Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start® — Getting started

Welcome to Ledger® — this guide walks you through setting up your Ledger hardware wallet and the Ledger Live app. Follow these steps to securely initialize your device, create a recovery, and manage your assets on Ledger Live.

What you’ll need

Your Ledger device (Ledger Nano S Plus or Ledger Nano X).
A computer or smartphone with an internet connection.
A USB cable (included with Nano S Plus) or Bluetooth-enabled phone for Nano X.
A quiet, private place to write down your recovery phrase.

Before you begin — security basics

Ledger devices isolate your private keys from internet-connected devices. Your recovery phrase (24 words for most models) is the only backup of your accounts — never share it, type it into a website, or store it digitally. Ledger will never ask for your 24-word recovery phrase.

Warning: If anyone asks for your recovery phrase, seed, or private keys, it is a scam. Do not share these with anyone. Ledger support will never contact you unsolicited asking for your recovery phrase.

Step 1 — Install Ledger Live

Download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website at ledger.com. Choose the installer for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux) or the Ledger Live mobile app from the App Store / Google Play. Always verify you downloaded Ledger Live from the official site.

Step 2 — Connect your device

Open Ledger Live and follow the on-screen prompts. When instructed, connect your Ledger device via USB (or pair via Bluetooth for Nano X) and power it on. If your device shows a welcome screen, use the buttons to navigate and confirm actions.

Ledger Live setup screenshot — Ledger Live: device initialization and account setup screen.

Step 3 — Initialize your device

You will be given two options on the device: create a new wallet or restore from a recovery phrase. To start fresh, select Create a new device. The device will prompt you to choose a PIN. Choose a PIN you can remember but that others cannot guess. Use the device buttons to confirm each digit.

After setting a PIN, your Ledger will generate a recovery phrase. Write each word on the recovery sheet included with your device, in the exact order shown. Double-check spelling and order — this phrase is critical to recover your funds if the device is lost or damaged.

Step 4 — Verify your recovery phrase

Ledger devices will ask you to confirm a small number of words from your recovery phrase to ensure you recorded them correctly. Only confirm words using the device interface — never confirm your words on a connected computer or phone screen.

Step 5 — Add accounts in Ledger Live

Once initialization is complete, open Ledger Live and go to Accounts > Add account. Choose the cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.) and follow the prompts. Ledger Live will derive your public addresses from the hardware wallet — your private keys remain in the device.

Step 6 — Receive and send crypto

To receive crypto, select an account and click Receive. Ledger Live will display an address; verify the same address on your Ledger device screen before sharing it. For sending, create a transaction in Ledger Live and confirm the transaction details on the device before approving.

Tips for long-term security

Store your recovery sheet somewhere safe, dry, and private — consider a fire-resistant safe or a safety deposit box.
Never store your recovery phrase digitally (photos, cloud storage, note apps).
Use a strong PIN and never enter it in front of others.
Keep your Ledger firmware and Ledger Live app updated to the latest versions — Ledger Live will notify you when updates are available.

Troubleshooting common issues

If Ledger Live does not detect your device, try these steps:

Ensure the cable is fully inserted and in good condition.
Try a different USB port or another computer.
On mobile, ensure Bluetooth is enabled and the device is paired (Nano X).
Restart Ledger Live and the Ledger device.
Check for firmware updates in Ledger Live and apply them if available.

Recovering your wallet

If you ever need to recover your wallet on a new Ledger device, choose Restore device from recovery phrase during setup and enter the 24-word phrase in the exact order. Only enter your recovery phrase on a Ledger hardware device — never on a computer or smartphone.

What to do if your recovery phrase is lost or stolen

If your recovery phrase may have been exposed, move your funds to a new wallet immediately. Initialize a new Ledger device with a fresh recovery phrase and transfer your assets to new addresses. Treat any loss of the recovery phrase as urgent.

Advanced features

Ledger Live supports additional features like staking, swapping, and integrating third-party apps. Explore the Manager tab to install supported apps for different blockchains. When using third-party integrations, verify the integration source and always approve transactions on your device.

Need help?

If you encounter issues beyond these steps, consult the official Ledger Support Center on ledger.com or contact Ledger support through the official site. Avoid third-party support channels that ask for your recovery phrase or private keys.