Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start®

What is Ledger.com/Start®?

Ledger.com/Start® is the official onboarding hub created to guide new and returning users through the safest way to set up and operate Ledger hardware wallets. It centralizes verified downloads for Ledger Live (desktop and mobile), official firmware updates, quick-start tutorials, and security documentation. Use this page to avoid unofficial installers, phishing sites, and third-party downloads that could compromise your device.

Important: Always confirm you are on the official domain ledger.com before downloading software or following setup links.

Before you begin — checklist

Your Ledger device and supplied cable (or Bluetooth-ready device for Nano X).
A computer or mobile device with internet access and a modern browser.
The recovery sheet included in the box and a pen, or a durable metal backup solution if available.
A private and distraction-free workspace to record your recovery phrase offline.

Tip: Purchase Ledger devices directly from ledger.com or authorized resellers to minimize the risk of tampering.

Download Ledger Live — desktop & mobile

Desktop

Ledger Live Desktop runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It’s the recommended environment for full device and firmware management, account setup, transaction signing, and portfolio oversight. Download the installer from the Start page and verify the HTTPS connection before running any file.

Mobile

Ledger Live Mobile is available in official app stores for iOS and Android. Use it for on-the-go balance checks, receiving funds, and managing smaller operations. For initial device firmware installs or firmware-critical steps, the desktop app is sometimes preferred.

Prefer official app stores and the verified start page for downloads. Avoid third-party APKs or installers from unknown sources.

Initial setup — step-by-step

Unbox & inspect: Ensure the box is sealed and accessories are present. Do not use a device that appears tampered with.
Install Ledger Live: Download and install Ledger Live from ledger.com/start. Launch the app and choose "Get Started".
Connect your device: Use the supplied cable or Bluetooth (Nano X), unlock the device and follow in-app prompts. Ledger Live will detect and guide the pairing.
Initialize: Choose "Set up as new device" to generate a fresh recovery phrase, or "Restore device" to recover an existing wallet. For new devices, write the recovery words exactly in order on the supplied recovery sheet.
Set a PIN: Choose a PIN to protect the device. Never write the PIN on the recovery sheet or store it with your seed words.
Verify: Complete any verification prompts in Ledger Live to confirm the recovery phrase and device integrity.

Never enter your recovery phrase into a computer or website. The recovery phrase should only be recorded offline and used on a trusted device when performing a recovery.

Understanding the recovery phrase

The recovery phrase (usually 24 words) is the master backup for your wallet. Anyone with the phrase can restore and control your funds on any compatible wallet. Treat it as the single most critical secret.

Write the words legibly and in the correct order.
Store the sheet in a secure, offline location: home safe, safety deposit box, or durable metal backup plates.
Consider geographic redundancy: keep at least one backup in a separate secure location.
If you suspect the phrase has been exposed, generate a new wallet and transfer funds immediately.

Daily use: receive, send, and verify

Ledger Live simplifies common workflows, but the crucial security step is always device confirmation:

Receiving: Generate a receive address in Ledger Live and always verify the same address displayed on your Ledger device before sharing it with the sender.
Sending: Compose the transaction in Ledger Live, review fees and outputs, then confirm the exact amount and destination on the device screen before approving the signature.
Fees: Choose appropriate network fees for timely confirmation; Ledger Live exposes fee options for most networks.

Advanced features & settings

Advanced options in Ledger Live and on the device include passphrase-protected hidden wallets, custom derivation paths, and integrations with third-party wallets or full nodes. These features increase control but also increase responsibility; understand backup and recovery implications before enabling passphrases or custom paths.

A passphrase (25th word) creates a hidden wallet that cannot be recovered without the passphrase and seed—lose the passphrase and funds are irretrievable.

Troubleshooting — common issues & fixes

Device not detected

Try a different USB port or cable, ensure the device is unlocked, disable interfering browser extensions, or use Ledger Live Desktop. Rebooting the host device often resolves USB issues.

Firmware update failing

Reconnect and retry the official firmware update flow in Ledger Live. If the device becomes unresponsive, follow official recovery instructions on the Start page—do not use third-party recovery tools.

Forgot PIN

Resetting the device will erase it; you will need the recovery phrase to restore funds. If you do not have the recovery phrase, funds cannot be recovered.

Missing funds or sync issues

Use the "Repair" or "Resync" account options in Ledger Live to re-fetch transaction history. Network reorgs or indexer delays can temporarily affect balance displays.

Security best practices — checklist

Always download Ledger Live and firmware from ledger.com/start.
Never enter your recovery phrase into an app, website, or email.
Confirm receive addresses and transaction details directly on your Ledger device screen.
Use a strong PIN and keep it separate from the recovery phrase.
Consider metal backups and geographic redundancy for high-value holdings.

If anyone, including "support," asks for your recovery phrase, refuse — this is a scam tactic. Official support will never request your seed or PIN.

Support & further resources

Ledger’s Start hub links to the knowledge base, official documentation, and verified support channels. If you need help, consult the resources on the Start page first. For account-critical incidents (suspected compromise, lost seed, or firmware issues), follow the official support guidance to avoid deceptive actors.

Official documentation: Step-by-step setup guides and detailed feature pages.
Knowledge base: Searchable troubleshooting articles for common device and software issues.
Support portal: Contact verified Ledger support via the links on the Start page if you require additional assistance.