Ledger® Live Wallet

Getting Started™ • Ledger.com/Start®

Getting started with Ledger® Live — secure, practical, and clear

This guide is built to take you from zero to comfortable: download Ledger Live, pair your Ledger hardware device, set up accounts, and follow essential security steps so you can send and receive crypto confidently.

Starter checklist

1. Verify package

Check seals and included items.

2. Create PIN

Set a secure device PIN.

3. Record recovery

Write the recovery phrase offline.

4. Install Ledger Live

Download from official site and add accounts.

Official start — Ledger.com/Start® Ledger Live download

Getting Started — full walkthrough

Ledger Live is the secure companion application for Ledger hardware wallets. It helps you manage assets while ensuring private keys never leave your hardware device. This walkthrough covers practical steps and helpful tips for users at every level.

Step 1 — Before you begin: buy from official channels

Only buy Ledger devices from the official store or authorized resellers listed on the official website. Counterfeit or tampered devices are a serious risk. Verify your retailer and keep proof of purchase; if you have concerns, visit Ledger Shop or check Ledger.com/Start® for authorized reseller information.

Step 2 — Unbox and inspect

Open the box and confirm tamper-evident seals and included accessories (device, cable, recovery sheets, documentation). Do not use a device with broken seals. If the package looks altered, contact Ledger Support immediately.

Step 3 — Power on & set PIN

Connect your Ledger device to your computer or mobile device. Follow on-screen prompts to select a language and choose Create a new device. Choose a PIN that is both memorable and resistant to guessing. Your PIN provides device-level protection — if forgotten, recovery phrase is required to restore access.

Step 4 — Record your recovery phrase

During setup your device will generate a recovery phrase (usually 24 words). Write them down in order on the recovery sheet provided. Store the sheet offline and consider a secondary physical backup in a separate secure location. Never take pictures or store your recovery words on a computer, cloud drive, or phone. Ledger Support will never ask for these words — keep them confidential. Learn more at the Recovery Guidance page.

Step 5 — Install Ledger Live

Download Ledger Live from the official download page: Ledger Live download. Install the app for your operating system and launch it. Use the onboarding wizard to connect your Ledger device and follow the steps to install blockchain apps and add accounts.

Step 6 — Add accounts and verify addresses

In Ledger Live's Accounts tab, add specific cryptocurrency accounts by installing the corresponding apps on the device. When receiving funds, always use Ledger Live to generate an address and confirm that the same address appears on your hardware device screen before sharing it. This hardware confirmation prevents host-device address tampering.

Step 7 — Sending and approving transactions

When you send tokens, build the transaction in Ledger Live and then approve the transaction on your Ledger device. Carefully verify recipient address, amount, and fees on the device's screen. The device signs the transaction offline and returns a signature to Ledger Live for broadcast.

Step 8 — Firmware and app updates

Keep firmware and Ledger Live updated. Perform updates only through Ledger Live and official pages. If an unexpected prompt appears on your device or in a webpage, disconnect and verify sources via Ledger Blog or Support.

Step 9 — Essential security practices

Security requires both hardware and good habits. Key recommendations:

  • Never share your recovery phrase; store it offline and securely.
  • Download Ledger Live from official links only: Ledger Live download or Ledger.com/Start®.
  • Verify addresses and transaction details on the Ledger device screen.
  • Use a strong PIN and consider an additional passphrase for extra separation.
  • Limit the use of public or untrusted computers for sensitive operations.

Step 10 — Troubleshooting and recovery

If you lose access to your device, you can restore your accounts on a new Ledger device or compatible wallet using your recovery phrase. If the device behaves unexpectedly (unresponsive, unexpected prompts), disconnect, update Ledger Live, and consult Ledger Support. For community tips, visit Ledger Community but always cross-check with official documentation.

Ten essential links (quick reference)

  1. Ledger.com/Start® — official getting started
  2. Ledger Live download
  3. Ledger Support
  4. Recovery guidance
  5. Security Center
  6. Blog & announcements
  7. Official shop
  8. Community forums
  9. Privacy Policy
  10. Terms & Conditions

This Getting Started™ page is an informational companion to the official onboarding flow available at Ledger.com/Start®. For official downloads, firmware updates, and support use the links above and consult Ledger Support for account-specific assistance.