Ledger Magazine • Start Guide
Ledger.com/Start

Your Editorial Guide to Setting Up Ledger Live the Right Way

Welcome to a clean, distraction-free onboarding experience. This magazine-style guide walks you through Ledger.com/Start — the official place to download Ledger Live, initialize your Ledger hardware wallet, and begin managing digital assets with confidence. We’ll cover setup, security, and the practical flows you’ll use every day.

Go to Official Ledger.com/Start About Ledger Live

Start Here: The Safe Way to Use Ledger.com/Start

Ledger.com/Start is the official doorway into the Ledger ecosystem. From this page, you’ll download Ledger Live — the companion app that helps you install coin apps on your device, add accounts, and track portfolios. The golden rule: always verify the URL and avoid downloads from pop-ups, ads, or unofficial mirrors. Security begins with the source.

Pro Tip

Bookmark ledger.com/start now. Returning to the same trusted link reduces the risk of phishing and prevents accidental downloads from copycat sites.

Step-by-Step: From Box to First Transaction

  1. Download Ledger Live from Ledger.com/Start and install it on your computer or mobile device.
  2. Initialize your Ledger: choose “Set up as new,” create a strong PIN, and carefully write down your 24-word recovery phrase on paper (never digitally).
  3. Verify recovery sheet: use the device flow to confirm the words in order. Store the sheet safely and privately.
  4. Open Ledger Live and complete the on-screen security checklist. Enable optional analytics only if you’re comfortable.
  5. Install coin apps for the assets you plan to manage (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) within Ledger Live’s “My Ledger.”
  6. Add accounts for each asset. Ledger Live will derive addresses from the device and present balances and transactions.
  7. Receive funds by generating an address and verifying it on the device screen before sharing it.
  8. Send funds only after confirming the amount and address on the device screen. If something doesn’t match, cancel.
Official Setup

Ready to Install Ledger Live?

This button links directly to the official start page on Ledger.com.

Open Ledger.com/Start

What You Get with Ledger Live

Think of Ledger Live as your command center. It brings portfolio tracking, coin app management, secure sending and receiving, staking for select assets, and integrations for buying, selling, and swapping through vetted partners. Because the private keys never leave your hardware wallet, you gain convenience without surrendering control.

Unified Portfolio

View balances across multiple assets and accounts in one clean interface.

App Management

Install, update, or remove coin apps securely via “My Ledger.”

Device Confirmation

Every critical action is verified on the hardware screen first.

Web3 with Caution

Connect to dApps through supported flows while keeping keys offline.

From the Editors

“Most mistakes in crypto come from rushed clicks. Ledger Live forces a read-twice, confirm-once rhythm that protects you from typos, spoofed addresses, and malicious prompts.”

Security, Explained Like a Human

Ledger’s wallets use a Secure Element — a hardened chip similar to those used in passports and payment cards — to store private keys offline. Ledger Live is the interface, not the vault. The keys remain inside the device; transactions you approve are signed internally and broadcast by the app. If your computer is compromised, a transaction still can’t be altered without your device’s explicit on-screen approval.

Your recovery phrase is the master key. Lose it, and no one can restore your funds. Share it, and anyone can restore your funds. That’s why the best practice is pen and paper, stored privately, and never typed into a website, chat, or cloud note. For advanced redundancy, consider metal backups and secure storage in separate physical locations.

Learn More

Deepen your understanding of device security, phishing, and best practices.

Ledger Support Ledger Academy

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ledger Live free? Yes. The app is free to download and use. Some partner services inside Ledger Live may charge fees for swaps, purchases, or network activity.

What devices are supported? Ledger Nano X and Ledger Nano S Plus are the current lineup, and both work with Ledger Live. Check the compare page for feature differences.

How do I know the download is legit? Always use ledger.com/start and verify the domain in your browser. Avoid search-ad shortcuts and never download through social DMs.

Can I use Ledger with DeFi? Yes, via Ledger Live’s integrations or supported third-party connections. Always verify permissions and simulate transactions when possible.

What if my device is lost or damaged? You can restore on a new Ledger device using your 24-word recovery phrase. Keep that phrase safe and private at all times.

Final Take

Crypto rewards patience, and so does good security. By starting at the official source, setting a strong PIN, safeguarding your recovery phrase, and confirming details on the device screen, you dramatically reduce risk. Ledger.com/Start exists to make those good habits simple. Bookmark it, learn the basics, and keep the habit of verifying before every click.

Continue on the Official Path

Open Ledger.com/Start