Only acquire Ledger devices from the official store or authorized retailers. Counterfeit or tampered devices are a major attack vector.
Official store: shop.ledger.com · Main site: ledger.com
Ledger Start — Secure setup & first steps
A clear, security-first guide to initializing your Ledger device, installing Ledger Live, restoring wallets, and best practices to protect your crypto assets.
Getting started — the essential steps
Always download Ledger Live only from the official source. Ledger Live is the desktop & mobile app used to install apps on your device, manage accounts and perform transactions.
Download link: ledger.com/start · Ledger Live download: ledger.com/ledger-live
Power on, choose “Set up as new device” (or restore from recovery phrase if you're migrating). Create a PIN — keep it private. Ledger devices never ask for your seed phrase.
Write your 24-word recovery phrase on a physical backup (never store it digitally). Consider using a fire- and water-proof metal backup for long-term security.
Use Ledger Live to add accounts (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.) and install the minimal set of apps needed. Verify each transaction on-device before confirming.
Troubleshooting & official support
If you run into issues (connection, driver, device not recognized), consult Ledger Support for step-by-step articles or to open a support ticket.
Official support pages:
- support.ledger.com — Knowledge base & troubleshooting
- Set up your Ledger Nano X — device-specific guide
- Getting started with Ledger Live — app walkthrough
Security checklist (quick)
- Buy only from shop.ledger.com or official resellers.
- Download Ledger Live only from ledger.com/start.
- Never type your recovery phrase into a website, app, chat, or email.
- Keep PIN and recovery phrase physically separate.
- Enable firmware updates and check official release notes on ledger.com.
Important: Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase. Any page, chat, or call that requests your recovery is a scam.
In-depth: verifying downloads & avoiding scams
The steps below focus on practical verification and anti-scam strategies you can apply right away. These are simple actions that materially reduce risk.
1. Always verify the domain
When you download Ledger Live or read setup instructions, confirm the domain is ledger.com (or shop.ledger.com, support.ledger.com). Spoofed domains and lookalike pages are a common trick used to harvest credentials and seed phrases.
2. Check file integrity
If Ledger provides checksums, PGP signatures, or fingerprint verification for firmware or installers, use those verification steps. This helps ensure the binary you run is authentic.
3. Use a clean device for setup
Prefer a computer you trust for initial setup. If you suspect your machine is compromised, use another device or a freshly imaged environment for the initial seed generation. Consider air-gapped workflows for advanced users.
4. Never disclose your recovery phrase
Ledger, banks, exchanges, or support will never ask for your 24-word seed. If someone asks, treat that as an immediate scam and stop all communication.
5. Keep firmware up to date
Firmware updates often contain security fixes. Install only official firmware updates via Ledger Live and verify release notes on the Ledger website.
If you want a printable checklist, copy this page into a document and print it — keep a physical copy of your recovery process notes and backup locations.