Get Started with Ledger® — Official Ledger™ Start Guide

Quick start (under 5 minutes)

1. Download Ledger Live: Go to ledger.com/ledger-live and choose your OS (Windows/macOS/Linux) or mobile (iOS/Android).
2. Install & open Ledger Live: Follow on-screen prompts. If you are new, choose "Initialize as new device".
3. Set device PIN & backup: On the device, create a secure PIN and write down the 24-word recovery phrase shown — store it offline and safe.
4. Add accounts: In Ledger Live, add Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other accounts and start receiving or transferring assets.
5. Confirm every transaction: Ledger requires physical confirmation on the device for all sensitive actions — always verify addresses & amounts on-device.

Detailed setup steps

Setting up Ledger Live and your Ledger device takes less than 15 minutes when following these steps carefully. This section walks you through each step with security recommendations embedded.

1. Download Ledger Live

Always download Ledger Live from the official Ledger domain: ledger.com/ledger-live. Choose desktop or mobile as appropriate. Verify the file signature if available.

2. Initialize your Ledger device

When powering on the device, follow prompts. Choose "Set up as new device" unless restoring from an existing recovery phrase. Create a strong PIN (avoid obvious numbers) and copy the 24-word recovery phrase exactly, in order.

3. Secure the recovery phrase

The recovery phrase is the only backup to access your funds if your device is lost. Store it offline (paper or metal backup). Do not store the phrase digitally or share it — Ledger® or Ledger™ support will never request it.

4. Add accounts in Ledger Live

Open Ledger Live, connect your device, and add accounts for each crypto asset. Ledger Live supports 5,500+ assets; choose the ones you need and sync balances.

5. Use Ledger Live for daily tasks

Use Ledger Live to send/receive, swap assets, stake eligible coins, and manage NFTs. All sensitive operations require device confirmation. Keep Ledger Live up-to-date and verify firmware updates through the app.

Security best practices

Security is the primary reason to use Ledger hardware wallets. Follow these practical rules:

• Download software only from ledger.com or shop.ledger.com.
• Never enter your 24-word recovery phrase into any website or form; store it offline.
• Verify firmware updates and confirm changes on-device — do not blindly accept prompts.
• Use a strong, unique PIN for the device and consider a passphrase (advanced) for extra account separation.
• Buy devices only through the official store: shop.ledger.com.

Ledger Live features & integrations

Ledger Live is more than a wallet viewer — it’s an ecosystem. Core capabilities include:

• Portfolio tracking with real-time market data.
• Buy & sell via integrated partners inside Ledger Live.
• Swap tokens instantly using secure integrations.
• Stake supported coins (ETH, ADA, DOT, etc.) to earn rewards.
• NFT management for supported networks directly from Ledger Live.
• Web3 access via WalletConnect and compatible browser integrations — always confirm transactions on-device.