Ledger Start

Get Started with Ledger — Ledger.com/Start ™

Step-by-step 2500-word guide to buying a Ledger device, securely setting it up, installing Ledger Live, managing crypto and NFTs, connecting to dApps, and following best practices to protect your assets.

1. Why choose a Ledger hardware wallet?

Hardware wallets are the most practical way for individuals and organizations to hold private keys offline while still interacting with blockchains. Ledger hardware wallets store private keys inside a tamper-resistant secure element. Transactions are created on your computer or phone, but signing always happens on the physical device — this dramatically reduces exposure to malware, phishing, and remote attacks. Ledger also offers a mature ecosystem (Ledger Live, Manager, and third-party integrations) that balances security and usability.

2. Which Ledger device is right for you?

Ledger’s main consumer models are the Ledger Nano S Plus and the Ledger Nano X. Choose based on feature needs:

  • Ledger Nano S Plus: Affordable, compact, USB-connected. Good for users who mainly manage a moderate number of assets and prefer a wired desktop experience.
  • Ledger Nano X: Larger app capacity, Bluetooth support for mobile, ideal for users who manage many apps or prefer mobile connectivity.

Both models provide the same core security properties: private keys are held in the secure element and all signatures are confirmed on-device.

3. Where to buy — avoid scams

Only purchase devices from the official Ledger website (ledger.com) or authorized resellers. Avoid buying from auction sites or unverified third-party sellers — used devices may be tampered with, and fake listings can lead to compromised keys. When in doubt, check Ledger’s list of authorized sellers and use secure payment methods.

4. Unboxing & first impressions

When you receive a Ledger device, inspect the packaging for signs of tampering. The device should include the hardware wallet, a recovery sheet, a USB cable (and adapter if applicable), and basic documentation. If packaging appears opened or damaged, do not use the device and contact the seller or Ledger support for a replacement.

5. Step‑by‑step device setup

Follow this secure setup flow to initialize your Ledger device:

  1. Connect: Plug the device into your computer (or pair via Bluetooth for Nano X using Ledger Live mobile).
  2. Power on: Use the device buttons to power on and navigate the menu.
  3. Choose language & set PIN: Pick a secure PIN using the device buttons — avoid simple sequences.
  4. Generate recovery phrase: The device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase. Write the words exactly as shown on the supplied recovery sheet. Do not photograph or store digitally.
  5. Confirm seed: The device will ask you to confirm random words to verify you wrote them down correctly.
  6. Install Ledger Live: Download Ledger Live from ledger.com/ledger-live and install the desktop or mobile app.
  7. Manager & apps: Open Ledger Live, navigate to Manager, and install blockchain apps (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) onto your device as needed.
  8. Add accounts: Use Accounts > Add account in Ledger Live to add blockchain accounts for each app installed on the device.
Security note: never enter your 24-word recovery phrase into a computer, website, or mobile app — only input it on the Ledger device during restore.

6. Install Ledger Live and add accounts

Ledger Live is the official companion app for Ledger devices on desktop and mobile. It offers account management, portfolio views, swap/buy features, Manager to install apps, staking options, and links to dApp integrations. Steps:

  1. Visit ledger.com/ledger-live and download the correct installer for your platform.
  2. Run the installer and launch Ledger Live.
  3. Choose the setup option that matches your situation (new device, restore, or use existing device).
  4. Use Ledger Live’s Manager to install blockchain apps on your device.
  5. Add accounts in the Accounts tab to display balances and transaction history.

7. Sending, receiving, swapping & staking

Receive

Select an account and click Receive. Ledger Live will show an address — verify this address on the Ledger device screen before sharing.

Send

Create a transaction in Ledger Live, then confirm the recipient and amount on your device. The device display is the final source of truth for what you sign.

Swap & Buy

Ledger Live integrates third‑party providers for swapping tokens and buying crypto with fiat. These services are provided by external partners and may require KYC and fees. Compare rates and fees before proceeding.

Staking

Ledger Live offers staking for certain assets through trusted providers. Understand lock-up periods, reward schedules, and potential penalties before staking large amounts.

8. Managing NFTs and dApp interactions

NFTs are controlled by the private key of your wallet. Ledger secures that private key, but interacting with NFTs often requires connecting to marketplaces and signing smart contract transactions. Tips:

  • Use trusted marketplaces and verify contract addresses before purchasing.
  • Be cautious with contract approvals — grant minimal allowances and review approvals with tools that can list and revoke allowances.
  • Use MetaMask (configured to use Ledger as signer) or WalletConnect with Ledger Live for secure dApp interactions; always confirm transactions on the device screen.

9. Security best practices & recovery

Protect your recovery phrase

The 24-word seed is the single most important piece of information. Keep it offline, use a metal backup for physical durability, and consider geographic redundancy for very large holdings. Never share the recovery phrase — Ledger or any legitimate support will never ask for it.

PINs and passphrases

Choose a strong PIN and consider whether you need the optional passphrase feature. Passphrases create separate, hidden wallets and add strong security but also increase responsibility — losing a passphrase means permanent loss of the wallet it unlocks.

Firmware & software updates

Keep Ledger Live and device firmware up to date. Ledger publishes firmware updates to patch risks and broaden coin support. Only accept updates prompted by Ledger Live and confirm on-device messages during upgrades.

10. Advanced options: passphrase, multisig, enterprise

Passphrase-protected wallets

A passphrase is an extra word or string appended to your recovery seed, resulting in a different derived wallet. Use this for enhanced privacy or deniability, but plan secure storage for the passphrase itself.

Multisig setups

Combine multiple Ledger devices with multisig smart contracts (such as Gnosis Safe) to require several signers for a transaction — ideal for organizations or high-value storage.

Enterprise provisioning & management

Enterprises should adopt procurement policies, device lifecycle management, and role separation. Consider Ledger’s enterprise offerings and third‑party custody frameworks for robust operational security.

11. Troubleshooting common issues

Device not detected

  • Use a data-capable USB cable and try different ports.
  • Ensure the device is unlocked and on the home screen when connecting.
  • On Windows, install any required drivers; on macOS/Linux, check USB permissions.

Forgotten PIN

Multiple incorrect PIN attempts will reset the device. Restore from your recovery phrase on a new Ledger device if needed.

Compromised recovery phrase

If you suspect the seed is exposed, move funds immediately to a new wallet generated from a new recovery phrase and securely store the new phrase.

12. FAQ, resources & next steps

Is Ledger Live free?

Yes — Ledger Live is free to download and use. Third-party swap or fiat providers integrated into the app may charge fees.

Can I use Ledger Live without a Ledger device?

Ledger Live provides information and tutorials without a device, but signing transactions requires a physical Ledger hardware wallet.

Where can I get official support?

Use the official Ledger support site (ledger.com/support) and Ledger Academy for tutorials. Beware of impersonators offering unsolicited help via social media.

Conclusion

Starting with Ledger is straightforward if you follow secure purchasing, setup, and operating practices. Buy from authorized sellers, set up your device carefully, protect your recovery phrase, confirm transactions on-device, and keep firmware and Ledger Live updated. For high-value storage, consider additional protections such as passphrases, multisig, and enterprise-grade processes. With the right practices, Ledger provides one of the most reliable and user-friendly paths to securing crypto assets and NFTs.