Why Ledger.com/start matters
The official Ledger.com/start portal centralizes verified downloads of Ledger Live, firmware advisories, and onboarding instructions. Using the official portal minimizes the risk of downloading counterfeit apps or falling victim to phishing. Ledger's flow bundles authenticity checks into the onboarding sequence so the app and device can mutually validate expected signatures and firmware state. Treat the portal as your launchpad — when in doubt, return to Ledger.com/start for downloads and support routes.
What to prepare before you start
Gather these items before you begin: your Ledger device and original USB cable, a desktop or laptop with a trusted internet connection, a pen and the included recovery card (or metal backup plate), and a calm, private space free of cameras. If you plan to use the device for high-value holdings, consider a second person to witness the backup step or a locked safe for storage of recovery materials.
Step 1 — Unbox and inspect
Examine the package for tamper evidence and ensure the device appears as expected. If the packaging is damaged in suspicious ways, do not proceed — contact the retailer or official support. Once satisfied, connect the device to your computer using the supplied cable and keep the device visible through the setup process. Physical inspection is a first line of defense against supply-chain anomalies.
Step 2 — Download Ledger Live from Ledger.com/start
Open Ledger.com/start in your browser. Select the Ledger Live version for your operating system and download the installer. Verify that you are on the official site (check the URL and TLS certificate) and avoid third-party downloads or ad links. Where organizational policy requires, verify file checksums or signatures before installing. For most users, ensuring the download comes directly from Ledger.com/start and the link appears in the browser’s address bar is sufficient.
Step 3 — Install and launch Ledger Live
Run the installer and follow the prompts for your platform. On macOS you may need to allow the app in Security & Privacy; on Linux you may need to add udev rules to permit device access for non-root users. Launch Ledger Live and choose between setting up a new device, restoring a wallet, or opening an existing Ledger Live profile. If you're new to hardware wallets, choose to set up a new device.
Step 4 — Initialize device and set a PIN
Ledger Live will guide you to initialize your device. Important steps occur on the hardware: choose a PIN directly on the device using its buttons and confirm the value. The PIN protects physical access to the wallet and should be memorable to you but hard for others to guess. Avoid obvious sequences and personal dates. Some models will wipe after a set number of incorrect attempts — be sure you have your recovery seed before deliberately testing this behavior.
Step 5 — Securely record your recovery seed
The device will generate a recovery seed (12 or 24 words). Write every word in order on the provided card and verify the sequence when prompted. Make sure your handwriting is legible and keep the card offline. Create at least one additional backup — preferably stored in a separate geographic location. Durable metal backups are highly recommended for long-term resilience against fire, water, and degradation.
Never store the seed in a photo, note, cloud drive, email, or any digital medium. Digital copies are easily exfiltrated or auto-backed up and put your assets at risk.
Step 6 — Verify firmware & device authenticity
Ledger Live performs device authenticity checks and will prompt for firmware updates when available. Apply updates only through Ledger Live and confirm all firmware update prompts on the device screen. Authentic firmware comes signed; Ledger Live verifies these signatures as part of the update process. Do not accept firmware from unofficial packages or sites.
Step 7 — Install blockchain apps & add accounts
Ledger devices use small on-device apps for specific blockchains. In Ledger Live's Manager, install the apps you need (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) and add accounts to see balances and transaction history. Ledger Live uses network providers to fetch balances — confirm the address derivations on the physical device when generating receiving addresses.
Step 8 — Receiving and sending funds safely
To receive funds, generate an address in Ledger Live and verify the identical address on your Ledger device’s screen before sharing. To send funds, prepare the transaction in Ledger Live and then confirm recipient, amount, and fees on the device before approving. Malware on your host machine can manipulate what the app displays; the hardware screen is your authoritative, tamper-resistant source of truth.
Test transfers: Always send a small test amount the first time you interact with a new address, exchange, or service to confirm end-to-end behavior.
Advanced options (use with care)
Optional features provide increased flexibility but add complexity: passphrases (extra secret word to create hidden wallets) grant plausible deniability and extra separation, but losing the passphrase is equivalent to losing access to those funds. Multisignature setups split authority across multiple devices and are ideal for institutional custody. Air-gapped signing workflows keep a device offline for increased security. Only adopt these features after rehearsing recovery procedures and documenting operational processes.
Troubleshooting common problems
Device not detected
Try another USB cable or port, restart Ledger Live, and avoid USB hubs. On Linux ensure udev rules are installed and the user has appropriate permissions. Reboot the computer if problems persist.
Forgotten PIN
If you forget your PIN, reset the device and restore from your recovery seed. Do not reset unless you have a secure backup; resetting without the seed permanently removes access to funds on that device.
Phishing attempts
If a website or support contact asks for your recovery words or passphrase, treat it as a scam. Close the session, disconnect, and consult official Ledger support or the portal at Ledger.com/start for remediation instructions.
Operations & maintenance tips
Keep Ledger Live and device firmware updated through the official flow. Periodically test your backups by performing a restore on a test device, especially for organizational use. Consider geographic separation of backups and documented incident response plans if you manage significant funds. For daily use, prefer the mobile or desktop app for checking balances and conduct high-value operations in a secured environment.
FAQ — brief answers
Can I restore my wallet on another hardware brand? Some wallet standards are interoperable, but always consult compatibility guidance before attempting cross-brand restores. Restoring with Ledger devices through Ledger Live ensures a tested path.
How many copies of the seed should I keep? Two physical copies in different secure locations are a common baseline; add durable metal backups for long-term resilience.
Is it safe to use a passphrase? Passphrases add security but increase risk if lost; only use them with disciplined secret management.