Welcome — Ledger.com/Start Getting started®
This official-style guide shows you how to set up your Ledger hardware device and Ledger Live Desktop the secure way. It focuses on cold storage, offline key protection, and step-by-step initialization so you can confidently protect Bitcoin, Ethereum and other assets.
What you’ll need: your new Ledger device (Nano family or similar), a computer, the included USB cable, and a private, physical place to store your 24-word recovery phrase.
Open Official Ledger Start →Step-by-step: Initialize & Use Ledger Live Desktop
- Download Ledger Live safely. Visit the official page ledger.com/start, choose Desktop, and install the appropriate package for your OS.
- Power on and initialize your Ledger device. Connect the device with the USB cable. On first boot choose Set up as new device, select a secure PIN, and write down the 24-word recovery phrase exactly as shown.
- Verify authenticity in Ledger Live. Open Ledger Live and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the genuine check — Ledger Live validates the secure element and firmware authenticity before use.
- Install required cryptocurrency apps using the Manager. Use Ledger Live → Manager to install the Bitcoin and Ethereum apps (or other supported apps) to your device; confirm each install on the device itself.
- Add accounts and sync balances. In Ledger Live → Accounts, click Add account, choose the coin (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) and follow prompts to display addresses from your device for receiving funds.
- Receive, send and manage funds. For Receive: select account → Receive → verify the address on your Ledger device before sharing. For Send: enter recipient address in Ledger Live and confirm the transaction on the physical device.
These steps implement hardware-backed private key storage: your private keys never leave the device's secure element. This is the core of cold storage protection.
Best practices for cold storage & Ledger Login
- Seed safety: Keep your 24-word recovery seed offline in two geographically separated secure copies (steel backup recommended).
- Use a passphrase: Optional BIP39 passphrase adds an extra account layer — treat it like a password and store it separately.
- Firmware & software updates: Always use Ledger Live to update firmware and apps; updates include security improvements.
- Phishing vigilance: Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase. Verify URLs (ledger.com/start) and never enter your seed anywhere online.
- Minimal app strategy: Install only the cryptocurrency apps you need to keep device storage lean.
FAQ — quick answers
- Q: Can I use Ledger Live without a Ledger device?
- A: No. Ledger Live pairs with Ledger hardware so private keys remain in the secure element on the device.
- Q: Where should I store my recovery seed?
- A: Offline, physically — ideally in a fireproof/steel backup and never digitally (no photos, no cloud storage).
- Q: What is a passphrase and should I use one?
- A: A passphrase is an optional extra word (or phrase) added to your 24 words that creates separate hidden accounts. Use it only if you understand backup/lock implications.
- Q: How do I restore my wallet on a new Ledger device?
- A: On the new device select Restore from recovery phrase, enter your 24 words exactly, then open Ledger Live and add your accounts.
- Q: Is Ledger Live safe to install from other sources?
- A: Always download Ledger Live from ledger.com/start. Third-party or mirrored downloads risk tampering.
Official resources & links
Use these official pages for downloads, support and step-by-step videos:
About this guide — EEAT focus
This walkthrough is created to reflect clear experience and practical expertise in hardware wallet setup best practices, authority by referencing official Ledger resources, and trustworthiness by prioritizing safe, verifiable steps (download only from ledger.com/start, verify device authenticity, and keep recovery seeds offline).