Get started with Ledger — secure your crypto, the right way

This step-by-step guide walks you through the official setup: downloading Ledger Live, initializing or restoring your Ledger device, adding accounts, and best practices for protecting your recovery phrase. Designed for clarity and safety, so you can start managing crypto with confidence.

Download Ledger Live Buy a Ledger Device Support Center

Hardware-backed

Private keys stay on your device. Ledger provides the secure element that isolates signing and custody.

Unified portfolio

Track balances, NFTs and DeFi positions across chains in one app.

Curated DeFi

Connect to vetted partners and interact with contracts while approving signatures on-device.

Step-by-step: Download, setup & secure

1. Download Ledger Live

Get the official Ledger Live installer for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS or Android from Ledger.com/Start®. Verify the file checksum where possible and prefer official app stores on mobile.

2. Initialize your device

Follow the on-screen prompts on your Ledger hardware: choose to set up as a new device or restore an existing seed. Create a secure PIN and write down the 24-word recovery phrase on the card provided. Store it offline.

3. Add accounts in Ledger Live

Open Ledger Live, go to "Accounts" → "Add account", pick the blockchain, connect your device and open the matching app on the device. Ledger Live will scan and add accounts for you to manage.

4. Verify addresses

Always verify receiving addresses on your Ledger device screen. This prevents malware or man-in-the-middle changes on your computer or phone.

5. Interact safely

For swaps, staking or DeFi, review contract calls and parameters in Ledger Live and confirm them on-device. Use slippage limits and check partner reputation.

Recovery & best practices

Your 24-word recovery phrase is your only backup. Write it down physically and store it in a secure location — consider a fireproof safe or a bank safe deposit box. Never store it digitally or share it with anyone. Ledger staff will never ask for your recovery phrase.

Practical tips

Buy devices only from official or authorized retailers.
Keep Ledger Live and device firmware updated.
Use a passphrase for additional privacy if you understand the risks.
Consider multisig for high-value holdings or organizational treasuries.

How Ledger protects your keys

Ledger uses a Secure Element — a tamper-resistant chip that stores private keys and performs cryptographic operations inside the hardware. Ledger Live acts as the user interface and orchestrates data but never has direct access to private keys. Signing requests are sent to the device; the device shows transaction details for users to verify before approving.

Secure Element

Hardware key isolation

On-device signing

No key leaves device

Recovery

24-word BIP-39 seed

Reminder: Firmware updates are signed and verifiable. Only install updates prompted by Ledger Live or official channels.

Frequently asked questions

Can I recover my funds if I lose my device?: Yes — restore the 24-word recovery phrase on a new Ledger device or compatible wallet. Keep the phrase secure.
Is Ledger Live free?: Yes, Ledger Live is free to download and use. Network fees apply for sending transactions and third-party fees may apply for buy/sell services.
Does Ledger.com/Start® host my funds?: No. Ledger Live is a management interface; your funds are controlled by private keys stored on your Ledger device. Ledger does not custody your assets.
How do I verify a download?: Check the checksum on the download page and verify it with the published hash. Prefer official app stores for mobile installs.

Support & resources

Need help during setup? Visit the Support Center for setup guides, troubleshooting articles, firmware release notes and contact options. Use official channels only and never share your recovery phrase in support requests.

Setup guide Recovery & backup FAQ