Ledger Live Setup

Ledger.com/Start – Complete Ledger Wallet Setup Guide

Welcome to Ledger.com/start, the official guide to securely setting up your Ledger hardware wallet. Ledger devices store your private keys offline in a certified security chip, giving you complete control over your cryptocurrency while keeping it safe from online threats. This guide provides a full walkthrough from unboxing to managing crypto accounts, receiving, sending, staking, swapping, and monitoring your portfolio. Following these steps ensures a smooth and secure experience with your Ledger wallet.

1. Unboxing Your Ledger Device

Begin by checking that your Ledger device packaging is intact. Power it on and follow the on-screen instructions. You will choose either to set up a new wallet or restore an existing one. Always operate directly on the device to prevent phishing attempts or tampering. Confirm that the device displays the official Ledger branding.

2. Visit Ledger.com/Start

Open your browser and navigate to Ledger.com/start. This is the official source to download Ledger Live, the software companion for your hardware wallet. Ledger Live allows you to manage crypto assets, send, receive, stake, swap, and track your portfolio. Always confirm the URL to ensure it is the official Ledger domain.

3. Installing Ledger Live

Download Ledger Live for your operating system. Launch the app and select “Initialize new device” if setting up for the first time. Ledger Live will guide you through firmware installation and PIN creation. Choose a secure PIN that is memorable yet difficult for others to guess. This step protects your device from unauthorized access.

4. Securing Your 24-Word Recovery Phrase

During setup, the device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase. This phrase is essential for restoring your wallet if the device is lost or damaged. Write it carefully on the recovery sheet and store it offline in a safe location. Never take a photo, save digitally, or share it. Ledger will never ask for this phrase.

5. Installing Cryptocurrency Apps

Ledger Live allows installing separate apps for each blockchain. Navigate to “My Ledger” to install apps for Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and other supported coins. Apps enable your device to sign transactions securely while keeping private keys offline.

6. Adding Accounts

After installing apps, create accounts in Ledger Live. Each account generates unique receiving addresses. Always verify addresses on your Ledger device before sending or receiving crypto. Ledger Live helps manage multiple accounts efficiently while keeping private keys secure.

7. Receiving and Sending Crypto

With accounts set up, you can safely receive crypto. Ledger Live provides verified receiving addresses. Sending crypto is secure as all transactions are signed on-device. Always double-check recipient addresses on the Ledger device screen before confirming to prevent fraud or errors.

8. Staking, Swapping, and Portfolio Monitoring

Ledger Live supports staking for coins such as Ethereum, DOT, and ATOM. You can swap tokens within the app and monitor your portfolio in real-time. All operations are verified on-device, providing both convenience and maximum security.

9. Security Best Practices

  • Never share your 24-word recovery phrase.
  • Download Ledger Live only from Ledger.com/start.
  • Verify addresses on your device before sending or receiving crypto.
  • Keep Ledger Live and device firmware updated.
  • Store your recovery phrase offline in a secure location.