Check the source
Visit Ledger’s official domain directly and use its current product instructions for your device model.
Wallet setup guide · Updated for new users
Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start® | Getting started®
A straightforward overview of preparing a Ledger hardware wallet, installing Ledger Live, and taking your first steps with self-custody—at your own pace and with security in mind.
Independent informational guide: This page is not an official Ledger website and is not affiliated with Ledger. For device-specific instructions and downloads, type ledger.com into your browser and verify the address before continuing.
Before you begin your Ledger wallet Setup
A Ledger wallet is a hardware device that helps you manage private keys while keeping them protected on the device. Your crypto assets remain on their respective networks; the Ledger hardware wallet is used to approve actions, not to store coins like a physical container. Start with a trusted device and a computer or phone you control. Set aside a few quiet minutes so you can read every prompt on the device and in the official companion software.
Unbox the device and inspect it for anything unusual. Follow the in-device instructions to initialize it as new or, if you already have a wallet, restore only through the device’s official recovery flow. During a new setup, the device generates a recovery phrase. Write it down offline exactly as shown and store it privately in a secure place. Never photograph, email, or type that phrase into a website, chat, or computer. Anyone who obtains it may be able to control the associated assets.
Install the app
Choose Ledger Live only from Ledger’s official download page or an official mobile app store listing.
Verify on-device
Read prompts on the hardware device itself and confirm addresses and transaction details there.
Install Ledger Live and connect securely
Ledger Live is the companion app for supported Ledger devices. To find a Ledger Live App Download, navigate to Ledger’s official website yourself rather than following an unsolicited message, sponsored result, or unfamiliar link. Check the domain carefully, select the version for your operating system, and follow the installer’s prompts. Ledger Live Desktop offers a larger-screen option for managing supported accounts; the mobile app is available through official app stores. Availability and features can change, so consult Ledger’s current support pages.
Open Ledger Live and use its guided setup to connect and verify your device. The app may ask you to install a cryptocurrency app on the hardware wallet before adding a corresponding account. Keep the device connected as directed and approve only actions you initiated. “Ledger Live Login” is often used as a search phrase, but be cautious of any page that asks for your recovery phrase, private keys, or remote access. Never enter the recovery phrase to sign in to Ledger Live. A Ledger Wallet Extension or other browser-based wallet should only be considered through verified official sources, and only if it supports your device and intended network.
Security reminder: Ledger support will never need your recovery phrase. Do not share it with anyone—not support staff, a website, a wallet extension, or a person claiming to help with setup.
Your first safe steps with a Ledger wallet
Once setup is complete, review the app’s portfolio and account controls without rushing to transfer funds. Learn how to receive by generating an address, then compare the address shown in the app with the one displayed on your device. For a first transfer, consider a small test amount and verify the selected network, asset, and destination before approving anything. Network transfers can be irreversible, and choosing an incompatible network may result in loss.
Keep your device firmware and Ledger Live version current by following official instructions. Use a device PIN that is not easy to guess, lock the device when it is not in use, and store the recovery phrase separately from the hardware. Understand the risks of every app, token, smart contract, and transaction you interact with; a hardware wallet cannot make an unsafe transaction safe. If anything on screen feels unexpected, stop and verify the request using Ledger’s official documentation before proceeding.
Frequently asked questions
Where should I start with Ledger.com start?
Type ledger.com directly into your browser and use the current official getting-started and support instructions. Confirm the domain before downloading software or entering any account information.
Where can I get the Ledger Live App Download?
Use the download page linked from Ledger’s official website, or the official app store listing for mobile. Avoid download links sent in unsolicited messages or from unknown websites.
Does Ledger Live need my recovery phrase?
No. Do not enter your recovery phrase into Ledger Live, a browser, an extension, or a support chat. Keep it offline and private; anyone with the phrase may access your wallet.
What is Ledger Live Desktop?
It is the desktop version of Ledger Live, a companion application for supported devices. Download it only from Ledger’s official site and verify device prompts before approving actions.
Is a Ledger Wallet Extension required?
No. Browser wallet connections are optional and depend on the service and network. Verify any extension through official sources, assess its risks, and never share your recovery phrase with it.
What should I do if I lose my device?
Follow the official recovery instructions for your device using your securely stored recovery phrase on a genuine replacement device. If you suspect the phrase was exposed, seek official guidance immediately.