Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start®

Introduction to Ledger & Ledger Live

Ledger is a world-renowned leader in cryptocurrency security, offering hardware wallets that protect your private keys offline — the safest way to manage crypto assets. Ledger Live is the free desktop software that works hand-in-hand with your Ledger device, allowing you to safely send, receive, stake, swap, and track your crypto portfolio.

This guide will walk you through every step from unboxing your device, installing Ledger Live, securing your wallet, and navigating the software’s core features.

💡Tip: Always download Ledger Live directly from ledger.com/start to avoid phishing sites.

Before You Begin: What You’ll Need

Ledger Hardware Wallet (Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Ledger Stax)
Computer or Laptop running Windows (8+), macOS (10.14+), or Linux
USB Cable (data + power capable, not charger-only)
Stable Internet Connection
Pen and Paper (or the recovery card included in your box) to write down your recovery phrase
Quiet, private environment for safely recording sensitive information

⚠️Important: Never share your 24-word recovery phrase. Ledger Support will never ask for this information.

Step 1: Download & Install Ledger Live

⬇️ Download Ledger Live

Go to the official site: ledger.com/start. Choose your computer's operating system and download the latest version of Ledger Live.

💾 Install & Open

Follow the on-screen instructions to install Ledger Live. Once installed, launch the application and accept any necessary permissions or security prompts.

🔒 Ledger Live is a fully verified software designed to keep your crypto safe. It never transmits your private keys.

Step 2: Set Up Your Ledger Hardware Wallet

🔌 Connect Your Device

Using the USB cable, connect your Ledger wallet to your computer. Ledger Live will detect the device and prompt you to continue.

🎛️ Choose to Set Up or Restore

You can either:

Initialize as a New Device: Creates a new wallet with a fresh recovery phrase
Restore Device: Enter an existing 24-word recovery phrase from a previous wallet

🔐 Create Your PIN

Choose a secure 4-8 digit PIN directly on your device. This PIN will be required every time you unlock your Ledger wallet.

📝 Write Down Your Recovery Phrase

Your device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase. Write it down exactly in order on the provided recovery card or a dedicated notebook. This phrase is your ultimate backup.

⚠️ Never store your recovery phrase digitally or share it with anyone.

✔️ Confirm Recovery Phrase

To verify, your device will ask you to confirm several words from your recovery phrase. Take your time and double-check accuracy.

Step 3: Verify Device Authenticity (Genuine Check)

Ledger Live automatically runs a genuine check to ensure your device hasn’t been tampered with during shipping. This uses Ledger’s secure servers to confirm hardware authenticity.

Confirm this check directly on your Ledger device when prompted.

🛡️ This step is crucial for your security. Never skip the genuine check.

Step 4: Install Blockchain Apps & Add Accounts

📦 Install Apps via Manager

In Ledger Live, open the Manager tab. Here, you can install specific blockchain apps (e.g. Bitcoin, Ethereum, Polkadot) onto your Ledger device.

➕ Add Accounts

After installing apps, go to the Accounts tab and add accounts by selecting the relevant cryptocurrency. Ledger Live will scan your wallet to display balances and transaction history.

Step 5: Using Ledger Live Daily

📥 Receive Crypto

Select an account and click Receive. Ledger Live generates an address, which you must confirm on your Ledger device before sharing.

📤 Send Crypto

Choose Send, enter recipient details, amount, and fees. Verify all transaction details on your Ledger device before confirming.

🔄 Swap Tokens

Use Ledger Live's integrated swap feature to exchange tokens securely, with every transaction validated on your device.

📊 Portfolio Monitoring

Ledger Live provides real-time portfolio overview, asset distribution, and historical activity charts.

🌱 Stake Cryptocurrencies

For supported assets, stake directly through Ledger Live to earn rewards. Confirm staking transactions on-device for security.

Security Best Practices 🔐

Only download Ledger Live from ledger.com/start.
Never share or digitize your 24-word recovery phrase.
Verify every transaction on your Ledger device before approving.
Keep your Ledger firmware and apps updated regularly.
Use a strong, unique PIN and never write it down digitally.
Backup your recovery phrase offline in a secure, fireproof location.
Avoid connecting your Ledger to public or untrusted computers.
Beware of phishing emails and websites pretending to be Ledger.

🛡️ Ledger devices isolate your private keys from your computer, ensuring your crypto remains secure even if your PC is compromised.

Troubleshooting & FAQs 🤔

My device isn’t detected by Ledger Live

Try another USB cable or port. Ensure the cable supports data transfer, not just charging. Restart Ledger Live and your computer if needed.

I forgot my PIN, what can I do?

You must reset your Ledger device, then restore your wallet using your 24-word recovery phrase.

Can I recover my funds if I lose my Ledger device?

Yes! Your funds are controlled by your recovery phrase. Use it to restore your wallet on any compatible Ledger device or trusted wallet software.

Why do my account balances sometimes differ between devices?

Ledger Live syncs with the blockchain and may update at different intervals. Refresh accounts or restart Ledger Live to sync balances.

How do I update my Ledger firmware?

Ledger Live will notify you of available firmware updates. Follow on-screen prompts and confirm updates on your device.

Additional Resources & Next Steps

Explore further learning and support to maximize your Ledger experience:

Ledger Support Center — FAQs, tutorials, and troubleshooting.
Official Getting Started Portal — Step-by-step onboarding videos and guides.
Ledger Blog — Latest news, updates, and industry insights.
Ledger Community — Connect with other users and experts.

As you become comfortable, consider exploring advanced features like passphrase-protected wallets, multi-signature accounts, and Web3 integrations.