Ledger.com/start — Ledger Live App & Wallet Setup Guide

This step-by-step guide walks you through everything you need to safely set up Ledger Live with your Ledger hardware wallet (Nano, Stax, or Flex). You'll learn how to install Ledger Live, initialize your device, create and protect your recovery phrase, add accounts, perform a test transaction, and adopt key security best practices so your crypto stays protected.

Why use Ledger + Ledger Live?

Ledger’s hardware wallets store your private keys offline, while Ledger Live provides a modern app interface (desktop and mobile) to manage accounts, view balances, buy/sell crypto, swap assets, stake selected tokens, and view NFTs. The hardware device performs transaction signing, meaning private keys never leave the device. This separation reduces the risk of remote attacks and malware stealing your keys.

Before you begin — what you’ll need

Your Ledger device (Nano S Plus, Nano X, Ledger Stax, Ledger Flex, etc.).
A computer (Windows, macOS, Linux) or a mobile device (iOS/Android) with internet access.
The official Ledger Live app (download from ledger.com/start).
A safe place to write down your recovery phrase (paper, metal backup plate, or other secure backup solution).
Time and attention — set aside at least 30 minutes the first time so you don’t rush critical security steps.

Step 1 — Buy genuine hardware (don’t skip)

Only buy a Ledger device from Ledger’s official shop or an authorized reseller. Devices purchased from unknown sources or second-hand can be tampered with. If you already have a device and suspect tampering, do not use it to store funds until you verify its integrity with Ledger’s official instructions.

Step 2 — Download Ledger Live

Go to ledger.com/start and download Ledger Live for your platform. Install the app following the installer prompts. On mobile, install Ledger Live from the official App Store or Google Play Store and verify the publisher is “Ledger.”

Always verify the URL and app publisher before downloading. Beware of fake apps and phishing websites that mimic Ledger branding.

Step 3 — Initialize your Ledger device

When you power up a new Ledger device for the first time, you’ll be guided through:

Choosing a PIN code: Pick a PIN you can remember but that others can’t guess. This PIN protects access to your device if it’s lost or stolen.
Generating your recovery phrase: The device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase (some models may use 12 or 18 words depending on firmware/options — follow the prompts). This phrase is the ultimate backup of your wallet. Write it down exactly in the same order, on the provided recovery sheet or a metal backup plate.
Confirming the phrase: The device will ask you to confirm a few words to ensure you recorded them correctly.

Never share your recovery phrase with anyone. Ledger (and legitimate support) will never ask for it. Do not enter your recovery phrase into any website, app, or form. Store copies in secure, offline locations.

Step 4 — Install Ledger Live Manager and device apps

Open Ledger Live and connect your device to your computer or mobile via USB/Bluetooth (models vary). In Ledger Live:

Follow the initial onboarding until you reach the dashboard.
Open the Manager section to install blockchain-specific apps on your Ledger device — for example Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tezos, etc. Each account you add in Ledger Live requires the corresponding app installed on the device.
Grant access on your device when prompted. The device screen will show each install and require confirmation.

Step 5 — Add accounts in Ledger Live

After installing the necessary apps on the device, use Ledger Live’s Accounts section to add supported blockchains:

Select the coin, connect and unlock your device, and follow prompts to add the account.
Ledger Live will synchronize balances and transaction history for the accounts you add.
You may add multiple accounts for the same blockchain (e.g., multiple Ethereum accounts) if needed.

Step 6 — Perform a small test transaction

Before moving large amounts, send a small test amount to and from your new Ledger address to verify everything works end-to-end:

From an exchange or another wallet, send a small amount (e.g., for BTC — a small fraction, for ETH — a small fraction of ETH) to the Ledger-generated receive address shown in Ledger Live.
Verify the address on your device screen matches the address in Ledger Live before confirming the receive.
When sending out, initiate the transaction in Ledger Live and confirm the details on your physical device; only approve if the details are correct.

Optional: Ledger Recover & passphrase (advanced)

Ledger offers optional features such as a recoverable backup service for users who want additional recovery options, and the ability to add a passphrase (BIP39 passphrase) for an additional layer of account separation. These options change recovery and security models and are recommended only after you understand the trade-offs:

Passphrase: Adds a hidden “25th word” to create an additional account. Losing the passphrase means losing access to that derived wallet.
Ledger Recover (if available): An optional, third-party-assisted recovery option that may involve identity verification—only use it if you understand and accept the tradeoffs.

If you’re unsure, stick to the standard offline seed backup (written or metal) and do not enable passphrases until you’ve read the documentation and practiced recovery on a test wallet.

Routine operations: sending, receiving, swapping, staking

Ledger Live supports common wallet operations:

Receive: Click the account → Receive to display an address. Always confirm the address on your Ledger device before sharing it.
Send: Click Send, enter destination and amount, and confirm details on your device before approving the transaction.
Swap: Use Ledger Live’s swap integrations to exchange assets within the app; provider fees and rates apply.
Stake: For supported proof-of-stake tokens, Ledger Live provides staking flows to delegate or stake directly while your keys remain on the device.

Security best practices (must-read)

Only download Ledger Live from ledger.com/start or official app stores. Verify the publisher and URL.
Never enter your recovery phrase into any app, website, chat, or form. Ledger support will never ask for it.
Keep multiple physical backups of your recovery phrase in geographically separate, secure locations (consider fireproof/waterproof metal backups for long-term storage).
Keep device firmware and Ledger Live up to date — firmware updates include security improvements. Verify firmware updates on the device screen and confirm changes only when expected.
Be cautious with browser plugins and third-party software that request access to your accounts — use only trusted integrations and read permissions carefully.
Consider using a dedicated, clean machine (or at least a well-maintained, updated OS) for high-value transactions to minimize malware risks.

Troubleshooting & common questions

My device isn’t recognized by Ledger Live

Try a different USB cable or port, confirm your OS drivers are up to date, and ensure the device is unlocked. On mobile, check Bluetooth permissions for Ledger Nano X or compatible devices.

I lost my device — what now?

If you have your recovery phrase, you can restore your accounts on a new Ledger device or any compatible wallet that supports the same derivation. If you don’t have the recovery phrase, funds can’t be recovered. That’s why secure backups are essential.

What if I suspect a fake Ledger Live download?

Immediately uninstall suspicious software, do not enter your recovery phrase anywhere, and reach out to official Ledger support from the Ledger website for guidance. Re-download Ledger Live only from ledger.com/start.

Checklist — before you store large amounts

Device purchased from official or authorized source.
Official Ledger Live installed (verified publisher/URL).
PIN set and recovery phrase recorded and verified.
Apps for intended blockchains installed on device and accounts added to Ledger Live.
Test transactions completed (both receive and send).
At least one secure offline backup (paper or metal) stored in a safe place.

Final thoughts

Ledger hardware wallets combined with Ledger Live offer a secure, feature-rich environment for self-custody. The hardware device protects your private keys by keeping them offline, and Ledger Live provides a convenient interface for daily use. Security depends heavily on how you handle your recovery phrase and software sources — follow the best practices above, maintain physical backups, and always verify addresses and downloads.

If you’re ready, visit ledger.com/start to download Ledger Live and follow the guided onboarding. Take your time during setup and treat your recovery phrase as the single most critical piece of information for accessing your funds.

Get started at ledger.com/start