Ledger.com/Start® | Getting Started™ | Ledger®

Getting Started with Ledger®

Master the art of cold storage. Learn how to protect your assets with industry-leading security and professional investment strategies.

Get Started

Critical Security Alert

Official support will NEVER ask for your 24-word recovery phrase. If any website or person asks for your seed phrase, they are trying to steal your assets. Always keep your recovery phrase offline and in a safe place.

Why Hardware Wallets?

Understanding the core technology behind your security.

Cold Storage
Your private keys stay offline, away from hackers and malware.
Secure Element
Military-grade chips protect your keys from physical tampering.
One App for All
Manage 5,000+ assets and explore Web3 with a single interface.
Support Center

Common Issues & Solutions

Self-help guide for your wallet journey.

Ledger.com/Start Guide

Getting Started with Your Ledger Wallet

Setting up your Ledger hardware wallet is the most important step toward true financial sovereignty. Follow this complete guide inspired by the official ledger.com/start page to secure your crypto assets the right way — step by step, without any confusion.

Step 1 — Download Ledger Live

The first thing you need to do is download Ledger Live — the official companion app for your Ledger device. It is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. Always download it directly from the official Ledger website to avoid fake versions. Ledger Live is your control center for managing all your crypto assets, installing apps on your device, and staying up to date with firmware updates.

  • Available on Windows, Mac, Linux
  • iOS & Android mobile app
  • Free to download and use
  • Supports 5,500+ coins and tokens

Step 2 — Connect Your Device

Once Ledger Live is installed, connect your Ledger hardware wallet to your computer using the USB cable that came in the box. For Ledger Nano X, you can also connect via Bluetooth to your smartphone. Power on the device and follow the on-screen instructions. If this is a brand-new device, you will be prompted to set it up as a new device. If you are restoring from a backup, choose the recovery option.

  • Use the official USB-C cable from the box
  • Bluetooth available on Nano X
  • PIN code setup on first use
  • Never use a pre-configured device

Step 3 — Write Down Your Recovery Phrase

Your Ledger will generate a unique 24-word recovery phrase (also called a seed phrase or mnemonic). This is the most critical step. Write all 24 words on the recovery sheet provided in the box, in the exact order shown. This phrase is the only backup to your wallet — if you lose your device, this is how you recover all your assets. Store it offline, never digitally, never in photos, never in cloud storage.

⚠️ Golden Rule: Never share your 24-word phrase with anyone — not even Ledger support.

Step 4 — Add Your First Account

After setup, open Ledger Live and go to My Ledger to install the app for the coin you want to manage (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum). Then go to Add Account, select the cryptocurrency, and your device will generate a secure account address. This address is safe to share — it is your public receiving address. Think of it like your bank account number.

  • Install coin apps via My Ledger tab
  • Each coin needs its own app
  • Your address is safe to share publicly
  • Verify address on your device screen

Choose Your Ledger Device

Ledger offers multiple hardware wallet models to suit different needs and budgets. Here is a clear comparison to help you decide which one is right for you.

Ledger Nano S Plus

Best Value

The Nano S Plus is the ideal starting point for crypto beginners. It offers all the core security features of a Ledger device at an accessible price. It connects via USB-C and has a larger screen than the original Nano S, making navigation easier.

  • USB-C connectivity
  • Large screen
  • Supports 5,500+ coins
  • Secure Element chip
  • PIN & Recovery phrase
  • Compact & portable

Ledger Nano X

Most Popular

The Nano X is the best-selling Ledger device and a top choice for experienced users. Its Bluetooth connectivity lets you manage your crypto from your smartphone without needing a computer. Perfect for people who trade on the go.

  • Bluetooth 5.0
  • Battery included
  • Mobile compatible
  • Supports 5,500+ coins
  • Up to 100 apps installed
  • Premium build quality

Ledger Stax

Premium

The Ledger Stax is the most advanced hardware wallet ever made, designed by Tony Fadell (creator of the iPod). Its large curved E Ink touchscreen lets you see and verify your NFTs and transactions in stunning clarity.

  • Curved E Ink display
  • Wireless charging (Qi)
  • Bluetooth & USB-C
  • NFT display capability
  • Magnetic stacking
  • Largest screen ever
Recovery Phrase Guide

Understanding Your 24-Word Secret Recovery Phrase

Your Secret Recovery Phrase (also called a seed phrase or mnemonic) is a sequence of 24 randomly generated words that acts as the master backup for your entire wallet. It is generated once — during the initial setup of your Ledger device — and can never be changed.

Every cryptocurrency account, every private key, and every balance in your Ledger is mathematically derived from this single phrase using an open standard called BIP-39. This means that if you ever lose your device or it gets damaged, you can recover every single account and all your funds on a new Ledger (or any compatible hardware wallet) simply by entering these 24 words.

This is what makes a hardware wallet so powerful — and so important to protect. Anyone who has your 24 words has full access to all your funds, regardless of which device they use. There is no password reset, no customer support recovery, and no way to undo it. You are your own bank.

Write it on paper — never type it on a phone or computer

Store it in a fireproof safe or metal backup plate

Never photograph it or store it in cloud storage

Never enter it on any website — ever

Consider making two copies and storing them separately

How the Phrase Works

The 24 words come from a standardized list of 2,048 words. When arranged in the correct order, they encode a very large number that becomes the root of your entire wallet. This system is called Hierarchical Deterministic (HD) wallet generation. From one root, infinite accounts for infinite cryptocurrencies can be derived.

The security of this system is based on pure mathematics — there are more possible combinations of 24-word phrases than there are atoms in the observable universe, making brute-force guessing completely impossible.

Optional: Add a Passphrase

Advanced users can add a 25th word — a custom passphrase — for an extra layer of security. This creates an entirely separate, hidden wallet. Even if someone finds your 24 words, without the passphrase they cannot access this hidden wallet. This is an advanced feature and you must remember the passphrase yourself, as it cannot be recovered.

How to Send & Receive Crypto with Ledger

Once your device is set up, sending and receiving cryptocurrency is simple and secure. Here is everything you need to know.

Receiving Crypto

To receive cryptocurrency, you need to give the sender your public wallet address. This address is safe to share. In Ledger Live, go to your account and click Receive. The app will generate your address and display it both on screen and on your Ledger device. Always verify the address on your physical device screen — this confirms it has not been tampered with by malware on your computer.

  1. 1Open Ledger Live and select your account
  2. 2Click the "Receive" button
  3. 3Verify the address displayed on your Ledger device
  4. 4Share the address or QR code with the sender
  5. 5Wait for the transaction to confirm on the blockchain

Sending Crypto

To send cryptocurrency, open Ledger Live, go to your account and click Send. Enter the recipient's address carefully — always double-check it. Select the amount and the network fee (higher fee = faster confirmation). Before the transaction is broadcast, your Ledger device will ask you to physically verify and approve the transaction by pressing a button. This is the key security feature — no transaction can leave without your physical confirmation.

  1. 1Click "Send" in your Ledger Live account
  2. 2Enter the recipient address (triple-check it!)
  3. 3Set the amount and network fee
  4. 4Review all details on your Ledger screen
  5. 5Press the button on your device to confirm
Supported Assets

5,500+ Supported Coins & Tokens

Ledger supports a massive range of cryptocurrencies and tokens. Whether you hold Bitcoin, Ethereum, or the latest DeFi tokens, your Ledger can secure them all. Here are some of the most popular assets supported.

BTC

Bitcoin

BTC

ETH

Ethereum

ETH

SOL

Solana

SOL

XRP

XRP

XRP

ADA

Cardano

ADA

DOT

Polkadot

DOT

LTC

Litecoin

LTC

LINK

Chainlink

LINK

...and 5,490+ more coins, ERC-20 tokens, NFTs, and DeFi protocols.

Earn Passive Income

Staking & Earning with Ledger

Did you know you can earn passive income on your crypto holdings — directly from the security of your hardware wallet? Ledger Live allows you to stake several popular cryptocurrencies without ever giving up custody of your coins. Your private keys always remain on your device.

Staking means you lock your coins to help validate transactions on a proof-of-stake blockchain network. In return, you earn staking rewards — similar to earning interest in a bank account, but decentralized and often at much higher rates. Ethereum staking, for example, allows you to earn ETH rewards for securing the network.

Through Ledger Live's integration with third-party services, you can also access lending protocols, liquidity pools, and yield-farming opportunities. Always research the risks before participating in DeFi activities.

Ethereum (ETH)

~4-6% APY

Solana (SOL)

~6-7% APY

Cardano (ADA)

~3-5% APY

Polkadot (DOT)

~10-14% APY

*APY rates are approximate and fluctuate. Not financial advice.

How to Stake in Ledger Live

  1. 1. Open Ledger Live and go to Earn section
  2. 2. Select the cryptocurrency you want to stake
  3. 3. Choose a validator or staking provider
  4. 4. Confirm the staking amount and approve on your Ledger device
  5. 5. Monitor your rewards in the Ledger Live dashboard

What is a Validator?

A validator is a node on the blockchain network that processes and confirms transactions. When you stake with a validator, you delegate your coins to them to increase their voting power. They earn block rewards and share a portion with you. Always choose reputable validators with high uptime and low commission fees.

Trusted by the Global Community

Join millions of users securing their future with cold storage.

SECURE_DEV
BIT_WATCH
CHAIN_GUARD
CRYPTO_HUB

Pro Investing Tips

  • DCA (Dollar Cost Averaging): Invest a fixed amount regularly regardless of price to reduce volatility impact.

  • Diversification: Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Balance your portfolio across different assets.

  • Long-term Vision: Focus on projects with strong fundamentals and utility for sustainable growth.

Ledger Live Mobile

Sync with your desktop app

Web3 Explorer

Access dApps securely