A practical, beginner-friendly walkthrough to install Ledger Live, secure your device, and start managing crypto safely.
Ledger.com/Start is the verified onboarding portal from Ledger. It ensures you download the authentic Ledger Live app, verify your device, and follow best practices for setting up a hardware wallet. Think of your Ledger device as a physical safe — Ledger Live is the management app that talks to it without exposing your keys to the internet.
Open the official URL to avoid phishing sites. Never use search results if you suspect impersonation.
Choose the correct OS (Windows / macOS / Linux / Android / iOS) and install the official app.
Plug in Nano S / Plus or pair Nano X using Bluetooth (when prompted).
Create a new wallet on your Ledger or restore from an existing recovery phrase.
Record the 24-word seed on the provided card — store it offline and never photograph it.
Pick a memorable but non-obvious PIN; avoid birthday patterns or sequential digits.
Use Ledger Live to install coin apps and add accounts to manage BTC, ETH, and tokens.
Send a small amount first to confirm everything works as expected.
| Feature | Ledger (Hardware) | Software Wallet |
|---|---|---|
| Private key storage | On-device (cold) | On computer/phone (hot) |
| Hacking risk | Very low | Higher |
| Backup method | Recovery seed (offline) | Cloud/local files (varies) |
Q: Can I restore my Ledger from another device?
A: Yes — use your recovery phrase to restore on any compatible Ledger device via Ledger Live.
Q: Is Ledger Live safe on mobile?
A: Yes, Ledger Live mobile is safe when downloaded from official stores and paired correctly with your Ledger hardware.