Get Started with Ledger | Ledger.com/Start

Introduction

Welcome! If you've just unboxed a Ledger device or you're considering buying one, this guide is designed to walk you through the essentials — safely and clearly. We'll cover what a Ledger device is, why hardware wallets matter, an easy setup path, security best practices, how to use Ledger Live (the companion app), and where to find official help.

This article is a practical how-to. Always follow Ledger's official pages for firmware updates, purchases, and support; direct official resources are linked at the end of this article.

What is a Ledger hardware wallet?

Secure cold storage for your crypto

A Ledger hardware wallet (for example, the Ledger Nano series) stores your private keys in a secure element — a tamper-resistant chip. The keys never leave the device. Transactions are signed inside the device, which minimizes exposure to malware on your computer or phone.

Why use a hardware wallet?

• Control: You hold your private keys (true ownership).
• Resilience: Resistant to most remote attacks and keyloggers.
• Compatibility: Works with Ledger Live and many third-party wallets and dApps.

Quick start — the simple path (recommended for first-time users)

Step 1: Buy from an official channel

Purchase directly from Ledger or from an authorized reseller. Buying used, or from an unofficial marketplace increases the risk of tampering. See the official Ledger pages linked below for verified purchase options.

Step 2: Unbox and check the seal

Inspect packaging for tamper evidence. Ledger devices ship with a set of recovery sheets and simple packaging. If anything seems off, contact Ledger support immediately.

Step 3: Install Ledger Live

Download and install Ledger Live — the official desktop and mobile companion. Use the Ledger.com official download page to ensure you get a legitimate copy.

Step 4: Initialize your device

1. Power on the device and choose Set up as new device (unless you are restoring).
2. Create a PIN (do this on the device, not on your computer).
3. Write down the recovery phrase (24 words for most Ledger devices) on the official recovery sheet — never store it digitally.

Step 5: Install apps & add accounts

From Ledger Live, install the currency-specific app (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) to the device and add accounts inside Ledger Live. Use the app to receive, send, and manage assets.

Security best practices (must-read)

Keep your recovery phrase offline and secret

Your recovery phrase is the master key to your crypto. Write it down on the supplied sheet, store it in a secure place, and never share it. No legitimate support representative will ever ask for your 24 words.

Never enter recovery words into a website or app

Recovery words belong only on the device (during setup) and on your physical backup. Entering them into a computer, phone, or cloud service risks theft.

Use a strong PIN and keep it secret

Choose a PIN you can remember but that others can’t guess. If the device is lost, the PIN prevents immediate access; the recovery phrase is the final restore mechanism.

Verify addresses on your device

When sending funds, always confirm the destination address on the Ledger device screen — malware on your computer may show a different address if you only trust the computer display.

Extra safety: consider a metal backup

For high-value holdings, use a metal backup plate for your recovery words to protect them against fire, water, and time. Store backups in a safe or deposit box if appropriate.

Using Ledger Live: the companion app

What Ledger Live does

Ledger Live lets you view balances, manage multiple accounts, install currency apps onto your device, and perform sends and receives. It also shows firmware updates and app updates.

Basic flow for transactions

1. Open Ledger Live and connect your Ledger device.
2. Choose the account and click "Send" or "Receive".
3. Confirm the details on your computer and verify + approve the transaction on the device screen.

Firmware & app updates

Keep firmware and apps updated using Ledger Live. Updates often include security improvements — verify update prompts on the device screen before approval.

Mobile vs Desktop

Ledger Live is available on mobile (iOS/Android) and desktop (Windows/macOS/Linux). Use the version that fits your workflow. For large transfers, many users prefer desktop for visibility; mobile is convenient for quick checks.

Troubleshooting & recovery

Lost or damaged device

If your Ledger device is lost or damaged, you can restore accounts on a new Ledger device (or compatible wallet) using the 24-word recovery phrase. This is why safe, offline storage of the phrase is critical.

Scams & impersonation

Scammers often impersonate support. Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase. If someone asks, it’s a scam. Use the official Support page for contact details.

Contacting official support

When in doubt, use Ledger's official support channels. Avoid public social media DMs and never follow links in suspicious messages.

Beyond basics — integrations, DeFi, and dApps

Connecting to dApps

Ledger devices work with a variety of wallets and browser extensions (for example, MetaMask) that support hardware signing. Always ensure the dApp is reputable and verify every transaction on the device.

Multi-chain support

Ledger supports hundreds of coins and tokens. Some chains require third-party wallet integration; Ledger Live covers many of the popular ones natively.

Using with exchanges

You can receive funds from exchanges into your Ledger addresses. For withdrawals from exchanges, confirm the destination address carefully and consider small test withdrawals for the first transfer.

Official resources (10 official Ledger links)

Below are ten official Ledger pages you may need — downloads, start page, product pages, and support. Always prefer these official links when downloading, buying, or seeking help.

Tip: Bookmark Ledger's official support and Ledger Live pages. Avoid download or purchase links from unknown third parties.

FAQ — quick answers to common questions

Can I recover my funds on another wallet?

Yes — your recovery phrase typically follows BIP39/BIP44 standards and can be used to restore compatible wallets. Be careful: some wallets and chains use different derivation paths; verify compatibility first.

Is Ledger Live required?

Ledger Live is convenient and official, but you can use many third-party wallets with Ledger devices (e.g., MetaMask, Electrum). Always verify compatibility and check official guides.

How many coins can Ledger hold?

Ledger devices support hundreds of coins. The device can run multiple currency apps; each app consumes device space. Ledger Live manages installed apps.

Wrapping up — your next steps

Getting started with a Ledger device is straightforward if you follow official setup steps and adhere to security best practices: buy official, protect your recovery phrase, verify addresses on-device, and update firmware via Ledger Live.

Small checklist before you go

• Confirm purchase from an official channel.
• Install Ledger Live from the official page.
• Create a strong PIN and write your recovery phrase on paper/metal only.
• Verify every transaction on your Ledger device screen.
• Keep firmware and apps up to date via Ledger Live.

If you follow these steps, you'll be well on your way to safely managing your crypto using Ledger.