Ledger.com/start | Getting Started with Ledger Live
Welcome to the Ledger Experience
If you’ve just purchased a Ledger hardware wallet—congratulations. You’ve taken a major step toward securing your digital assets with industry-leading technology. Your journey starts at Ledger.com/start, the official setup page that helps new users install and configure Ledger Live, Ledger’s secure companion app.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to begin using your Ledger device, from setting it up to securing, sending, and managing your crypto through Ledger Live.
What Is Ledger Live?
Ledger Live is a free desktop and mobile application developed by Ledger to work seamlessly with its hardware wallets—Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, and Nano S (discontinued). It provides a secure interface for users to manage, buy, sell, stake, and track thousands of cryptocurrencies, while ensuring private keys never leave the hardware device.
Step 1: Visit Ledger.com/start
Your first step with a new Ledger wallet is to go to Ledger.com/start. This page ensures you follow the official instructions directly from Ledger and download the genuine version of Ledger Live for your system.
📥 Choose Your Platform
You can download Ledger Live for:
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
- iOS
- Android
Make sure to avoid third-party sites or links—security begins with downloading the right software.
Step 2: Set Up Your Ledger Device
Once Ledger Live is installed, the next step is setting up your hardware wallet.
🔐 Create or Restore a Wallet
- New users: Select "Set up as new device." You’ll create a PIN and generate a 24-word recovery phrase. This phrase is the only way to recover your wallet—store it securely offline.
- Returning users: Choose "Restore device from recovery phrase" and enter your existing 24 words to regain access.
✅ Device Authentication
Ledger Live will run a genuine check to ensure your device hasn’t been tampered with. Always verify that the Ledger Live interface confirms your device as genuine before proceeding.
Step 3: Navigate Ledger Live Interface
Once setup is complete, you’ll be introduced to the Ledger Live dashboard. This is where you manage your crypto portfolio, send and receive transactions, track balances, and access advanced features.
🧩 Install Crypto Apps
Use the Manager section to install blockchain-specific apps on your Ledger device (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana). Each crypto requires its own app to interact with the blockchain.
📁 Add Accounts
Once an app is installed, go to Accounts > Add Account, and select the cryptocurrency you want to use. This connects your Ledger device to the blockchain and syncs your balances securely.
Step 4: Send and Receive Crypto
With apps installed and accounts added, you can now safely send and receive cryptocurrencies.
- To Receive: Go to your crypto account, click Receive, and confirm the address on your Ledger device screen. Share this address with the sender.
- To Send: Click Send, enter the recipient's address, amount, and confirm the transaction on your hardware wallet to sign it securely.
Ledger Live ensures that all transactions are manually confirmed on your Ledger device, protecting you from unauthorized actions.
Step 5: Explore Features of Ledger Live
Ledger Live offers much more than basic wallet functions:
💸 Buy and Sell Crypto
Use trusted third-party integrations to buy crypto with your credit card or bank account. Assets are sent directly to your secured Ledger wallet.
🔁 Swap Crypto
Exchange one crypto for another without leaving the app. Ledger Live uses decentralized and centralized exchange partners to find optimal rates.
🌱 Stake and Earn Rewards
Stake supported coins like Ethereum (ETH), Tezos (XTZ), Solana (SOL), or Polkadot (DOT) to earn passive income. Rewards are claimed and managed through Ledger Live.
🖼️ Manage NFTs
View, send, and receive NFTs securely. Ledger Live supports Ethereum and Polygon NFT collections, allowing you to store them with cold wallet security.
📈 Portfolio Management
View your entire crypto portfolio in real time. Track price changes, asset distribution, and historical performance.
Security Tips for Ledger Users
- Only download Ledger Live from Ledger.com/start or official app stores.
- Always verify your receive address on your device screen.
- Never enter your recovery phrase on any app or website.
- Use a strong PIN code and enable the Ledger Live password lock feature.
- Regularly update Ledger Live and your device firmware for the latest security enhancements.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Ledger Live not recognizing device?
- Try using a different USB cable or port.
- Ensure the device is unlocked and the app for that crypto is open.
- Restart Ledger Live or reinstall the application if needed.
Forgot your PIN?
- Reset your device and restore it using your 24-word recovery phrase.
Lost your recovery phrase?
- Unfortunately, your crypto cannot be recovered without the phrase. Ledger does not store this information for your safety.
Conclusion
Starting your crypto journey with Ledger is one of the smartest moves for anyone serious about digital asset security. By visiting Ledger.com/start, you ensure that your device is set up safely, your app is authentic, and your assets are protected from the first step.
Ledger Live turns your Ledger hardware wallet into a powerful crypto control center. It offers real-time management, secure transactions, staking, NFT storage, and so much more—without ever compromising on security.