Official Site® | Ledger® Live: Getting Started

Welcome to your official guide for getting started with Ledger® Live. This page walks through the full onboarding process—from visiting the official start page, downloading the app, setting up your Ledger hardware, initializing or restoring a wallet, and beginning to manage crypto securely. This ensures you begin with the right steps and avoid common pitfalls, like phishing or counterfeit software.

1. Begin at the Official Start Page

Your first move should always be to visit ledger.com/start. This is Ledger’s official setup portal and the safest entry point to download Ledger Live and access setup instructions. Using this page helps you avoid malicious clones or phishing sites that might trick you into installing fake software or revealing your recovery words. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Warning: Never search for “Ledger Live” via search engines and click the first link. Scammers often push fake downloads. Always type or navigate to ledger.com/start directly. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

2. Download Ledger Live

From the start page, choose the correct version of Ledger Live for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux) or for mobile (iOS, Android). :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Download the installer or app directly from this official source. After downloading, run the installer (desktop) or install via the app store (mobile). :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

3. Launch & Start Setup

Open Ledger Live and you will see a welcome screen prompting you to “Get Started.” :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

1. Select your device model (e.g. Nano S, Nano S Plus, Nano X). :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
2. Choose your setup method:
   • Set up a new device — for first time users (create fresh keys) :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
   • Restore device — if you already have a recovery phrase (24 words) from a previous Ledger or compatible wallet :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
3. Ledger Live may perform a “genuine check” to ensure your hardware wallet is authentic. Follow prompts to confirm this. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

4. Initialize or Restore Your Device

Depending on your selection:

4.1 Setting Up a New Device

1. Connect your Ledger device via USB (or Bluetooth if the model supports it). :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
2. On the device, choose your language and confirm. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
3. Set a PIN code (4 to 8 digits) directly on the device. This will be required to unlock it. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
4. The device will generate a 24‑word recovery phrase (also known as a seed) which you must write down in exact order. Use the supplied recovery sheet or another secure physical method. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
5. Confirm the recovery phrase by selecting or entering some of the words when the device requests it. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}

4.2 Restoring From an Existing Recovery Phrase

1. Select “Restore device” in Ledger Live. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
2. Enter your 24‑word recovery phrase using the hardware device interface—not via your computer or phone. Verify order and spelling carefully. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
3. Once accepted, set your PIN code. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}

5. Security Checklist & Authenticity Verification

After initialization or restoration, Ledger Live will guide you through verifying your device is genuine. This helps protect against counterfeit or tampered hardware. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}

1. Click “Check my device is genuine” (or similar prompt). :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
2. On the hardware device, confirm prompts (e.g. pressing both buttons). :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
3. Wait until “All good” or a success message appears. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}

6. (Optional) Set a Password for Ledger Live

You may choose to protect the Ledger Live app itself with a local password. This guards your app settings in case someone gains access to your computer. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}

If you enable it, make sure to remember this password. Losing it means you’ll need to reset Ledger Live and re-add your accounts (but your crypto is unaffected). :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}

7. Install Coin Apps & Add Accounts

Ledger devices support multiple blockchains, but each chain (e.g. Bitcoin, Ethereum) requires a corresponding app on the device. :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}

1. In Ledger Live, go to the “Manager” section. :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}
2. Connect and unlock your device. :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}
3. Browse the app catalog and install apps for the chains you want (e.g. Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana). :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}

Once the apps are installed, you must add accounts so you can view, send, or receive assets. :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}

1. Navigate to “Accounts” in Ledger Live. :contentReference[oaicite:28]{index=28}
2. Click “Add account,” choose a currency (e.g. Bitcoin), and follow the prompts. :contentReference[oaicite:29]{index=29}
3. Ledger Live will detect or generate addresses tied to your device. :contentReference[oaicite:30]{index=30}

8. Sending & Receiving Crypto

Receiving Funds

1. Select the account into which you want to receive. :contentReference[oaicite:31]{index=31}
2. Click “Receive.” :contentReference[oaicite:32]{index=32}
3. Connect and unlock your device, open the matching coin app, and verify the address displayed on the device matches what Ledger Live shows. Always verify on hardware. :contentReference[oaicite:33]{index=33}
4. Share the verified address to receive funds. :contentReference[oaicite:34]{index=34}

Sending Funds

1. Select the account from which you wish to send. :contentReference[oaicite:35]{index=35}
2. Click “Send,” enter the recipient address and amount. :contentReference[oaicite:36]{index=36}
3. Connect and unlock your device, then confirm all transaction details (fee, address) shown on the hardware screen. :contentReference[oaicite:37]{index=37}
4. Approve the transaction on the device. :contentReference[oaicite:38]{index=38}

9. Explore Additional Features

Once basic setup is complete, Ledger Live offers a variety of tools to manage and grow your crypto portfolio: :contentReference[oaicite:39]{index=39}

• Portfolio overview — monitor balances, performance, historical data. :contentReference[oaicite:40]{index=40}
• Buy, Sell, and Swap — in‑app integrations with trusted partners. :contentReference[oaicite:41]{index=41}
• Staking — delegate or stake supported assets (e.g. ETH, Tezos). :contentReference[oaicite:42]{index=42}
• NFT management — view, send, and receive supported NFTs. :contentReference[oaicite:43]{index=43}
• DeFi / Web3 integrations — connect to dApps and chain features (e.g. via WalletConnect, MetaMask hardware mode) while keeping keys secure. :contentReference[oaicite:44]{index=44}

10. Firmware & App Updates

Ledger Live notifies you when a firmware or app update is available for your device. Keeping your software and firmware current is critical to security and to ensure compatibility with new blockchain features. :contentReference[oaicite:45]{index=45}

1. Open Ledger Live and go to “My Ledger” or the update prompt. :contentReference[oaicite:46]{index=46}
2. Follow on‑screen instructions to install updates. Approve on the device when asked. :contentReference[oaicite:47]{index=47}
3. Do not disconnect your device until the update is fully complete. :contentReference[oaicite:48]{index=48}

11. Security Best Practices & Warnings

12. Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with proper setup, you might run into glitches. Below are common problems and suggested fixes:

• Device not recognized: Try using a different USB port or cable; ensure drivers are up to date; reboot your computer. :contentReference[oaicite:56]{index=56}
• Ledger Live stuck on “Add Account”: Close and reopen the app; uninstall and reinstall from official site if needed. :contentReference[oaicite:57]{index=57}
• Forgot your PIN: You must reset the device and restore via your recovery phrase. The PIN cannot be recovered. :contentReference[oaicite:58]{index=58}
• Recovery phrase mismatch: Make sure you wrote words in correct order and spelled them accurately. Start over if unsure. :contentReference[oaicite:59]{index=59}
• Fake Ledger Live prompts for seed: Immediately close the app and delete it—this is malware. Download fresh from official source. :contentReference[oaicite:60]{index=60}

13. Final Words & Next Steps

By following this official path—starting at ledger.com/start, downloading the authentic Ledger Live, and carefully initializing or restoring your device—you lay the foundation for secure crypto management. Always treat your recovery phrase with the utmost seriousness, verify on hardware, and update your software regularly.

Once set up, explore the features within Ledger Live: portfolio tracking, swapping, staking, NFT support, and more. As you grow more comfortable, integrate with DeFi or Web3 via trusted dApps while always keeping your keys in cold storage. Your Ledger device, paired with Ledger Live, gives you strong security without sacrificing usability.

Disclaimer

This guide is for informational purposes only. Ledger hardware and software may evolve, so always refer to the most current documentation at ledger.com and the official support center. Crypto assets carry risks including technical failure, user error, or malicious attacks. Use caution and verify each step.

Video walkthrough (official):

How to get started with Ledger (official video) :contentReference[oaicite:61]{index=61}