How to Set Up Your Ledger Device (Guide from Ledger.com/start)

This friendly, step-by-step tutorial walks you through the official Ledger.com/start flow: download the Ledger Wallet app, initialize your hardware device, secure your recovery phrase, install coin apps, and add accounts — all with safety-first tips to keep your crypto protected.

1. Prepare before you begin

Find the box, the USB cable and the recovery sheet that came with your Ledger device. Use a laptop or desktop for the easiest experience. Make sure you’re on a private, malware-free computer and only download the Ledger Wallet app from ledger.com.

2. Download Ledger Wallet (official app)

Visit ledger.com/start and download the Ledger Wallet app for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux) or the mobile app on iOS/Android. Ledger’s official page provides the correct installer and prevents fake apps from tricking you.

3. Initialize your Ledger device

Connect the device and power it on. When prompted choose Set up as new device (unless you are restoring). Create a PIN — this protects local access to the device. The device will then display the recovery phrase (usually 24 words). Write those words down on the recovery sheet in the exact order shown — never store them digitally.

4. Verify and keep your recovery phrase safe

After writing the recovery phrase, the device will ask you to confirm a few words to verify you recorded them correctly. Store the sheet(s) in a secure offline location — consider two separate physical locations. Never share the phrase, never enter it into software or websites, and be aware that any request for it is a scam.

Security tip: If any app or popup ever asks for your 24-word seed phrase, it’s malicious — close the app and verify downloads from ledger.com.

5. Install apps & add accounts

Open the Ledger Wallet app and follow the on-screen instructions to install cryptocurrency apps on your device (for Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.). In the app, use Add account to create accounts for each supported coin. Your private keys remain on the Ledger device — the desktop/mobile app simply reads public addresses to show balances and build transactions.

6. Sending, receiving and routine checks

To receive funds, share your public address shown in the Ledger Wallet app. To send, build the transaction in the app and confirm it physically on the Ledger device. Regularly update Ledger Wallet and device firmware from official sources, and periodically check the Ledger support pages for guidance.

Final safety checklist

  • Always download software from ledger.com only.
  • Never type or photograph your recovery phrase.
  • Use a strong PIN and keep firmware up to date.
  • Beware of phishing emails, fake installers and social engineering.

That’s it — with a little patience and care you’ll have a secure hardware wallet ready to manage your crypto. If you need device-specific steps (Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Stax) or run into an error, Ledger’s official support center provides model-specific walkthroughs and troubleshooting.