How to Get Started with Ledger: A Complete Step‑by‑Step Guide

If you’ve just purchased a Ledger hardware wallet (such as the Ledger Nano S Plus or Ledger Nano X), this guide will walk you through how to start with your device, set it up securely, access the Ledger Live app, and protect your crypto — all using official resources.

📍 Official Resource: Always start at the official Ledger setup page: https://www.ledger.com/start

What Is Ledger and Why Use It?

A Ledger device is a hardware wallet designed to securely store private keys offline. Unlike software wallets or exchanges, a hardware wallet keeps your crypto protected from online hacks, malware, and phishing attacks.

Ledger Nano S Plus — affordable and durable.

Ledger Nano X — Bluetooth support and larger storage.

Access official specs: https://www.ledger.com

Step 1: Unbox Your Ledger Device

When your Ledger arrives, ensure it is sealed in official packaging. Never use a Ledger device that shows signs of tampering.

Included in the box:

Ledger device (Nano S Plus or Nano X)

USB cable

Recovery sheet (for writing down your recovery phrase)

Instruction pamphlet

⚠️ Important: Ledger will never ask for your 24‑word recovery phrase online.

Step 2: Visit the Official Ledger Start Page

To begin setup:

Open a secure browser (Chrome, Firefox, Brave).

Go to the official setup URL: 👉 https://www.ledger.com/start

This page guides you through downloading Ledger Live and setting up your device. Always confirm the SSL lock icon in the URL bar to avoid phishing.

🔗 Download Ledger Live directly from Ledger: https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live

Step 3: Install Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the companion app that lets you:

Manage your crypto assets

Install apps on your Ledger device

Send and receive cryptocurrencies

Supported on:

Windows

macOS

Linux

iOS / Android

Official Ledger Live download page: 👉 https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live/download

After installing:

Open Ledger Live.

Click “Get Started”.

Choose your Ledger device model.

Step 4: Initialize Your Ledger Device

You’ll be prompted to choose between:

Create a new wallet

Restore from recovery phrase

Create a New Wallet

Select Create a new wallet.

Choose a PIN (4–8 digits).

Ledger will generate a 24‑word recovery phrase.

Write it down on the official recovery sheet provided — do not store it digitally.

This 24‑word phrase is the only backup for your private keys. Anyone with access to it can control your crypto.

🔥 Ledger’s security FAQs: https://support.ledger.com

Step 5: Confirm Your Recovery Phrase

The device will ask you to verify selected words from your recovery phrase.

This ensures you wrote it down correctly.

⚠️ Never enter your recovery phrase into a computer, phone, or website. Only confirm it on the Ledger device screen.

Step 6: Add Crypto Accounts in Ledger Live

Once your device is set up:

Open Ledger Live.

Click “Add account”.

Choose the cryptocurrency (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum).

Follow on‑screen instructions.

Ledger Live supports hundreds of crypto assets and integrates with third‑party apps for DeFi, NFTs, staking, and more.

Step 7: Sending and Receiving Crypto

To receive:

Select the account in Ledger Live.

Click Receive.

Connect your Ledger and verify the address on the device.

To send:

Select the account.

Click Send.

Enter the recipient address and amount.

Verify and confirm on your Ledger device.

📘 Learn how to send and receive safely: https://support.ledger.com

Tips for Secure Usage

✔ Always use the official Ledger setup links: • https://www.ledger.com/start

• https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live

✔ Double‑check that the recovery sheet is legible and stored in a safe, offline location.

✔ Never share your 24‑word recovery phrase.

✔ Beware of phishing sites claiming to be “Ledger support.”

✔ Do not enter your recovery phrase in a browser or app.