Ledger battery is charged.
Check the blockchain explorer for confirmation status. Bitcoin and Ethereum transactions during high network congestion may take longer. You may be able to speed up Ethereum transactions using the Replace by Fee feature.
After three incorrect PIN attempts, your device wipes itself as a security measure. You'll need to restore from your recovery phrase. This is why backing up your phrase is critical.
If you still have your device and PIN, immediately transfer all funds to a new wallet, then set up your Ledger as a new device with a new recovery phrase.
Visit ledger.com/start today to download Ledger Live and begin your journey to true cryptocurrency ownership. Your keys, your coins, your future.