Ledger Start — Secure your crypto with Ledger Live and a Ledger hardware wallet

Follow simple, secure steps to download Ledger Live, prepare your Ledger hardware device, safeguard your recovery phrase and begin managing Bitcoin, Ethereum, and hundreds of other digital assets.

Download Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the official companion app for Ledger hardware wallets. Use it to set up your device, install apps, manage accounts, and send or receive crypto.

Set up your Ledger device

These concise, official-aligned steps walk you through the essential actions to initialize your Ledger hardware wallet and link it to Ledger Live.

  1. Unbox and verify. Inspect packaging and device for tampering before powering on.
  2. Power on & choose a PIN. Follow on-device prompts to create a secure PIN for local device access.
  3. Write down your recovery phrase. Record the 24-word recovery phrase on the provided card and store it offline in a secure location.
  4. Install Ledger Live. Open Ledger Live, choose “Initialize as a new device” and follow the guided flow to add accounts.
  5. Install apps. Within Ledger Live, install blockchain apps (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana) so your device can manage each asset type.

Each step is designed so your private keys stay isolated on the secure element chip inside the Ledger device. If you already own a Ledger device, use the “Restore device” option in Ledger Live and supply your recovery phrase only when prompted on the device itself.

Security best practices

Security is paramount when managing digital assets. Follow these non-negotiable practices to keep your funds safe.

Keep recovery offline

Never store your 24-word recovery phrase digitally or share it. Ledger staff will never ask for it.

Verify firmware

Only update firmware using Ledger Live and follow on-device confirmations to avoid tampered updates.

Beware of phishing

Access official downloads from ledger.com or download.live.ledger.com and double-check URLs before entering sensitive data.

Supported assets & integrations

Ledger supports hundreds of coins and tokens via Ledger Live and third-party wallets. Install the corresponding blockchain app on your device to manage a specific asset.

  • Native support for Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana and many EVM-compatible chains
  • Integrations with DeFi platforms, NFT marketplaces and custodial partners
  • Use third-party wallets (e.g., MetaMask) in combination with your Ledger for on-chain interactions

Refer to Ledger Live or the Ledger support pages for the most up-to-date list of supported tokens and integrations.

Getting help

If you need setup assistance or recovery guidance, consult official support resources or the Ledger Academy for step-by-step articles.

Ready to start?

Download Ledger Live and follow the guided setup to secure your keys offline. If you already own a device, use the restore flow to regain access to your accounts.