Why Ledger Live and Ledger.com/Start matter
Ledger Live is the desktop and mobile application that pairs with Ledger hardware wallets to view balances, manage accounts, and safely sign transactions. Using Ledger.com/Start gets you the official setup flow: firmware checks, app installation, and a step-by-step connection guide. Together, they form the recommended path for protecting private keys and making crypto interactions reliable and auditable.
Before you begin: what you'll need
- A Ledger hardware device (Ledger Nano S, Ledger Nano S Plus, or Ledger Nano X).
- A computer or mobile device with the latest version of Ledger Live installed from Ledger.com/Start.
- Your 24-word recovery phrase written down (or ready to set up during initialization) — never stored digitally.
- A USB cable or Bluetooth connection (for Nano X) and a stable internet connection for app updates.
Step 1 — Download Ledger Live from Ledger.com/Start
Always download Ledger Live only from the official page: Ledger.com/Start. The site detects your operating system and serves the correct installer. After downloading, verify installer integrity if you prefer extra caution—check checksums when available, or validate the certificate in your browser before running the installer.
Step 2 — Initialize or recover your Ledger device
If your device is new, choose the option to set up as a new device during the on-device prompts. If you already have a recovery phrase saved from a previous device, choose the recovery option and enter your 24 words carefully. Ledger devices never ask for your recovery phrase via the app—only on the device screen itself. Never share this phrase or type it into a computer or phone.
Step 3 — Create a secure PIN and guard your recovery phrase
Follow the device prompts to create a PIN. Choose something not easily guessable. The recovery phrase—usually 24 words—must be written on the provided recovery sheet and stored in a secure, offline location. Consider using a fireproof safe or a safety deposit box for long-term storage. This phrase is the only way to recover funds if the device is lost.
Step 4 — Add accounts in Ledger Live
Open Ledger Live and follow the onboarding steps. Connect your Ledger device and unlock it. Choose the crypto asset apps to install on the device (for example Bitcoin, Ethereum). Within Ledger Live, click Add account, select the currency, and follow the prompts. Ledger Live will scan the blockchain and display balances from the public addresses derived from your device.
Step 5 — Logging in regularly
Ledger Live does not store funds — it interacts with the blockchain while private keys remain on your Ledger device. Each time you want to view or move funds, connect your device, open Ledger Live, and unlock with your PIN. When sending assets, you must confirm the details on the device screen. This hardware confirmation step is the core security guarantee: even if your computer is compromised, an attacker cannot sign transactions without physical access to your Ledger device and PIN.
Best practices: safety-first checklist
- Only use the official Ledger.com/Start download link.
- Never type your recovery phrase into a website, app, or chat tool.
- Keep firmware and Ledger Live up to date to receive security improvements and new coin support.
- When confirming transactions, always verify the destination address and amounts on your Ledger device screen.
- Consider a secondary backup strategy (e.g., metal seed backup) rather than a single paper copy for important holdings.
Troubleshooting common login problems
If Ledger Live does not detect your device, check the USB cable and try a different port. For Bluetooth pairing issues with Nano X, ensure your phone's Bluetooth is on and that no previous pairings block the connection. If Ledger Live prompts for an update that fails, toggle the device connection and retry. If you suspect the installer you downloaded is not authentic, remove it and re-download from Ledger.com/Start. For errors that persist, Ledger's official support and community pages provide stepwise help.
Advanced tips for power users
Use separate Ledger accounts for different purposes: one for daily spending and others for long-term cold storage. Leverage the "receive" address feature to generate new addresses per transaction to improve privacy. Consider pairing Ledger Live with a privacy-focused node or third-party explorer if you require advanced privacy features. For developers, use Ledger's developer documentation to integrate signing into custom apps, while always keeping signing operations visible on-device for confirmation.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can Ledger Live be trusted?
Ledger Live is trusted when downloaded from Ledger.com/Start. The key safety guarantee is that private keys never leave your Ledger hardware device. Ledger Live is a management interface — your funds remain secured by the device's seed phrase and secure element.
What if I lose my Ledger device?
If your Ledger device is lost or damaged, you can recover your accounts on a new Ledger device (or a compatible wallet) using your 24-word recovery phrase. Recover only with trusted, official hardware or software and never enter your phrase into random websites.
How often should I update firmware?
Install firmware updates when Ledger releases them. Firmware updates can include security patches and support for new cryptocurrencies. Ledger Live notifies you when critical updates are available — follow the on-screen instructions and confirm updates on-device.
Final words — start safely
Getting started with Ledger Live and Ledger.com/Start is straightforward when you follow a safety-first approach. Download only from official sources, protect your recovery phrase, and confirm every transaction on-device. With these steps, you keep the convenience of software and the security of hardware. Welcome — your keys, your control.