Official Setup Portal | Ledger.com/start

intro-live

— 4 min read

Welcome to the next level of crypto security. If you're ready to take full control of your digital assets, you've come to the right place. This guide will walk you through the entire process of setting up your new Ledger hardware wallet, using the official Ledger Wallet™ app—your all-in-one companion for managing your crypto portfolio.

Think of your Ledger device as your personal, offline vault. The Ledger Wallet™ app (also known as Ledger Live) is the interface you use to access that vault, check your balance, send and receive funds, and explore the world of Web3, all while your private keys remain safely offline, far from the reach of online hackers.

Let's get started on the Ledger.com/start path to true self-custody.

Step 1: Download the Official Ledger Wallet™ App

The first step on Ledger.com/start is to download the correct version of the Ledger Wallet™ app for your computer or mobile device. This application is your command center.

  • For Desktop Users: Choose your operating system below to download the app:
    • Windows: Download the .exe file.
    • macOS: Download the .dmg file (compatible with both Intel and Apple Silicon chips).
    • Linux: Download the .AppImage file.
  • For Mobile Users: Search for "Ledger Live" on the official Apple App Store (for iPhone) or Google Play Store (for Android). Important: Only download the app from these official stores to avoid fake or malicious software.

Once the download is complete, install the application like you would any other program on your computer or phone.

Step 2: Initialize Your Hardware Wallet

With the app installed, it's time to prepare your hardware device. If you haven't already, connect your Ledger device to your computer via USB (or use Bluetooth for the Ledger Nano X) and power it on. You will be guided by the screen on the device itself:

  1. Choose a PIN: The device will ask you to choose a PIN code (4-8 digits). This is the first layer of security for your physical device. Choose a strong, memorable code that you haven't used for anything else.
  2. Write Down Your Recovery Phrase (Secretly and Safely): This is the single most important step. Your Ledger device will generate a unique 24-word recovery phrase. It will display these words, one by one, on its own screen.
    • WRITE IT DOWN on the included recovery sheet (or a durable, non-digital medium).
    • NEVER take a photo of it, type it into your phone, or store it online.
    • STORE IT OFFLINE in a safe place, like a fireproof safe. This phrase is the ultimate backup to your entire wallet. If you lose your device, this phrase is the only way to restore your funds.

Step 3: Add Blockchain "Apps" to Your Device

Your Ledger hardware wallet doesn't come pre-loaded with every blockchain. To manage a specific cryptocurrency (like Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Solana), you need to install the corresponding "app" for that blockchain onto your device.

Open the Ledger Wallet™ desktop app you installed in Step 1. Navigate to the "Manager" tab. Here, you can browse available cryptocurrencies and install their apps directly onto your hardware wallet. The device has limited memory, so you typically only install apps for the assets you actively hold and use.

Step 4: Add Your Accounts in the Ledger Wallet™ App

Now, you'll link your hardware wallet to the Ledger Wallet™ app interface.

  1. In the app, go to the "Accounts" section.
  2. Click "Add Account" .
  3. Select the cryptocurrency you want to add (e.g., Bitcoin) and follow the prompts.
  4. Your Ledger device will ask you to confirm the action. Navigate to open the corresponding app on your device.
  5. The Ledger Wallet™ app will then synchronize with the blockchain and display your new account and its first receiving address.

Repeat this process for each cryptocurrency you wish to manage. You can now see your portfolio balance, transaction history, and more—all secured by your hardware wallet.

As you navigate the Ledger.com/start site and use the Ledger Wallet™ app, we want to be transparent about your experience. Like most websites, we use cookies to enhance functionality and understand how visitors use our site.

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You're All Set. Welcome to Financial Sovereignty.

Congratulations! You've successfully set up your Ledger hardware wallet. You are now the true owner of your digital assets, with your private keys secured offline. From here, you can explore the full power of the Ledger Wallet™ app—buying, selling, swapping, staking, and even diving into DeFi and Web3, all with the confidence that your assets are protected.

For more in-depth guides, FAQs, and troubleshooting, explore the Ledger Support Center or dive deeper into the Ledger Wallet™ app itself.

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