Welcome to the Official Site® guide • Windows & macOS • Hardware‑verified approvals
Ledger.com/Start® — Getting Started the Right Way
This is your clear, human‑friendly walkthrough for setting up a Ledger hardware wallet and the Ledger Live desktop app. We’ll take you from unboxing to your first verified receive, then into everyday workflows like sending, swapping, staking, and organizing accounts—always with on‑device approvals and habits that put safety first.
Why Start at Ledger.com/Start®?
Because first steps matter. Ledger.com/Start® is the canonical on‑ramp to self‑custody with Ledger. Rather than a rush of pop‑ups, this guide slows you down just enough to understand each decision. You’ll learn what should happen on your computer, and what must happen on the secure screen of your Ledger device. If the two don’t match, you cancel—no second‑guessing.
Device‑first security: Your private keys are created and stored in a secure element on your Ledger device. Ledger Live displays portfolio information, but approvals happen on hardware you control.
Plain‑English prompts: Signatures and transactions are framed in everyday language where supported. You’ll see amounts, assets, networks, and fees before you commit—twice.
Confidence through practice: The more you repeat the verified flow, the faster it becomes. Safe is smooth; smooth is fast.
Whether you’re moving away from a hosted exchange or touching crypto for the first time, this page keeps you oriented and calm so you can build strong routines that last.
Who This Guide Helps
What You’ll Master
- Initializing a Ledger device, setting a PIN, and recording the recovery phrase with care.
- Adding accounts, verifying receive addresses on‑device, and using test transactions.
- Sending, swapping, and staking with readable previews and double‑checks.
- Labeling, exporting, and maintaining an address book for speed and safety.
Step‑by‑Step: Your First 30 Minutes
1) Inspect & Unbox
Examine the package. A legitimate box does not include a prewritten seed phrase. If you find printed words claiming to be your recovery phrase, stop immediately and contact support. Your phrase should be created by the device, for your eyes only.
2) Power On & Set PIN
Choose a PIN that you can recall but others cannot guess. Enable auto‑lock and keep sessions short if you’re in public. The PIN protects the device if it’s misplaced.
3) Generate Your Recovery Phrase
Write down each of the 24 words with slow precision. Read them aloud as you write to prevent transposition. Never photograph or type the phrase; keep it offline and consider a metal backup for durability.
4) Install Ledger Live
Download for Windows or macOS. Ledger Live reads public data to organize accounts, quotes fees, and prepares transactions. Your private keys never touch the computer; approvals stay on the device.
5) Add Accounts
Open the appropriate app on your device (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum), then add the account in Ledger Live. This keeps the software and hardware in sync and prevents addressing the wrong network.
6) Receive a Test Amount
Click Receive, verify the address on your device screen, then copy it. Begin with a tiny test. Once confirmed on‑chain, proceed with the full transfer.
Optional, but Smart
- Use an address book so future sends rely on known, verified entries.
- Separate long‑term holdings from daily spending accounts.
- Label transactions for context—audits are easier when future‑you has notes.
After Setup: What You Can Do
Ledger Live becomes your cockpit for day‑to‑day management. The interface favors clarity over flash: you’ll see balances, history, and previews that make intent obvious. Sensitive actions are gated by a hardware confirmation, which blocks remote takeovers and spoofed dialogs.
Portfolio & Reporting
Track allocation, P&L, and performance across supported networks. Filter by asset, account, or label. Export CSV for taxes and bookkeeping, or take timestamped snapshots for audits.
Buy, Sell, Swap & Bridge
Work with integrated partners where available. Quotes and routes are presented up front, along with fees and timing. If a detail changes, you’ll see it before you approve—and you can cancel without risk.
- Compare multiple offers when present.
- Preview bridges and minimums before committing.
- Start with small probes on unfamiliar routes.
Stake with Clarity
Delegation flows highlight validator info, reward cadence, and any lockups. If the terms don’t fit your plan, cancel and choose again. Rewards appear alongside your portfolio for easy tracking.
NFTs & dApps—On Your Terms
Connect to compatible apps with the same guardrails: readable signing and on‑device approvals. If a request asks for your recovery phrase, that’s not support—that’s an attack. Close the tab.
Security, Translated
Security isn’t a single switch; it’s a set of defaults that make the safe choice the easy choice. Ledger.com/Start® reinforces habits that withstand stress: device‑screen verification, tiny test sends on new routes, and a willingness to cancel when something feels off.
Everyday Habits
- Verify recipient and network on the device screen every time.
- Update Ledger Live and firmware to keep protections current.
- Keep your recovery phrase offline—never in photos or cloud notes.
- Use labels and an address book to avoid manual retyping.
Common Threats & Counters
Clipboard hijacking: Malware swaps pasted addresses. Counter: verify the address on your device screen before sending. Phishing pages: Fake sites imitate downloads and support. Counter: bookmark official pages and avoid ad links. Blind signing: Unclear prompts lead to surprises. Counter: rely on readable signing where supported and cancel on uncertainty.
Core Workflows
Receive Safely
- Add the asset account; open the matching app on your device.
- Click Receive in Ledger Live and compare the full address on the device.
- Send a small test first, then the full amount after confirmation.
Those extra seconds erase the most common errors.
Send with Confidence
- Prefer address‑book entries over manual pastes.
- Review amount, asset, network, and fees in the preview.
- Approve on device only when every detail matches.
Try New Networks
- Begin with a probe transaction to validate routes and fees.
- Check minimums, bridges, and timing before committing.
- Scale up once you’re satisfied with confirmations.
Download Ledger Live & Begin at Ledger.com/Start®
Install the official desktop app, connect your Ledger device, and walk through this getting‑started flow. You’ll move from unboxing to your first verified receive with calm steps and clear checkpoints. Keep both the app and device firmware up to date to access the newest protections and assets.
Always obtain installers from the official source. If you verify file checksums, compare against the published values before running an installer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ledger.com/Start® a separate application?
No. It’s the official starting point and set of instructions that pair with the Ledger Live desktop app and your Ledger hardware wallet.
Do I need internet to follow this guide?
Yes, for installing Ledger Live, syncing account data, and broadcasting transactions. Your private keys remain inside the device at all times.
Can I view balances without my device connected?
After adding accounts, you can review balances and history. For sending, swapping, staking, or approvals, reconnect your device.
What if my device is lost or damaged?
Your funds remain on‑chain. Restore on a new compatible device using your recovery phrase. Never type that phrase on a computer or share it with anyone.
Which assets and features are supported?
Support varies by asset, partner, and region. Buy, sell, swap, bridge, and staking availability can differ; check inside the app for the latest options.