LEDGER / START GUIDE
Menu
Official Ledger site
YOUR FIRST STEPS, MADE CLEAR

Your Ledger.
Your keys.
A confident start.

Set up your Ledger hardware wallet with a simple, security-first walkthrough—from the first connection to your first verified account.

Start the guide Go to Ledger.com/start
Independent guide · Official resources linked
A hardware wallet standing on a sculpted plinth beside a USB-C cable
Security starts with
your own device
01 / GETTING STARTED
TAKE CONTROL, ONE STEP AT A TIME
01Use the official sourceConfirm the address before you download
02Verify the hardwareLet your device screen lead the way
03Keep secrets offlineYour recovery phrase belongs to you

THE SETUP WALKTHROUGH

A secure start,
in four clear steps.

Take your time through each step. Your hardware wallet and its screen are the source of truth—never a message, pop-up, or person asking for your secret phrase.

01
BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Open the official setup page

Type ledger.com/start into your browser yourself. Check that the address is spelled correctly and uses HTTPS. Avoid sponsored search links, direct messages, and QR codes from unverified sources.

Visit Ledger.com/start
Check the URL
before anything else
02
INSTALL THE COMPANION APP

Download Ledger Live

Choose Ledger Live for a supported desktop or mobile device from the official setup page. Follow the install instructions and keep the app updated. If a download prompt appears somewhere else, stop and return to the official site.

Only install software from Ledger’s official domain.
Desktop or
supported mobile
03
INITIALIZE YOUR DEVICE

Follow the instructions on screen

Connect or power on your device and use its buttons or touchscreen to proceed. Choose to set up as a new device or restore your own existing wallet. Create your PIN directly on the hardware wallet—never share it with anyone.

Your device should generate its own recovery phrase.
Confirm actions
on your device
04
VERIFY & CONNECT

Run the genuine check

In Ledger Live, complete the authenticity or genuine check when prompted. Approve prompts only when they match what you intended and confirm important details on the device screen. Then add the accounts you need in the app.

A genuine check does not require your recovery phrase.
Verify before
adding accounts

Menu names and connection options may differ by Ledger model and app version. Use Ledger’s official documentation for model-specific instructions.

THE MOST IMPORTANT RULE

YOUR RECOVERY PHRASE

Your 24 words are
yours. Always.

Your recovery phrase is the master backup to your wallet. Anyone who gets it can take your assets. Write it down privately, store it offline, and never photograph or share it.

× Never enter it on a website or computer
× Never share it with “support” or anyone else
× Never use a phrase supplied with a new device
Learn from Ledger Academy
LEDGER WILL NEVER ASK FOR YOUR RECOVERY PHRASE KEEP IT OFFLINE

BOOKMARK THE REAL THING

Go straight to
official resources.

For downloads, the latest model-specific instructions, and support, start on Ledger’s own website. Always confirm the domain yourself.

DEVICE SETUPLedger.com/startBegin setup and find official app downloads. HELP CENTERLedger SupportLook up product instructions and troubleshooting. LEARN THE BASICSLedger AcademyExplore clear explainers on wallet security.

GOOD TO KNOW

A few things
you might wonder.

Clear answers for the questions that come up when setting up a hardware wallet for the first time.

01What is Ledger.com/start?
Ledger.com/start is Ledger’s official entry point for guided device setup and access to Ledger Live. Before downloading anything, check the address bar carefully and confirm you are on ledger.com over HTTPS.
02Do I need to enter my 24-word recovery phrase to set up Ledger Live?
No. Never type your recovery phrase into a website, app, computer, or phone. Your phrase is entered only on your Ledger device when you are restoring a wallet, and should never be requested by support.
03How can I verify a new Ledger device?
Use the genuine check in Ledger Live and follow the instructions on the device screen. Complete setup directly on the hardware wallet, and reject a device or app that asks you to share your recovery phrase.
04Can I use a Ledger device with a phone?
Many Ledger models work with Ledger Live on supported iOS or Android devices, though connection options vary by model. Check the official compatibility details for your specific device before beginning.
05What if my device is already initialized when I receive it?
A new device should not arrive with a pre-filled recovery phrase or ask you to use a phrase supplied in the box. Do not use a pre-written phrase; contact Ledger support through the official website and follow their guidance.

READY WHEN YOU ARE

Start with the
official source.

Take the next step on Ledger’s official setup page. Verify the web address, then let your device guide you.

Continue to Ledger.com/start Always keep your recovery phrase private.