how to set up your ledger wallet using Ledger Live
cryptocurrency is powerful, but without proper security, it can also be risky. hardware wallets like ledger provide professional-grade protection. if you're new, the best place to begin is ledger.com/start—the trusted setup gateway.
this 1200-word guide uses simple explanations and icons to walk you through everything.
🌐 what ledger.com/start helps you do
the ledger.com/start page helps beginners:
install ledger live
initialize their device
save the 24-word phrase
manage apps and accounts
send & receive crypto
understand essential safety tips
think of it as your official roadmap.
📦 step 1: check your box and accessories
your ledger box should contain:
🖥️ hardware wallet
🔌 usb cable
🧾 recovery sheets
📄 user guide
make sure:
packaging is sealed
device turns on normally
nothing looks suspicious
💻 step 2: download ledger live from the official source
visit:
👉 ledger.com/start
never download ledger live from any other site.
the app is available for:
desktop
mobile
after installing:
open ledger live
choose get started
select your device
🔐 step 3: set up as a new device
connect your ledger via usb. choose:
set up as new device
your ledger will guide you to create a pin.
this pin is required every time you unlock your device.
📜 step 4: store your 24-word recovery phrase
the device now shows your 24-word seed phrase.
⚠️ remember these must-follow rules:
do NOT store the phrase on your phone
do NOT email it
do NOT type it online
keep it off the internet entirely
if you lose this phrase, no one—not even ledger—can help you recover your crypto.
🔎 step 5: complete device verification
ledger live performs an authenticity check. this protects you from:
fake devices
modified firmware
unsafe components
once verified, the app confirms that the device is secure.
📲 step 6: install crypto apps in ledger live
ledger supports thousands of coins. to manage them, you must install apps like:
bitcoin app
ethereum app
cardano app
polygon app
solana app
just open:
my ledger → app catalog → install
🧮 step 7: add accounts for each coin
adding accounts allows ledger live to display:
balances
transactions
portfolio value
to add an account:
click add account
choose a cryptocurrency
verify on your device
📥 step 8: how to receive crypto
select receive
choose the correct cryptocurrency
verify the address on the hardware wallet
copy the address
send crypto from an exchange
this step is 100% safe when verified on the device.
📤 step 9: how to send crypto
click send
enter the receiving address
choose amount
confirm transaction on your ledger device
the transaction only completes after you physically approve it.
🧠 essential security habits for all users
store the recovery phrase offline
ignore messages asking for it
use only ledger.com/start
keep firmware updated
avoid suspicious browser extensions
🏁 conclusion
setting up your ledger device via ledger.com/start ensures a safe crypto journey. by following each step carefully, your digital assets remain fully protected.