Do I need Ledger.com/start if I already have Ledger Live?

Ledger.com/start centralizes initial onboarding instructions and official downloads; if Ledger Live is already installed you can skip to device initialization.

Can I restore my accounts on another Ledger device?

Yes — enter the original recovery phrase on the new device to restore your wallets and accounts.

Is Ledger.com/start the only official source for the app?

Yes — always use Ledger’s official site and avoid downloads from third-party mirrors or links received via email.

What is the recovery phrase and why is it important?

The recovery phrase (usually 24 words) is the sole backup of your private keys. Losing it without a copy means permanent loss of access to funds.

Can Ledger Live manage DeFi and NFTs?

Ledger Live supports many assets and integrations; for advanced DeFi interactions pair Ledger with compatible third-party apps while signing transactions on your device.

Who do I contact for help?

Visit Ledger Support or the Knowledge Center for official help articles and guidance.

Ledger.com/start — Quick Start & Secure Setup

What is Ledger.com/start?

Ledger.com/start is the entry point provided by Ledger that guides new users through every necessary step to begin using a Ledger hardware wallet (such as the Nano S Plus or Nano X). It consolidates official downloads, device setup instructions, and security recommendations, ensuring that users install authentic software and safely generate their recovery credentials.

Before you begin — requirements & preparation

To complete the setup you will need: (1) your Ledger device, (2) a computer or smartphone with an official Ledger Live app installed (download from the Ledger Live page), (3) a secure, private place to write down your recovery phrase, and (4) a reliable USB cable or Bluetooth connection (for Ledger Nano X).

Security tip: only download Ledger Live from the official Ledger site and never share your recovery phrase with anyone — Ledger staff will never ask for it.

Step-by-step setup on Ledger.com/start

Visit Ledger.com/start: follow the official onboarding link shown on Ledger packaging or type ledger.com/start into your browser address bar to reach the verified setup page.
Download Ledger Live: choose the desktop or mobile build and install. Ledger Live is the management application used to add accounts, check balances, and initiate transactions.
Power on & initialise: follow on-screen prompts on your Ledger device to select a PIN and generate your recovery phrase. Confirm each step on the device itself.
Record your recovery phrase: write the 24-word phrase on the provided recovery sheet — offline and private. Do not photograph or store it digitally.
Connect to Ledger Live: open Ledger Live, connect your device via USB or Bluetooth (Nano X), and follow the app prompts to add accounts for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other supported assets.
Confirm addresses & sign transactions: every send/receive operation requires you to verify details on the physical device before signing — this prevents remote tampering.

Core functionalities available from Ledger.com/start & Ledger Live

After completing the startup flow you unlock the full feature set accessible in Ledger Live and via your Ledger device:

Account management: add multiple blockchain accounts, view real-time balances and historical transaction lists.
Secure signing: transactions are constructed in Ledger Live but signed inside the hardware wallet so private keys never leave the device.
App Manager: install or remove blockchain-specific apps (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) on your device from Ledger Live's Manager tab.
Firmware updates: Ledger Live notifies you when device firmware updates are available; updates must be confirmed directly on the device.
Buy & exchange integrations: third-party partners integrated through Ledger Live allow buying, swapping, and earning services while preserving device custody.
Advanced security: optional passphrase support (adds an extra layer to your seed) and enterprise-grade settings for power users.

Security model & best practices

Ledger’s model is non-custodial: Ledger devices hold private keys offline while Ledger Live acts as the management interface. Follow these rules:

Never store your recovery phrase digitally or share it.
Only download Ledger Live from ledger.com/ledger-live.
Verify firmware and app installation prompts on the device screen before approving.
Keep device firmware up to date and use a strong PIN.

Troubleshooting common issues

Device not detected: try a different USB cable or port, ensure Bluetooth is enabled on mobile for Nano X, and confirm Ledger Live is up to date.
Lost recovery phrase: if lost and PIN forgotten, funds can only be restored with the original recovery phrase — there is no other backdoor.
Firmware update fails: restart Ledger Live and the device; consult Ledger Support if the problem persists.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need Ledger.com/start if I already have Ledger Live?: A: Ledger.com/start centralizes initial onboarding instructions and official downloads; if Ledger Live is already installed you can skip to device initialization.
Can I restore my accounts on another Ledger device?: A: Yes — enter the original recovery phrase on the new device to restore your wallets and accounts.
Is Ledger.com/start the only official source for the app?: A: Yes — always use Ledger’s official site. Avoid downloads from third-party mirrors or links received via email.
What is the recovery phrase and why is it important?: A: The recovery phrase (usually 24 words) is the sole backup of your private keys. Losing it without a copy means permanent loss of access to funds.
Can Ledger Live manage DeFi and NFTs?: A: Ledger Live supports many assets and integrations; for advanced DeFi interactions you may pair Ledger with compatible third-party apps while signing transactions on your device.
Who do I contact for help?: A: Visit Ledger Support or the Knowledge Center for official help articles and guides.

Start your Ledger setup