Ledger Getting Started Hub — ledger.com/start

Overview

What is Ledger and why use it?

Ledger produces hardware wallets (Ledger Nano family, Ledger Stax, etc.) that store private keys offline in a secure element. The hardware wallet works in concert with Ledger Live — Ledger’s official desktop & mobile app used to manage crypto assets, install apps, update firmware, and view portfolio balances. See the Ledger Live pages for official downloads and setup instructions. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Core benefits

• Private keys never leave the device (air-gapped security model).
• Explicit transaction confirmation on-device (prevents remote tampering).
• Regular firmware updates and recovery tools via Ledger Live.

Step-by-step Getting Started

1. Buy genuine hardware

Only buy from authorized sellers or ledger.com to avoid tampered devices. Ledger’s Getting Started hub is the canonical first-stop for setup instructions. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

2. Install Ledger Live

Download Ledger Live from the official Ledger site (desktop or mobile). After installation, open Ledger Live and choose Get started, then follow the on-screen prompts to either create a new device or restore from an existing recovery phrase. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

3. Initialize your device

During initialization you will set a PIN and be shown a recovery phrase (also called Secret Recovery Phrase). Write the words down on the recovery sheet supplied — never store the phrase digitally or share it. Ledger Support has step-by-step articles on creating and restoring the recovery phrase. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Important setup notes

• Confirm the device displays the correct Ledger logo on boot.
• Choose a PIN you can remember but is not trivial — do not store it online.
• Use the Recovery Check app on the device to verify your backup once created. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Using Ledger Live and managing accounts

Install apps via Ledger Live

Open Ledger Live → Manager section → connect & unlock your device. Install the specific cryptocurrency apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) you need; each app enables that coin’s accounts. Ledger Live’s manager and app install steps are documented on the official support pages. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Adding and restoring accounts

After installing the necessary apps, use Ledger Live to add accounts. If you’re restoring from a recovery phrase (for example, moving from an old device), follow Ledger’s restore guide to re-create accounts safely. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

Security best practice

Always update device OS and Ledger Live when prompted. Verify releases via Ledger’s official release notes and support articles. Never enter your 24-word phrase into any app or website — Ledger or otherwise will never ask for it. For fraud & malware warnings, consult Ledger’s security notices and official blog. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

Troubleshooting & support

Common issues

- Device not recognized: ensure cable & permissions; check Ledger Live Manager. - Invalid recovery phrase errors usually mean a typo — Ledger provides wordlist and guided checks. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

Contacting support

Use Ledger Support’s official contact/help pages (support.ledger.com) and the in-page chat widget to open tickets. Avoid phone numbers from unverified sources; prefer official support channels. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

Checklist — before you finish setup

Do this now

• Confirm device firmware is up-to-date via Ledger Live (My Ledger / Manager).
• Write down recovery phrase on the supplied sheet; store it securely offline.
• Run the Recovery Check app to validate backup.
• Only install Ledger Live from ledger.com and official app stores for mobile installs. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}