Skip to main content

​
Ledger.com/start — Getting Started | Official Ledger

Ledger.com/start This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, security, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency involves significant risk, and you are solely responsible for safeguarding your assets. Ledger does not keep backups of your Secret Recovery Phrase and will never ask for it. Always verify you are on the official ledger.com domain before downloading software or entering any information. Device availability and features vary by region and model.

​
Getting Started with Your Ledger Device

Setting up a Ledger hardware wallet is the first step toward self-custody of your digital assets. The process is designed to keep your private keys offline while giving you a user-friendly interface through the Ledger Wallet app (formerly Ledger Live). Whether you are using a touchscreen model like the Ledger Stax or Flex, or a button-based device like the Nano X, the core principles remain the same. Before you begin, ensure you have your device, the USB cable (or Bluetooth for compatible mobile setups), and the recovery sheet included in the box . You should always download the Ledger Wallet app exclusively from the official website to avoid phishing attempts.

​
Step 1: Download and Install Ledger Wallet

The Ledger Wallet app is your command center. It allows you to install apps on your device, check your balances, and send or receive crypto. For desktop users, navigate to the official start page to download the installer for Windows or macOS . Mobile users can download the app from the iOS App Store or Google Play Store. Once installed, open the application. If you are setting up a new device, select “Set up as new device.” If you are restoring an existing wallet, choose the restore option and have your 24-word Secret Recovery Phrase ready .

​
Step 2: Power On and Connect

For Nano X and Nano S Plus: Press the button next to the USB port to power on the device. Connect it to your computer using the provided USB cable. Note that the Nano X cannot connect to the desktop version of Ledger Wallet via Bluetooth; Bluetooth is reserved for mobile devices . For Touchscreen Devices (Stax, Flex, Nano Gen5): Press and hold the right-side button for about one second. The screen will display a welcome message. You can choose to pair via Bluetooth with your phone or connect via USB to your computer .

​
Step 3: Set Your PIN Code

Your PIN is the first line of defense. Choose a code that is 4 to 8 digits long. An 8-digit PIN offers optimal security .
  • Button Devices: Use the left and right buttons to cycle through numbers. Press both buttons simultaneously to validate a digit. You will need to confirm the PIN by entering it a second time .
  • Touchscreen Devices: Use the on-screen keyboard to enter your PIN and tap the checkmark to confirm .
Critical Security Tip: Never use a device that arrives with a pre-set PIN or a pre-written recovery phrase. Ledger will never ship a device with these already configured. If this happens, contact support immediately, as the device may have been tampered with .

​
Step 4: Generate Your Secret Recovery Phrase

This is the most important step. Your device will generate a unique 24-word Secret Recovery Phrase. This phrase is the only backup of your private keys. If you lose your device, this phrase is the only way to recover your assets .
  • Write the words down on the provided Recovery Sheet in the exact order displayed.
  • Never take a photo of the phrase, never store it in a password manager, and never type it into a computer or phone.
  • Store the paper sheet in a secure, offline location (e.g., a safe).
  • The device will ask you to confirm the phrase by selecting the words in order to ensure you wrote them down correctly .
Warning: Anyone with access to this phrase can steal your funds. Ledger does not have a copy of it. If you lose the phrase and your device, your funds are gone permanently.

​
Step 5: Verify Genuineness and Install Apps

Once your PIN and phrase are set, the Ledger Wallet app will prompt you to verify the authenticity of your device. This process, known as the “genuineness check,” ensures your device is running official Ledger firmware and has not been tampered with . After verification, you can install “apps” for the specific cryptocurrencies you want to manage (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana). Each blockchain requires its own app on the device to sign transactions. You can install or uninstall these apps at any time via the “My Ledger” section in the Ledger Wallet app .

​
Optional: Consider Ledger Recover

During setup, you may be offered Ledger Recover, an optional paid subscription service. This service creates an encrypted, fragmented backup of your Secret Recovery Phrase, stored by independent third parties. If you lose your physical Recovery Sheet, you can use identity verification to restore access to your wallet . Disclaimer: Ledger Recover is not a replacement for your physical backup. It requires an active subscription, identity verification (which differs from full KYC), and a compatible device. If you prefer a purely self-sovereign setup without third-party involvement, you can skip this step entirely .

​
Final Security Reminders

  • Always lock your device when not in use to prevent unauthorized access .
  • Verify addresses on the device screen when sending or receiving crypto. Malware on your computer can alter addresses in the Ledger Wallet app, but the device screen shows the true destination .
  • Beware of phishing. Ledger will never contact you via phone, email, or social media asking for your 24 words. Any such request is a scam.
By following these steps, you have successfully taken control of your private keys. Your crypto assets are now secured by a device that keeps them offline and isolated from vulnerable internet-connected environments.