Introduction: Why use the Ledger Getting Started Hub?
Crypto ownership is not just about buying coins — it’s about owning your private keys. Ledger hardware wallets are one of the most widely adopted secure options for self-custody. The Ledger Getting Started Hub — ledger.com/start provides the official step-by-step setup guides, clear resources, and downloads you need to begin safely.
This guide expands on that hub with practical explanations, visuals, and best practices so you can set up your Ledger, secure your recovery phrase, integrate apps, and avoid common pitfalls.
What you’ll need before you start
A Ledger hardware device (Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, or other Ledger model)
A computer or mobile device with an available USB port or Bluetooth (for Nano X)
A pen and the recovery sheet (do not save your recovery phrase digitally)
About 20–30 minutes for a careful setup
Official resources
Always start at the source: Ledger Getting Started Hub — ledger.com/start. From that hub you can download Ledger Live, follow model-specific steps, and find verified troubleshooting documentation.
Step-by-step setup
1. Download Ledger Live
Ledger Live is the companion app for managing accounts, installing apps, and updating firmware. Visit the official hub to download the correct version for macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, or Android: Ledger Getting Started Hub — ledger.com/start.
2. Unbox and connect
Unpack your Ledger — it should include the device, a USB cable (or USB-C), and a recovery card. Connect the device and follow on-screen instructions.
3. Create a new wallet or restore
On first boot you'll choose to create a new device (generate a new recovery phrase) or restore from a recovery phrase. For most users starting fresh, choose "Set up as new device".
4. Write down your recovery phrase — do not take photos
The 24-word recovery phrase is the single most important element. Write it on the recovery card and keep it in a safe place. Never enter your recovery phrase into a computer, phone, or website. Ledger will never ask for your 24 words online; if a site or person asks, it’s a scam.
5. Install Ledger Live apps and add accounts
Using Ledger Live, install the specific cryptocurrency apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) on your device. Then add accounts in Ledger Live and verify addresses on your device before receiving funds.
Quick command-like checklist
1) Visit https://www.ledger.com/start
2) Download Ledger Live
3) Connect your Ledger device
4) Choose "Set up as new device"
5) Record your 24-word recovery phrase on paper
6) Install apps in Ledger Live
7) Add accounts and verify addresses on-device
Security best practices
Security is layered. A hardware wallet is a strong layer, but your workflow matters. Here are practical best practices:
Keep firmware and Ledger Live updated — updates often fix vulnerabilities.
Never enter your recovery phrase online. Ledger support will never ask for it.
Consider a steel backup for your recovery phrase for fire and water resistance.
Use a strong PIN and enable additional protections available in Ledger Live.
Common pitfalls to avoid
Scammers use urgency and fake sites. A few concrete traps:
Phishing emails pointing to fake download pages — always navigate to ledger.com/start manually, don’t click suspicious links.
Storing recovery words in cloud backups or photos — these leakable formats are risky.
Using Ledger through third-party apps without verifying addresses — always verify on-device.
Using Ledger day-to-day
Once set up, Ledger becomes your secure private key signer. Use Ledger Live for routine tasks like checking balances, sending tokens, and installing apps. For advanced use — DeFi, NFTs, or multi-coin setups — Ledger integrates with trusted third-party apps and wallets; you'll always authorize transactions on the device itself.
Receiving and sending safely
When receiving funds: always copy the receiving address from Ledger Live and double-check the same address on your Ledger device screen before sharing the address. This prevents malware from substituting an address.
When sending funds: review the transaction details shown on the Ledger device's screen before approving.
Ledger + third-party dApps
Ledger works with many dApps through WalletConnect or browser bridges. When connecting, carefully confirm which account and permissions are being granted. For DeFi actions, validate contract addresses and gas settings manually when possible.
Tip: Use separate accounts for different purposes
You can create multiple accounts in Ledger Live — one for long-term holdings and another for active DeFi trades. Splitting funds reduces risk.
Firmware updates and trust
Firmware updates improve device security and add features. Ledger signs updates cryptographically; always install updates via the official Ledger Live app after verifying sources starting at ledger.com/start.
Troubleshooting & Recovery
Lost or damaged device
If your Ledger device is lost or destroyed, your crypto is still recoverable using the 24-word recovery phrase on a new compatible device (Ledger or other standard BIP39-supporting wallet). Securely recover using the "Restore from recovery phrase" option.
Compromised recovery phrase — what to do
If you suspect your recovery phrase was exposed, transfer funds immediately to a fresh wallet with a new recovery phrase. Treat any possible leak as urgent.
Device not recognized
If Ledger Live cannot detect your device, try a different USB port or cable, enable USB debugging permissions (on some platforms), and make sure OS drivers are installed. For step-by-step help, use the official hub: Ledger Getting Started Hub — ledger.com/start.
Example support workflow
Restart your computer and device
Try a different USB cable or port
Update Ledger Live
Consult the official hub for model-specific issues: ledger.com/start
Advanced: Multi-sig, passphrase, and power-user options
Advanced users can add extra layers of protection:
Passphrase (25th word) — a password that augments your 24-word seed to create an additional account. Use with caution: losing the passphrase equals losing access.
Multi-signature — combine multiple devices or keys to require more than one signature for spending (commonly used by organizations).
Air-gapped workflows — operations where the signing device remains offline except for physical connection to a dedicated signing host.
When not to use passphrases
Passphrases increase complexity. If you are new to hardware wallets or managing less-than-large sums, avoid passphrases until you fully understand recovery procedures.
FAQ — quick answers
Q: Where do I start?
A: The official Getting Started Hub is the single best starting point: ledger.com/start.
Q: Can I recover my Ledger wallet on another brand?
A: Yes. The 24-word BIP39 recovery phrase is compatible with wallets that support the same standard — but only use trusted, reputable wallets for recovery.
Q: Is Ledger safe for long-term storage?
A: Yes — hardware wallets like Ledger are designed for long-term, offline key storage. Security depends on storing your recovery phrase safely and keeping firmware up to date.
The Ledger Getting Started Hub is where you should begin and return for official downloads and documentation. Use Ledger Live responsibly, protect your recovery phrase with physical backups, and verify everything on-device. With these practices you get both the convenience and the protection that a hardware wallet offers.