Get Started™ with Ledger.Com/Start®®| Ledger Support
Independent educational guide. This page is not affiliated with or endorsed by Ledger. Always use Ledger’s official website and support channels for device setup.
Getting started with a hardware wallet should feel straightforward—and secure. This guide walks through the essentials of Ledger wallet setup, from finding the official Ledger Live app to protecting your recovery phrase. Take your time and follow the instructions displayed on your own device.
Security first: Never share your 24-word recovery phrase with anyone, type it into a website or app, or photograph it. Ledger support will never ask you for it.
Before you begin
Use a computer or phone you trust, install current operating-system updates, and keep your Ledger hardware wallet nearby. For Ledger.com start instructions, navigate to ledger.com/start by typing the address yourself. Check the domain carefully before continuing; sponsored search results, unsolicited messages, and look-alike websites can lead to harmful downloads.
Choose the instructions for your exact device model. If the package, device, or setup flow seems unexpected, pause and consult the official Ledger Support site instead of following links sent by strangers.
Install Ledger Live from an official source
Ledger Live is the companion app used to configure a supported device and manage crypto accounts. For a Ledger Live App Download, choose Ledger Live Desktop or the mobile app only from the official download page at ledger.com/ledger-live, or use the official app-store links listed there. Confirm the publisher and app name before installing; avoid third-party download portals and unsolicited attachments.
Open the app, connect or pair your device as directed, and complete any genuine firmware update shown by the official app. Keep the device connected through the update and confirm actions on its screen. If an update fails, use Ledger’s official troubleshooting instructions rather than resetting or restoring your wallet based on an unverified message.
Set up your device and recovery phrase
Follow the on-device prompts to create a new wallet, choose a PIN directly on the hardware wallet, and write down the recovery phrase exactly as instructed. Store it offline in a private, durable place that only you can access. Anyone who obtains this phrase may be able to control the assets secured by it, so never share it—even with someone claiming to be a support agent.
Do not enter the recovery phrase into Ledger Live, a browser, a phone, a cloud document, or a support form. A recovery phrase is only entered on your own genuine hardware device when you deliberately restore a wallet. If a website asks for it to “verify,” “synchronize,” or “unlock” your account, leave that site immediately.
Connect safely and use the right apps
Once setup is complete, use Ledger Live to add the account types you need and review each transaction carefully. Verify the address and transaction details on the hardware wallet screen itself before approving. An app display alone is not a substitute for checking the information on your device.
Searches for “Ledger Live Login” or “Ledger Wallet Extension” can surface unofficial pages. Avoid signing in through links in email or direct messages, and do not install browser extensions unless Ledger’s current official documentation specifically directs you to one. The Ledger Live app does not need your recovery phrase, and no legitimate login screen should request it.
Troubleshooting and support
If Ledger Live does not recognize your wallet, try a trusted data-capable cable or another USB port, close other wallet applications, and restart the app and device. Check that the app and device firmware are current using official Ledger instructions. For Bluetooth pairing, confirm Bluetooth is enabled and follow the steps for your specific model.
For anything involving a lost PIN, suspected scam, unexpected transaction, or recovery, stop and read the official guidance at support.ledger.com. Never share your recovery phrase to get help. Taking a moment to verify every URL, download, and device prompt is the most valuable part of a secure Ledger wallet setup.
Frequently asked questions
Keep these basics in mind as you set up and use your wallet.
Where should I start setting up a Ledger wallet?
Type ledger.com/start directly into your browser and follow the instructions for your device. Check the domain before downloading anything.
Where can I find the official Ledger Live App Download?
Use the official Ledger Live download page for the desktop app or current mobile app-store links. Avoid third-party download sites.
Does Ledger Support ever need my recovery phrase?
No. Never disclose or type your recovery phrase into an app, website, message, or form. Anyone asking for it is not providing legitimate support.
Is a Ledger Live login the same as my device PIN?
No. Your PIN is entered on your hardware device. Do not trust a web page that asks for your recovery phrase or claims it needs your secret phrase to log in.
Should I install a Ledger Wallet browser extension?
Only install software that current official Ledger documentation specifically recommends, and verify the publisher. Do not follow extension links from unsolicited messages or ads.
What should I do if my device is not detected?
Try a known data-capable cable, a different port, and a restart. Then consult the model-specific troubleshooting steps on the official Ledger Support website.