Ledger.com/start® | Starting Up Your Device

Starting Up Your Device — A Secure, Step‑by‑Step Journey

Welcome to Ledger Setup

Getting your Ledger hardware wallet running is an essential first move toward safely managing your digital assets. This guide walks you through each stage of initialization — from unboxing and verification to firmware installation and beyond — so you can use your Ledger with confidence.

**Important:** Always confirm you’re accessing https://ledger.com/start and using official software. Do not trust any alternate site or app claiming to assist setup.

Before You Begin: Required Items

Your Ledger device (Nano S, Nano X, Stax, etc.)
USB cable or connector (USB‑C, USB‑micro, or adapter as needed)
Desktop or laptop (Windows, macOS, or Linux) or a smartphone/tablet (iOS/Android) compatible with Ledger Live or companion app
Internet connection (preferably via trusted, private network)
Paper & pen for writing your recovery phrase

        Security tip: Your Ledger should arrive in sealed packaging. If the box seal is broken or appears tampered with, do not proceed — contact Ledger support immediately.
      

Step 1: Visit the Official Setup Page

Open your browser and manually enter https://ledger.com/start in the address bar. Avoid following suspicious links in emails or messages. On the Ledger setup page, select your device model to get the precise instructions for your hardware.

Step 2: Install Ledger Live or Companion App

Download the official **Ledger Live** application (desktop or mobile version) from the Ledger site. This application will facilitate firmware updates, manage assets, and act as your primary interface. Only download from official sources to ensure integrity.

Step 3: Connect & Initialize Device

Connect your Ledger to your computer or mobile using the provided USB cable or appropriate adapter.
If the device is new, choose “Set up as new device.” If it was used before or factory‑reset, choose “Restore from recovery phrase.”
Follow the on-screen prompts to proceed with setup.

Step 4: Update or Install Firmware

Ledger Live or the companion app will check whether firmware is up to date. If not, you will be prompted to install or update it. Do not skip this step — firmware updates often include critical security patches and improvements.

Step 5: Generate & Confirm Recovery Phrase

Your device will generate a **24-word recovery phrase** (in rare cases, fewer words depending on model). Write each word carefully in order on the supplied recovery sheet. Later, you'll confirm certain word positions to ensure accuracy.

        Never store your recovery phrase digitally (no photos, no notes in cloud, no screenshots). Your seed is the master key to your funds.
      

Step 6: Set Your PIN Code

Choose a PIN (typically 4 to 8 digits) to lock and unlock your device. This protects access to Ledger functions. Entering incorrect PIN too many times will trigger a factory reset for security. In such a case, you will need your recovery phrase to recover the wallet.

Step 7: Install Cryptocurrency Apps

Ledger supports multiple cryptocurrencies through modular “apps.” In Ledger Live, go to **Manager** and install only the apps you intend to use (e.g. Bitcoin, Ethereum, Polkadot). Installing too many simultaneously may require more internal memory or resources depending on the model.

Step 8: Add Wallet Accounts

Within Ledger Live, navigate to “Accounts” and add accounts corresponding to each cryptocurrency you installed an app for. Your balances and transaction history will sync automatically (read‑only) — any outgoing transaction must be confirmed on your hardware device.

Step 9: Explore Features & Tools

Once your wallet is ready, here are some of the features you can explore:

Send & receive assets with hardware confirmation
Swap or exchange assets via partner integrations
Stake or delegate in supported networks
Use dApps / Web3 integrations via WalletConnect or browser extensions (always confirm on device)
Track portfolio performance and transaction history

Recovering an Existing Wallet

If you already have a recovery phrase (from a previous Ledger or compatible wallet), choose **“Restore from recovery phrase”** during setup. Enter each word as prompted in order. Once validated, Ledger Live will load your accounts and balances automatically.

        Only enter your phrase during the official setup. Never type into websites, text fields, or other apps outside of Ledger’s secure interface.
      

Security Best Practices

Protecting your crypto starts now — these rules are critical:

Always verify the domain is ledger.com/start and SSL lock icon is present.
Never reveal your recovery phrase or PIN to anyone.
Do not store your phrase digitally (screenshots, cloud, notes, images).
Only use the official Ledger Live or companion app from Ledger.com.
Update firmware and apps regularly — these updates often include fixes and enhancements.
Avoid public or untrusted Wi-Fi while setting up or transacting.
If you suspect your device has been tampered with, stop and contact support immediately.

Watch a Setup Walkthrough

Visual learners may benefit from watching the step-by-step setup in action.

What’s Next?

After setup, consistently use your device via Ledger Live or compatible apps. Always verify each transaction on device, monitor firmware or app updates, and keep your recovery phrase safe offline.

Consider enabling advanced features like passphrase (acts like a 25th word), discreet hidden wallets, or enabling staking features if supported.