Ledger.com/Start® | Secure Your Crypto

A practical, step-by-step 1500-word guide to securely starting your Ledger device and Ledger Live — from unboxing to advanced security practices, with colourful highlights to guide you through each critical step.

Essentials before you start

Work in a secure environment, ensure your internet connection is trusted, and avoid public Wi‑Fi during setup. Have your recovery sheet handy and never store it digitally. Download Ledger Live only from the official Ledger site: ledger.com/start.

Official Source

ledger.com/start

Backups

Seed phrase on paper/metal

Models

Ledger Nano S Plus / Nano X

1. Unboxing & Inspection

Your package should include the Ledger device, USB cable (or USB-C), recovery sheet, and documentation. Check the packaging seal and ensure there are no signs of tampering. If anything seems off, contact the seller or Ledger support before proceeding.

2. Install Ledger Live

Download Ledger Live from ledger.com/start. Ledger Live is the official app for initializing your device, installing apps, managing accounts, and performing firmware updates. Install, launch, and choose "Get Started".

3. Initialize Your Device

  • Connect your Ledger to the computer or phone and open Ledger Live.
  • Choose "Initialize as new device" unless restoring from an existing seed.
  • Follow on-screen steps to set a PIN directly on the device.

The PIN is entered on the device — this prevents keyloggers on your computer from capturing it.

4. Write Down Your Recovery Phrase

Ledger generates a 24-word recovery phrase. Write each word in order on the supplied recovery sheet or a purpose-built metal backup. This phrase restores access to your crypto if the device is lost, stolen, or damaged.

  • Never photograph or store the seed electronically.
  • Consider multiple geographic backups for disaster resilience.
  • Use a metal backup for durability against fire and water.

5. Firmware & App Installation

Ledger Live will prompt you to install the latest firmware and the apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) on your device. Always verify firmware prompts on the device screen and read the release notes in Ledger Live before applying updates to high-value cold storage.

6. Add Accounts in Ledger Live

  • Use Ledger Live to add accounts for supported cryptocurrencies.
  • Label accounts clearly for bookkeeping (e.g., "Savings — BTC").
  • Ledger Live displays balances, transaction history, and portfolio value.

7. Sending & Receiving Crypto Safely

  • To receive: copy the address from Ledger Live and verify the address on your device screen before sharing.
  • To send: enter the recipient and amount in Ledger Live, then confirm the transaction details directly on your device display.
  • Always verify the entire address and amount on the hardware device to prevent malware altering transaction details.

8. Passphrase (Optional Advanced Protection)

A passphrase adds another layer — effectively a 25th word. It creates separate hidden wallets derived from the same seed. Use it for high-value accounts, but treat it as an independent secret: losing the passphrase means losing access to that wallet.

9. Backups & Recovery Testing

Regularly check that your recovery phrase is readable and accessible. Perform a test recovery on a spare device (without funds) to ensure your backup method works. This simple rehearsal can prevent catastrophic loss later.

10. Security Best Practices

  • Always confirm transaction details on the Ledger device screen.
  • Use strong, unique PINs and never share your recovery phrase.
  • Keep Ledger Live and device firmware up to date; check release notes.
  • Beware of phishing — type ledger.com into the address bar or use a verified bookmark.
  • Consider air-gapped setups for large cold-storage holdings.

11. Troubleshooting & Support

  • Device not recognized: try a different cable, port, or host (desktop/phone).
  • Firmware update failed: retry in Ledger Live; contact Ledger support if persistent.
  • Restore issues: ensure correct word order and spelling; use the exact BIP39 wordlist if needed.
  • For account issues, consult Ledger's official support and community resources.

12. Advanced Workflows

  • Use Ledger Live with third-party wallets for advanced DeFi interactions — only approve signatures you fully understand and confirm on-device.
  • Watch-only wallets: export XPUBs to monitor balances on separate machines without exposing signing keys.
  • Institutional setups: consider multisig, HSMs, or custody solutions for large-scale security.

Final Checklist

1. Verify package & download Ledger Live from ledger.com/start 2. Initialize device and set a strong PIN 3. Write and secure your 24-word recovery phrase (metal recommended) 4. Install firmware & apps through Ledger Live and verify on-device 5. Add and label accounts in Ledger Live 6. Verify every transaction on your Ledger device screen 7. Test recovery periodically on a spare device 8. Keep software updated and watch for phishing attempts

Conclusion

Setting up your Ledger device carefully is the most important step toward securing your crypto. By following Ledger's official guidance, using Ledger Live, and adhering to strong backup and verification practices, you greatly reduce the risk of loss or theft. Use this guide as a living checklist — revisit it whenever you perform key operations.