Ledger Getting Started Hub — ledger.com/start™

Your complete step-by-step hub for setting up Ledger hardware wallets. This guide covers unboxing, initial setup, Ledger Live, recovery phrase safety, Manager & apps, staking, firmware updates, security best practices, and troubleshooting.

1. Unboxing & verification

When your Ledger arrives, inspect packaging carefully. Ledger devices are sealed — a compromised seal or damaged packaging may indicate tampering.

What's in the box

  • Ledger device (Nano S Plus / Nano X)
  • USB or USB‑C cable
  • Recovery sheet (paper) and quick start guide
  • Keychain and protective case (model dependent)

If packaging appears tampered, do not proceed — contact the seller or Ledger support. Always buy hardware wallets from official or authorized resellers.

2. Initial setup — create your wallet

Choose a quiet, private place and follow these steps to initialize your Ledger device.

Step-by-step

  1. Download Ledger Live from the official site (ledger.com/start) and install it on your computer or mobile device.
  2. Open Ledger Live and choose "Get started". Select your device model and follow instructions.
  3. On the device choose "Set up as new device" or "Restore from recovery phrase" if you already have one.
  4. Set a secure PIN on the device when prompted. Use a non-trivial PIN and do not store it with your recovery phrase.
  5. Write down the recovery phrase shown on the device exactly in order on the recovery sheet. This is the only way to restore your wallet if the device is lost or damaged.

Tip: Perform a small test transaction after setup to confirm everything works before moving large funds.

3. Recovery phrase (seed) — backup & protection

The recovery phrase is the most critical part of your wallet. Anyone with access to it can control your funds. Protect it accordingly.

Best practices

  • Write the words by hand on the provided recovery sheet in the order shown — do not take photos or copy digitally.
  • Store copies in separate secure locations, such as a home safe and a bank safe deposit box.
  • Consider steel backups to protect against fire, water, and aging of paper.
  • Never share your recovery phrase with anyone. Ledger support will never ask for it.
If you lose access to both your device and recovery phrase, your funds are irretrievable. Always make backups.

4. Ledger Live — install and use

Ledger Live is the official app for account management, sending/receiving crypto, staking, and viewing portfolio balances.

Install steps

  1. Visit ledger.com/start and download Ledger Live for your OS, or install the mobile app from official app stores.
  2. Install and open Ledger Live, create a local profile, and follow the onboarding instructions to connect your device.
  3. Use the "Manager" inside Ledger Live to install blockchain apps required by your device.

Core features

  • Portfolio dashboard and transaction history
  • Send & receive workflows with on-device verification
  • Install/remove apps for supported cryptocurrencies via Manager
  • Staking and earning options for supported assets

Always verify recipient addresses on your device screen before approving transactions to prevent host-side attacks.

5. Manager & apps — enabling assets

The Manager installs small blockchain-specific apps onto your Ledger device which allow Ledger Live to manage accounts for those blockchains.

How to add assets

  1. Open Ledger Live → Manager while your device is connected and unlocked.
  2. Find the cryptocurrency app you need (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) and click "Install". Apps occupy limited space; remove unused apps if necessary and reinstall later — your funds remain safe under the same recovery phrase.
  3. After installing, go to "Accounts" → "Add account" and select the asset to scan for addresses tied to your recovery phrase.

Some tokens or chains might require connecting to third-party wallets for advanced features like DeFi interactions. Always confirm transactions on the device.

6. Staking & earning — grow your holdings

Ledger Live supports staking for several proof-of-stake networks directly within the app (e.g., Tezos, Cosmos). Staking locks or delegates tokens to validators to earn rewards; understand the rules and lockup periods before staking.

Staking workflow

  1. Ensure the asset supports staking in Ledger Live and that you've added the account.
  2. Choose "Stake" or "Delegate" within the account and select a validator (research validator reputation, fees, and performance).
  3. Confirm the staking transaction on your device — rewards distribution and unbonding times vary by chain.

Staking carries protocol risk. Review validator performance and fees periodically and understand how to unstake if needed.

7. Firmware updates & device care

Firmware updates provide security patches and functionality improvements. Ledger signs firmware to ensure integrity.

Updating safely

  1. Ledger Live will notify you when firmware is available. Review release notes before updating.
  2. Begin the update in Ledger Live while connected. Confirm firmware checksums/signatures as prompted by the device and app.
  3. Do not disconnect during updates. If an update fails, reconnect and follow recovery instructions in Ledger Live or contact support.

Device maintenance

  • Keep the device clean and dry.
  • Avoid extreme temperatures and strong magnetic fields.
  • Store the device and recovery sheet in separate secure locations.

8. Security best practices

  • Buy only from official or authorized sellers to avoid tampered devices.
  • Never share your recovery phrase or enter it into a computer/phone.
  • Use a strong PIN and do not store it with your recovery phrase.
  • Consider a passphrase (advanced) to create hidden wallets — remember that forgetting a passphrase means losing access to funds in that hidden wallet.
  • Use multisig and custody diversification for large holdings when appropriate.
If you suspect your recovery phrase was exposed, generate a new wallet on a new device and transfer funds immediately.

9. Troubleshooting & support

Device not detected

  • Try using the original cable and a different USB port; avoid hubs.
  • Restart Ledger Live and your computer.
  • Ensure the device screen is functional and unlocked.

Firmware or Manager issues

If an update fails, reconnect and follow Ledger Live's recovery prompts. For persistent issues, contact official Ledger support and provide device model and firmware version (do not share recovery phrase).

Lost recovery phrase

Without your recovery phrase you cannot restore the wallet. If you still have device access, generate a new wallet with a fresh recovery phrase and move funds there immediately.

FAQ

Can I use Ledger with MetaMask?
Yes — Ledger devices can connect to MetaMask using "Connect Hardware Wallet" and sign transactions on-device.
Does Ledger support NFTs?
Ledger supports NFTs through compatible wallets and explorers; viewing may require third-party interfaces configured to work with Ledger.
What if my device is stolen?
If your recovery phrase and PIN are secure, theft alone may not give access. If the recovery phrase is compromised, move funds immediately.