Ledger.com/Start — Official Ledger Wallet Setup Guide

Introduction — why follow the official start guide

Hardware wallets (Ledger devices) store private keys in a secure chip and are the recommended option for long-term custody and secure day-to-day management of crypto assets. The official Ledger Start page contains step-by-step onboarding and links to Ledger Live — the companion app required to interact with blockchains through your device. For concrete device steps, Ledger’s support and Academy tutorials show the PIN and recovery phrase workflow used by all Ledger models. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Before you begin — unpacking & safety checklist

What to check in the box

• Ledger device (Nano X, Nano S Plus, Stax, etc.)
• USB cable and packaging
• One or more recovery sheets to write the 24-word recovery phrase
• Quick-start card and tamper-evident seal

Security checklist

1. Only download Ledger Live from Ledger.com — never from third-party mirrors. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
2. Set up your device offline in a private place — do not show or photograph your recovery phrase.
3. Never enter your 24-word recovery phrase into a website, app, or phone — it should only be used on the physical device during setup. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
4. Keep the recovery sheet in a secure, offline location (consider metal backups for long-term storage).

Step-by-step setup (core steps)

Step 1 — Install Ledger Live

Download Ledger Live for your platform (Windows/macOS/Linux/iOS/Android) from the official Ledger site and run the installer. Ledger Live is the application that communicates with your device, manages accounts, and installs blockchain apps. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Step 2 — Power on and choose “Set up as new device”

Connect the device with the provided cable. When powered, select “Set up as new device” on the device screen (use the two physical buttons to navigate and confirm). On-device interaction is required for all sensitive actions so that private keys never leave the device. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Step 3 — Choose and confirm a PIN

Pick a 4–8 digit PIN code that you will use to unlock the device. Don’t reuse easily guessable PINs (e.g., birthdays). You’ll be prompted to confirm the PIN by re-entering it during setup. This local PIN protects the device if it’s lost or stolen. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Step 4 — Write down your 24-word recovery phrase

The device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase (sometimes called a seed phrase). Write each word in order on the recovery sheet provided, double-check the spelling and order, and confirm the words when the device asks. This phrase is the only way to recover funds if your device is lost or destroyed — treat it like gold. Do not store the phrase in cloud storage, photos, or send it to anyone. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Verification & redundancy

Complete the on-device verification process when the setup requests certain words. Consider making multiple secure backups (e.g., metal backup plates) and storing them in separate secure locations such as a safe or safety deposit box.

Using Ledger Live — accounts, apps, and transactions

Install device apps via Ledger Live

Open Ledger Live and go to the Manager section to install blockchain apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.) to the device. Each app allows Ledger Live to show balances and to sign transactions for that blockchain. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

Add accounts

1. In Ledger Live, click “Accounts” → “Add account”.
2. Choose the cryptocurrency and follow steps to pair the account with your device.
3. Repeat to add multiple accounts for different coins and tokens.

Security practices when transacting

• Always verify the transaction details on the device screen before approving (addresses and amounts).
• Use the official Ledger Live app or verified third-party wallets that explicitly list Ledger compatibility.

Troubleshooting & recovery

Restore from recovery phrase

If you ever need to restore your wallet on a new Ledger device, choose “Restore device” during setup and enter your 24-word phrase when prompted. Only restore from your own secure backups. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

Lost device

If the device is lost but you have your recovery phrase, obtain a new Ledger device and restore from the phrase. If both the device and the recovery phrase are lost, there is no way to recover the funds.

Best practices (summary)

Protect your recovery phrase

Never disclose or photograph your recovery phrase. Use offline, fire- and water-resistant storage if you plan for multi-decade custody.

Keep software up to date

Regularly update Ledger Live and the firmware on your Ledger device through official Ledger channels to ensure you have the latest security fixes and supported apps. Always verify the update prompts on the device screen itself. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

Two physical copies?

Consider storing multiple physical backups in geographically separate secure locations to mitigate theft, fire, and natural disasters.