Ledger Getting Started Hub — ledger.com/start

Overview

The Ledger Getting Started Hub is a centralized resource for new and returning users. Ledger hardware wallets (such as the Ledger Nano S Plus and Ledger Nano X) protect private keys in a secure element — a tamper-resistant chip designed for cryptographic operations. Ledger Live (desktop and mobile) is the official companion app used to manage accounts, install blockchain apps on-device, send and receive assets, and perform firmware updates.

This hub covers: device selection, secure unboxing, Ledger Live installation, secure initialization, backup strategies, daily operations, advanced features (passphrase, hidden wallets, staking), firmware updates, troubleshooting, developer tips, and organizational deployment guidance.

Choose the Right Ledger Device

Ledger provides multiple device models. Select one that matches your workflow and security needs.

Ledger Nano S Plus — Affordable, compact, and suitable for users who manage a moderate set of assets. Offers broad coin support with a smaller app capacity than Nano X.
Ledger Nano X — Enhanced storage for more apps, larger screen, and Bluetooth connectivity for mobile use. Ideal for users who manage many different blockchains or prefer mobile-first workflows.

Buy only from the official Ledger store or authorized resellers to avoid tampered or counterfeit devices. Avoid marketplace resellers when possible, and verify packaging integrity upon receipt.

Unboxing & Initial Safety Checks

Before powering on a newly purchased Ledger device, perform the following checks to ensure authenticity and safety:

Inspect packaging: Check for an intact tamper-evident seal. If the seal looks broken or the box appears previously opened, do not use the device and contact Ledger support.
Accessories: Verify the presence of the device, USB cable, recovery sheet(s), and documentation. Devices should not be pre-initialized—ensure you're the first to set it up.
Download Ledger Live: Prepare to download Ledger Live from the official start page (ledger.com/start).
Plan recovery storage: Have a pen and a secure location to store your recovery sheet offline. Consider metal backup solutions for long-term durability.

Install Ledger Live

Ledger Live is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. Always download directly from ledger.com/start or through official app stores.

Visit ledger.com/start and select your device model and operating system.
Download and run the installer. On mobile, install the Ledger Live app from the App Store or Google Play.
Open Ledger Live and follow the onboarding flow; Ledger Live will guide you through installing blockchain apps on your device and creating or restoring accounts.

When using desktop installers, verify checksums if Ledger provides them, to ensure installer integrity.

Setup & Secure Your Recovery Phrase

Initialization is a critical step. The device will generate a recovery phrase (usually 24 words) and a PIN. This phrase is the master key to your funds—protect it carefully.

Power on & choose setup: Connect the device and select "Set up as new device" on the on-device menu unless you're restoring.
PIN selection: Enter a secure PIN directly on the device. This protects against unauthorized physical access.
Recovery phrase generation: The device will display the recovery words. Write them down in order on the provided recovery sheet. Do not store them digitally or photograph them.
Confirm seed: Complete the confirmation step on-device to ensure the seed was recorded correctly.
Optional passphrase: Consider enabling a passphrase (BIP39 passphrase) for hidden wallets, but understand that a passphrase is an additional secret you must manage—if lost, hidden wallets become inaccessible.

Recovery storage options: Store the written seed in secure places such as a safe, bank deposit box, or metal backup plates designed for seed words. Spread geographic backups to mitigate fire/theft risk, but balance this with increased exposure from multiple copies.

Day-to-Day: Accounts, Sending, Receiving, & Swaps

Once your device is initialized and Ledger Live is set up, common operations become straightforward while keeping keys offline.

Adding accounts

In Ledger Live, open "Manager" and install apps for the blockchains you want to use (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum).
Go to "Accounts" and add accounts for each blockchain; Ledger Live will scan the blockchain and display balances.

Receiving

Always verify the receive address on your Ledger device screen before sharing it. This ensures address integrity even if your computer is compromised.

Sending

Prepare a transaction in Ledger Live; the device will present transaction details (amount, destination, data) for on-device verification. Approve only if details match expectations.

Swapping & staking

Ledger Live integrates swap providers and staking options for certain assets. Review fees and counterparty info before proceeding; staking and smart contract interactions carry additional risks—understand the terms before committing funds.

Security Best Practices

Never disclose your recovery phrase: Ledger support or employees will never ask for your seed. If asked, it's a scam.
Verify downloads and communications: Only use ledger.com and official channels for downloads and support. Check email senders and be cautious of unsolicited messages.
Use device verification: Always confirm addresses and transaction details on the hardware screen before approving.
Backup strategy: Use secure, offline backup methods (paper/metal) and consider geographically separated copies for high-value holdings.
Firmware and software updates: Keep Ledger Live and device firmware updated via official channels to get security patches and improvements.

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Common issues and quick fixes:

Device not recognized: Try another USB cable/port, ensure device is unlocked, update Ledger Live, and check OS drivers.
Missing balances: Ensure the correct account is added and that Ledger Live has completed scanning. For tokens, add token contracts if required.
Firmware update failed: Retry via Ledger Live. If the device becomes unresponsive, follow official recovery steps and contact ledger support.
Lost seed but device present: Create a new wallet, generate a new recovery phrase, and transfer funds securely.

For full support resources, visit ledger.com/support or contact official support channels.

Enterprise Deployment & Operational Guidance

Organizations using Ledger devices in production should incorporate operational controls and security practices tailored to scale.

Procurement: Source devices through official channels and maintain a secure distribution pipeline to prevent supply-chain tampering.
Role-based access: Define roles for device custodians, signers, and reviewers. Combine Ledger devices with multisig setups where appropriate to minimize single-point-of-failure risk.
Endpoint security: Harden workstations running Ledger Live with endpoint protection, strict update policies, and application whitelisting.
Backup & recovery testing: Periodically test recovery procedures with mock drills to ensure backups can restore access without surprises.
Audit & logging: Maintain system-level logs around installations, firmware updates, and critical operations for forensic readiness.

Resources & Next Steps

Additional materials to explore:

Official downloads and getting started: ledger.com/start
Support and troubleshooting: ledger.com/support
Developer documentation for integrations and APIs: https://developers.ledger.com
Security best practices and firmware advisories on the official site

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