Ledger Start
ledger.com/start — quick setup & best practices
Official Get Started
Start Securely

Ledger.com/start — Secure your crypto with Ledger Live and your hardware device

Ledger Start is a short, practical guide to get you from unboxed device to confident crypto management. Install Ledger Live, create or restore an account, back up your recovery safely, and learn a few professional tips that protect you against common mistakes.

Download Ledger Live Step-by-step setup
Quick links: Why Ledger • Security tips • Common questions

One place to manage

Ledger Live integrates portfolio tracking, sending/receiving, staking, and firmware updates — backed by the offline security of a Ledger hardware device.

Why this page

This page is a simple, colorful start guide for new and returning Ledger users. Follow the timeline below and bookmark ledger.com/start for future updates.

Why Ledger Live + hardware wallet?

Managing crypto safely requires two simple principles: keep private keys offline and verify every transaction on a trusted device. Ledger hardware wallets provide a secure element that stores your private keys and signs transactions internally. Ledger Live is the desktop/mobile app that connects to your device, shows a clear interface for balances, and helps you interact with exchanges, staking services, and decentralized apps. Together they provide a strong balance of usability and security that suits both beginners and advanced users.

Real benefits

  • Private keys never leave your Ledger device
  • Human-approved transaction signing (on-device)
  • Regular firmware & app updates for security
  • Support for many coins and tokens

Instant trust

Ledger Start guides you through verified downloads and device checks so you only use official software from ledger.com.

Colorful, simple

A modern, readable interface and quick calls-to-action reduce setup friction and bring attention to critical safety steps.

Setup timeline — 5 steps to be ready

1
Unbox & Inspect

Make sure the box and tamper seal look intact. Ledger packaging is minimal — if anything seems suspicious, pause and verify source.

2
Download Ledger Live

Always visit ledger.com/start or ledger.com to download the official installer. Never trust attachments or mirrored downloads from unknown sites.

3
Create or Restore

Follow the app prompts: create a new device or restore an existing recovery phrase. If new, write the recovery on the provided card and store it offline.

4
Backup & Verify

The recovery phrase is your backup. Confirm the words on the device and consider a hardware backup method (e.g., steel plate) for durability.

5
Start managing

Add accounts in Ledger Live, receive a small test transaction, and confirm details on-device before sending larger amounts.

Simple features you’ll use daily

Portfolio overview

Track your balances across many coins and tokens in one place with real-time price updates.

Send & receive securely

All outgoing transactions must be approved on your Ledger device ensuring correct destinations and amounts.

Firmware updates

Ledger Live conveniently notifies you about official firmware updates and helps you apply them safely.

Staking & services

Participate in staking, earn yield, or connect to approved third-party services via Ledger Live.

Practical tips — protect your recovery and sanity

Security is mostly about habits. Here are compact, practical tips that go beyond the initial setup and keep your funds safe for years:

Never type your recovery phrase into a computer or phone. Always write it down on paper or better — use a metal backup designed for seed storage. Treat it like the master key to a vault. If someone accesses your phrase, they can recreate your wallet on any device.

Use separate devices for recovery tests. When testing restore procedures, use a spare device when possible. That minimizes the risk to your primary setup.

Minimal exposure during transactions. For important transfers, confirm recipient addresses directly on your device screen and avoid copy-paste when possible. Tiny clipboard malware can replace pasted addresses; on-device confirmation prevents this attack.

Keep software updated. Ledger Live and device firmware receive updates for new features and security hardening. Keep automatic updates on when available and follow official channels for release notes.

Frequently asked questions

Is Ledger Live free to use? +
Yes. Ledger Live is free to download and use. The Ledger hardware device is sold separately and secures your private keys locally on the device.
Can I recover my wallet if I lose my device? +
Yes. If you have your 24-word recovery phrase (or 12/18 depending on model), you can restore your wallet on another compatible device. Keep that phrase safe and offline.
Where to download Ledger Live? +
Download only from ledger.com/start or ledger.com. Avoid third-party mirrors or attachments from unknown sources.
Quick start — Download Ledger Live