Get started with your Ledger wallet
A Ledger hardware wallet helps you keep control of your crypto by keeping your private keys offline. This Ledger.com start guide walks through the essentials of Ledger wallet Setup—from checking your device to installing Ledger Live—so you can begin with confidence and a few important safety habits in place.
Before you begin
Use a trusted computer or phone, a secure internet connection, and the USB cable or Bluetooth connection supported by your device. Buy hardware only through Ledger or an authorized retailer. On first use, follow the device’s own instructions to create a new PIN and recovery phrase. A genuine new device will never arrive preconfigured with a PIN or a recovery phrase you are asked to use.
Your recovery phrase is the offline backup to your wallet. Write it down in the order shown on the device and keep it somewhere private and physically secure. Never photograph it, save it in a notes app, type it into a website, or share it with anyone—including someone claiming to be support. Anyone with the phrase can take control of the assets it protects.
Install Ledger Live from an official source
Ledger Live is the companion app for viewing accounts, checking balances, and managing supported assets. For Ledger Live App Download, navigate to Ledger’s official Ledger Live page by typing the address yourself or using a trusted bookmark. Choose the correct Ledger Live Desktop version for your operating system, or follow the official mobile-app links provided there. Check the publisher and domain carefully; lookalike ads, unsolicited messages, and unofficial downloads can lead to harmful software.
After installation, open the app and follow its guided authenticity and setup checks. Keep the app and your device firmware updated through official prompts. Ledger Live Login is not a request to enter your recovery phrase: never enter that phrase into a desktop app, browser page, support chat, or extension. Approve actions only after reading the details on your Ledger device screen.
Connect your device and verify every action
Connect your Ledger wallet to Ledger Live and complete the on-screen checks. Add an account for the asset you want to manage, then use the app’s receive flow to display a receiving address. Compare the address shown in Ledger Live with the address displayed on your hardware wallet itself before sharing it. The trusted device screen is the final place to confirm what you are approving.
When sending crypto, double-check the network, destination, and amount. Transfers are generally irreversible, and choosing an incompatible network can result in lost funds. Start with a small test transaction when appropriate. Your Ledger device protects signing keys; it does not eliminate market risk, transaction fees, phishing, or the need to verify details.
Browser access and ongoing safety
You may see references online to a Ledger Wallet Extension or browser wallet connection. Availability and compatibility can change, so use Ledger’s official support documentation to confirm what is currently supported in your region and for your device. Do not install an extension from a sponsored search result or a direct message. A browser tool should never ask you to reveal your recovery phrase.
Bookmark the official support and download pages, keep your recovery phrase offline, and ignore urgent requests to “validate,” “synchronize,” or “unlock” your wallet through a link. Ledger support will not ask for your phrase or PIN. If anything looks unexpected, pause and verify through the official website before proceeding.
Frequently asked questions
Where should I begin with Ledger.com/start?
Start by checking your device and following its setup instructions. Download Ledger Live only from Ledger’s official website, then use the app to complete the guided connection and account setup.
Where can I download Ledger Live?
Use ledger.com/ledger-live to find official desktop and mobile download options. Avoid third-party download pages and lookalike domains.
Is Ledger Live Login the same as entering my recovery phrase?
No. Never enter your recovery phrase into Ledger Live, a browser, or a website. Your phrase belongs offline and should only be written down as directed on the physical device during initial setup.
Can Ledger Live recover my wallet if I lose my device?
Your recovery phrase is used to restore access with a compatible wallet if your device is lost or damaged. Keep it private and secure; anyone who obtains it may control the assets associated with it.
Should I install a Ledger Wallet Extension?
Confirm current browser-wallet compatibility and recommended tools in Ledger’s official support resources. Never trust an extension that asks for your recovery phrase or PIN.
What should I check before approving a transaction?
Review the address, network, and amount on the Ledger device screen before approving. If the device screen and your intended transaction do not match, reject it and investigate.