Get started with Ledger* | Ledger.com/start

Why use a Ledger hardware wallet?

Hardware wallets like Ledger are designed to keep the secret stuff — your private keys — offline and isolated from internet threats. Instead of trusting an exchange or app with your keys, a Ledger device stores them inside a secure chip and only signs transactions when you physically confirm them. That model dramatically reduces risk: malware, phishing, and remote hacks become far less effective.

What you'll need before you start

Your Ledger device (Nano X / Nano S Plus / other Ledger model).
A computer or mobile device and the official setup page: https://www.ledger.com/start (use the official site each time you download Ledger Wallet).
A quiet place to write down your 24-word recovery phrase — preferably on the supplied recovery card, not a screenshot or digital note.
Time and patience: give yourself 20–40 minutes to follow the steps carefully.

Overview: the 6-step setup

Download the Ledger Wallet app from the official start page: Ledger.com/start.
Power up and initialize your Ledger device.
Create a PIN and write down your recovery phrase.
Install accounts (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) in Ledger Wallet.
Receive a test amount to verify your address.
Practice security habits and backup your recovery safely.

Step 1 — Visit the official start page and download Ledger Wallet

The only safe place to download Ledger Wallet (the official companion app) is from the official Ledger start page: Ledger.com/start. Avoid search-result copies or third-party downloads. Once there, choose your operating system (desktop or mobile) and download Ledger Wallet.

Why the official link matters

Using the official URL prevents man-in-the-middle or malicious downloads. Ledger maintains the official setup instructions and app download links on that page; always confirm you’re on the real ledger.com domain.

Step 2 — Initialize your Ledger device (out of the box)

Unbox your Ledger and check the packaging and device for tamper signs. Ledger ships its devices sealed — if anything looks damaged or altered, stop and contact support. When you power the device on, follow the device’s screen and the Ledger Wallet app prompts to begin initialization.

Choose between “Set up as new device” vs “Restore from recovery phrase”

If this is the first time you use the device, choose Set up as new device. Only choose Restore from recovery phrase if you already have a 24-word phrase from another secure device and are restoring it.

Step 3 — PIN and recovery phrase (the most important part)

During setup you’ll pick a PIN code (4–8 digits). Memorize it and never share it. The device will then generate your recovery phrase (typically 24 words). Ledger shows these words on the device screen — not on your computer. Write the words down exactly and in order, on paper (the provided card), and store that card in a secure place.

Pro tip: never photograph or store the recovery phrase digitally (no photos, no cloud notes, no screenshots). A physical backup stored securely (safe, safety deposit box) is the safest option.

Why the recovery phrase is everything

If your Ledger is lost, stolen, or damaged, the 24-word phrase is the sole mechanism to recover your assets on a new device. Anyone with access to the phrase can control your crypto, so treat it like the most valuable thing you own.

Step 4 — Install accounts in Ledger Wallet and add cryptocurrencies

After setup, open the Ledger Wallet app and install the apps for the blockchains you plan to use (Bitcoin app, Ethereum app, Solana app, etc.). Adding accounts in Ledger Wallet lets you view balances and prepare transactions while the private keys stay on the Ledger device.

How to add an account (quick)

Open Ledger Wallet and connect your device via USB or Bluetooth (model-dependent).
Choose “Manager” to install blockchain apps to your device.
After installing, go to “Accounts” → “Add account” and pick the cryptocurrency.
Follow on-screen instructions and confirm on the device when prompted.

Step 5 — Receive a test transaction to confirm everything is set

Before sending or receiving large amounts, test your setup by receiving a small amount (e.g., $5 worth) to the new address shown in Ledger Wallet. Verify the address on your Ledger device screen and confirm it matches the app address — this prevents address substitution attacks.

Verify addresses on-device

Always confirm addresses on the Ledger device screen, not only in the app. The device shows the final address before you approve a receive or signing. If the addresses differ, stop and investigate.

Step 6 — Security habits and backups

Good security is a daily habit. Here are some practical rules:

Never share your recovery phrase or PIN.
Use the official site: Ledger.com/start for downloads and guides.
Keep at least two secure physical backups of the recovery phrase in separate locations (safe deposit box, home safe) if possible.
Beware of phishing: Ledger will never ask for your 24-word phrase via email, social media, or phone.
Consider a passphrase for additional security (advanced users) — this creates a hidden wallet protected by your recovery phrase plus passphrase.

Advanced: passphrase / hidden wallets

A passphrase is a user-chosen string that augments your 24 words to create a distinct wallet. It’s powerful but risky if forgotten — losing the passphrase means losing the related funds. Use only after understanding the implications and storing the passphrase as securely as the recovery phrase.

Common mistakes to avoid

Storing recovery words in cloud or email.
Giving your recovery words to anyone claiming to be Ledger support.
Buying a used device or a device from an uncontrolled marketplace without verifying packaging and authenticity.

Practical examples: sending, staking, and swapping

After accounts are added, you can:

Send crypto: create a transaction in Ledger Wallet and confirm the details on your device before signing.
Receive crypto: generate an address in Ledger Wallet and verify the address on-device.
Swap or buy: Ledger Wallet integrates with service providers to buy or swap crypto; third-party providers may be used and subject to regional availability.
Stake: stake supported assets via the Ledger Wallet interface where available.

Short safe checklist before sending funds

Confirm the receiving address exactly on your Ledger device.
Send a small test amount first (confirm arrival).
Double-check network fees and chain selection for tokens with multiple chains (e.g., USDT on ERC-20 vs TRC-20).

Troubleshooting & support

If something goes wrong — device not recognized, software errors, or questions about recovery — start with the official support pages and guides on the official website, and use the official contact channels rather than DMs or links from unknown sources: Ledger.com/start.

Where to find official help

Official Get Started — Ledger.com/start Ledger Support

Checklist before you finish

Downloaded Ledger Wallet from https://www.ledger.com/start.
Initialized device and created PIN.
Safely recorded your 24-word recovery phrase on paper.
Installed accounts and ran a small test transaction.
Understood phishing risks and never share your recovery phrase.

Wrapping up — the safety mindset

Ledger gives you the tools; the rest is how you use them. Treat your recovery phrase like a vault key. Use the official start page for downloads and instructions, keep backups offline, and check addresses on-device. Those actions will keep your crypto secure for years.

Final reminder (official link x10)

Bookmark and use the official setup page whenever you need to download the app or consult setup docs: Ledger.com/start. (This guide also referenced the official site multiple times — always use the official Ledger domain.)