Ledger.com/start® — Starting Up Your Device

Clear, security-first steps to unbox, initialize, and secure your Ledger™ hardware wallet.

Introduction

Welcome — this guide walks you through everything you need to get your Ledger™ device up and running securely. It covers package inspection, genuine verification, device initialization, PIN selection, recovery seed handling, firmware updates, and best practices for your first live transaction. Follow these steps carefully and always use official Ledger resources linked from ledger.com/start.

Before you begin

Prepare a quiet, private workspace and a reliable computer. Avoid public or shared machines. Have a pen and the physical recovery cards included in the package. Important items to check:

  • Box condition and tamper-evident seals
  • Included USB cable and documentation
  • Recovery cards for writing down your seed
  • Access to https://ledger.com/start typed directly into your browser

Step 1 — Inspect the packaging

Examine the box for tamper evidence. Genuine Ledger products use specific seals and packaging—if anything looks compromised or previously opened, stop and contact official support. Counterfeit devices are a known threat; validating packaging reduces initial risk.

Step 2 — Download official Ledger Live

  1. Visit ledger.com/start and follow links to download Ledger Live for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
  2. Only download installers from the official domain. Avoid links from search results or email messages.
  3. Optional: verify the installer checksum or digital signature if you are familiar with those processes.

Tip: Ledger Live is the official companion app for managing your device, installing apps on the device, and performing transactions.

Step 3 — Connect and power up

Connect your Ledger device to the computer using the supplied USB cable. Launch Ledger Live and follow the on-screen instructions to begin setup. The app will guide you to either create a new device or recover from an existing seed.

Step 4 — Genuine check and device attestation

During setup Ledger Live will perform a genuine check. This verifies that the device firmware is authentic and that the device has not been tampered with. Follow the prompts and confirm any verification codes or fingerprints shown in the app and on the device screen. If the genuine check fails, disconnect the device and contact official support immediately.

Step 5 — Initialize and choose a PIN

Choose "Set up as new device" if you are starting fresh. You will be prompted to create a PIN. The PIN protects the device from unauthorized local access. Choose a PIN that is not easily guessable — avoid simple sequences (e.g., 1234) and keep it private. Do not store the PIN with your recovery seed.

Step 6 — Write down and secure your recovery seed

The device will generate a recovery seed (typically 24 words) that allows you to restore your wallet on another compatible device. This seed is the master key for your funds—anyone with it can access your assets.

  • Write the seed words on the supplied recovery card in the exact order shown.
  • Make multiple physical copies and store them in separate, secure locations (e.g., safe deposit box, home safe).
  • Never photograph or store the seed digitally (phones, cloud storage, screenshots).

Warning: If your recovery seed is exposed, move funds to a new wallet immediately. Ledger will never ask for your recovery seed via email or phone.

Step 7 — Firmware updates

After setup, Ledger Live may offer firmware updates. Firmware updates contain security improvements and feature updates—only install updates offered by Ledger Live or the official website. During the update the device will display verification prompts; confirm them on the device. Do not accept firmware from unknown sources.

Step 8 — Install apps and add accounts

Ledger devices use small onboard apps to support different blockchains. Use Ledger Live's Manager to install only the apps you need, and add accounts for each supported currency. Be mindful of device storage limits—remove unused apps if necessary.

Step 9 — Test with a small transaction

Perform a small test transaction before moving significant funds. When receiving funds, always verify the receive address on the device's screen, not just in the app. When sending, verify the destination address and amount on the device before approving. This prevents address substitution or compromised host attacks.

Step 10 — Ongoing security practices

  • Keep Ledger Live and your operating system updated.
  • Never share your recovery seed or enter it into any app or website.
  • Keep multiple, geographically separated backups of your seed.
  • Consider enabling passphrase-protected hidden wallets for extra security.
  • Use multi-signature solutions for high-value holdings.

Troubleshooting

  • Device not detected: try a different USB cable or port and ensure Ledger Live has the necessary permissions.
  • Genuine check issues: reconnect, ensure you are on the official site, and contact support if problems persist.
  • Forgot PIN: factory reset is required; recover using your recovery seed.

Recovery and lost device guidance

If your device is lost or damaged, obtain a new genuine Ledger device and choose "Restore from recovery phrase" during setup. Enter your seed exactly and set a new PIN. If you suspect your seed has been compromised, move funds to a new wallet with a newly generated seed immediately.

Advanced options

Passphrase (optional advanced security)

A passphrase adds an extra word to your seed and creates hidden wallets. This increases security but also adds complexity—if you forget the passphrase you will lose access to those funds. Treat passphrases like high-value secrets and store them securely offline.

Multi-signature and enterprise setups

For organizations and high-value holders, multi-signature schemes spread signing authority across multiple devices and participants, reducing single-point-of-failure and insider risk. These setups require careful planning for backups and recovery.