Official Site® — Ledger.com/Start®
Getting started • Verified onboarding & support

ledger.com/start — Your official getting started hub

Welcome to the Official Getting Started Hub. This page is the trusted starting point to choose a Ledger device, download verified Ledger Live software, initialize your wallet safely, and learn the recovery and verification practices that keep your crypto and NFTs secure for the long term.

Three simple steps to get started

  1. Pick a device: Nano X for Bluetooth mobility, Nano S Plus for compact desktop security.
  2. Download Ledger Live: use the hub to grab official installers or mobile app links and optionally verify signatures.
  3. Initialize securely: set a PIN on-device, update firmware, and write your 24-word recovery phrase offline.

Following these steps reduces setup mistakes and the risk of phishing or fake installers — a strong start for long-term custody.

Why Ledger? The security model explained

Ledger hardware wallets store private keys inside a purpose-built secure element. Ledger Live is the companion app that displays balances, lets you add accounts, and coordinates transactions — but all signing and private operations happen on-device. This separation ensures that, even if your computer or phone is compromised, attackers cannot extract your private keys or silently approve transactions.

The Official Getting Started Hub breaks this down into accessible guidance for beginners and advanced recommendations for institutions, covering options like passphrase wallets, multisig, and recovery planning.

Download Ledger Live — official & verified

Ledger Live is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android. The hub provides direct links to official app stores and installers. For users who want maximum assurance, cryptographic checksums and signature verification instructions are published so you can confirm downloaded installers haven’t been tampered with.

Pre-install checklist

  • Confirm the URL is ledger.com/start (not a third-party mirror).
  • On mobile, check the developer/publisher name in the store (Ledger).
  • Optionally verify checksums or signatures for desktop installers as described on the hub.

Step-by-step setup & first run

  1. Install Ledger Live and open the app.
  2. Select "Set up new device" or "Restore device" according to your situation.
  3. Follow firmware and onboarding prompts; set a secure PIN on the device (never type it on your computer).
  4. Write your 24-word recovery phrase exactly and store copies offline in secure, separate locations.
  5. Add accounts for the blockchains you use and test the flow with a small transfer to ensure everything is correct.

The hub includes printable backup cards and narrated video walkthroughs for each step, plus recommendations for durable metal backups if you want long-term resilience.

Security & recovery best practices

Never share
Ledger or support will never ask for your recovery phrase or PIN.
Verify on-device
Always confirm receiving addresses and amounts on the Ledger screen before approving.
Multi-backups
Store multiple, geographically separated backups of your recovery phrase; consider metal plates for fire and water resilience.
Keep software updated
Install Ledger Live updates and firmware patches promptly to benefit from security fixes.

If you suspect a fraudulent installer, fake support request, or compromise, stop and consult the emergency guidance available on the hub — never follow instructions that ask for your seed or PIN.

Support, learning & community

The Official Getting Started Hub aggregates official help articles, status pages, troubleshooting flows, and community resources. It provides step-by-step videos, printable guides, and links to verified contact channels. If you ever feel uncertain, consult the hub — it’s designed to prevent the most common user mistakes and phishing attempts.

Pro tip: subscribe to official channels to receive firmware and security notifications; never trust unverified DMs or links asking for your recovery phrase.