Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start® | Getting started*

Welcome to the official getting-started guide. This page is designed as a complete, user-facing walkthrough and reference for individuals who are setting up Ledger hardware and Ledger Live for the first time. It blends step-by-step pragmatics with design and security rationale in a "gloryia" aesthetic — serif-framed explanatory blocks and a calm, instructive voice. All headings use the unique "bahyia" color as requested; the content panels are styled to be readable and elegant.

Introduction

This document assumes you are an individual who has received a Ledger device or is preparing to purchase one. Whether you are completely new to cryptocurrencies or you are a seasoned user seeking a reliable hardware solution, this guide will take you step-by-step through the basics: unboxing and verifying your device, installing Ledger Live, creating or restoring a wallet, making your first receive and send transactions, and applying security best practices. It also contains extended sections on troubleshooting, privacy, backup strategies, and developer integration notes for more technical audiences.

Before you start — checklist

Prepare the following before you begin to ensure a smooth setup experience:

Unboxing and physical verification

When you receive your Ledger device, inspect the packaging for tamper seals and any signs of previous opening. Ledger ships in secure packaging with anti-tamper features. If anything appears suspicious, contact official support via the company website — do not use third-party seller instructions. Authentic Ledger devices will have official branding and a tamper-evident box. Once opened, confirm that the device is clean and that included accessories match what the manufacturer lists for that model.

First power-on

Connect your device to the computer using the cable. Follow the onscreen prompts on the device. It will ask you to choose a PIN and will display a recovery phrase if you opt to create a new wallet. Do not skip these steps. If the device displays anything unexpected (for example, a pre-filled recovery phrase), stop and contact support.

Installing Ledger Live (desktop)

Ledger Live is the official desktop application for managing your Ledger device and assets. Always download Ledger Live from the official site (ledger.com/start) and verify the download's checksum where provided. Install the application and open it. The application will guide you through pairing the device.

Pairing your device with Ledger Live

When you launch Ledger Live, choose "Get Started". The app will detect your device via USB and prompt you to confirm a short numeric code on the device to ensure the connection has not been hijacked. Follow the pairing codes carefully. Pairing also establishes a trust relationship between the desktop app and the hardware key for subsequent operations.

Creating a new wallet vs restoring an existing wallet

During setup, Ledger Live offers two primary paths: create a new wallet (which generates a new recovery phrase on your device) or restore a wallet from an existing recovery phrase. The recovery phrase is the single most important piece of information for your crypto ownership. Treat it like gold: keep it offline, never photograph it, never enter it into websites or apps, and never share it with anyone.

Creating a new wallet — best practices

When creating a new wallet, the device shows you a 24-word recovery phrase. It is strongly recommended to write these words on the provided recovery sheet or a metal backup solution designed for survivability against fire, water and corrosion. Confirm the phrase when the device asks, and store the backup in a secure location such as a safe or safety deposit box. Consider splitting backups across geographically separated, trusted locations if you hold significant value.

Restoring a wallet

If restoring, ensure that the recovery phrase you input is correct and from a trusted origin. Ledger devices will accept standard BIP39 phrases; follow the device's prompts. Restoring will rebuild your wallet addresses deterministically; it will not transfer funds — the funds remain on chain and are accessible using the restored private keys.

Using Ledger Live — core flows

Ledger Live's primary flows are: Portfolio, Accounts, Send/Receive, Manager (app installation on device), and Discover/Market features. The Portfolio screen gives an overview of total holdings and recent activity. The Accounts screen lists individual accounts by blockchain and asset. The Manager allows installing blockchain apps to the device and checking firmware updates. Send/Receive screens are where transactions are prepared and signed by the device.

Receiving crypto

To receive funds, create an account for the desired blockchain in Ledger Live, open the account, and click "Receive." Always verify the public address shown in Ledger Live against the one displayed on your device. Only send small test amounts when transacting with new counter-parties or addresses for the first time. Confirm the address on the hardware device before sharing it.

Sending crypto

When sending, enter the destination address and amount in Ledger Live. Ledger Live will present network fees and optional advanced settings where supported. Review all transaction details on the device LCD and confirm only when you are certain the destination and amount are correct. Hardware signature confirmation ensures that even if your computer is compromised, the attacker cannot sign transactions without your physical device and explicit confirmation.

Managing transaction fees and network selection

Fees are network-dependent. Ledger Live exposes common fee tiers (low/medium/high) where possible. For Ethereum and EVM-compatible chains, you may see gas price and limit options. When fees are volatile, the app should surface recommendations and historical context to help users choose an appropriate fee. Avoid manually setting fees unless you understand the implications for transaction confirmation and potential stuck transactions.

App manager & firmware updates

Ledger devices require occasional firmware updates for security improvements. Ledger Live will notify you of firmware updates where available. Follow the official prompts — do not install firmware from untrusted sources. Similarly, the Manager installs blockchain-specific apps onto the device; only install apps you require. Apps are small and can be removed and reinstalled without loss of funds (funds are stored on chain, not in device apps).

Security deep dive

Your Ledger device stores private keys in a secure element and only exposes public keys to the host. Keep firmware up-to-date, and do not install unverified third-party firmware. Use a PIN code to protect local access and enable a device passphrase if you require plausible deniability or hidden accounts. Understand that the passphrase is an advanced feature and that losing the passphrase means losing access to funds in that hidden account — treat it with the same protection as the recovery phrase.

Recovery phrase: threats and mitigations

Common threats include social engineering scams, phishing websites, and physical theft. Never enter your recovery phrase into a website or share it with anyone claiming to be support. Ledger support will never ask for your recovery phrase. Use metal backup solutions for durability and consider multi-location storage. Teach only trusted beneficiaries how to recover assets in emergency scenarios using explicit, written instructions that do not reveal the phrase itself.

Advanced features

Ledger Live supports advanced operations like staking (on supported networks), connecting to decentralized applications via WalletConnect, and integrating with third-party portfolio trackers. Each integration introduces unique considerations around privacy and data sharing; always review permissions and choose opt-in connections where possible. For DeFi interactions, prefer hardware confirmations and verify contract details on the device when available.

Staking

Staking through Ledger often involves delegating to validator nodes using transaction flows signed by the device. Understand lock-up periods, unbonding durations, and slashing risks. Use Ledger Live’s interface to view estimated rewards and network-specific information, and consider diversification across validators to reduce custodial risk.

Troubleshooting

If your device is not detected, try the following steps: confirm the cable is data-capable (not all cables are), reconnect and try another USB port, reboot the computer, and reinstall Ledger Live if necessary. If problems persist, use the official support channels. When exporting logs or diagnostics, confirm that no sensitive data (recovery phrases) are included and that you consent to any shared logs.

Common error states

Device not recognized: try a different cable or port. App sync errors: check network connectivity and firewall settings. Transaction stuck: consult the network's mempool explorer or use replace-by-fee (RBF) or cancellation features where supported carefully. Always double-check destination addresses and never retry transactions with modified addresses without confirming on the hardware device.

Privacy and data sharing

By default, keep telemetry off. Ledger Live may offer optional analytics to improve the product; opt-in only if you are comfortable. Understand that certain features like market price aggregation require querying price feeds. Limit third-party integrations where privacy is a concern and consider using separate, privacy-focused wallets for high-privacy needs.

Backup strategies

For long-term resilience, use multiple backups: a physical paper backup kept in a safe, and a metal backup for environmental durability. Consider geographic separation between backups and explicit inheritance instructions. Avoid digital backups (photographs, cloud storage) of recovery phrases — these are susceptible to hacking and can result in irreversible loss.

Emergency procedures

Create a recovery plan that includes: how a trusted person can access funds if you are incapacitated; how to verify their identity; and what legal documents are necessary. For high-value holdings, consult legal counsel about custody and transfer mechanisms. Ensure that any emergency plan does not disclose recovery phrases directly but provides a method to retrieve them securely under specified, verifiable conditions.

FAQs (expanded)

Q: What happens if I lose my device?

A: If your ledger device is lost or stolen, you can restore your wallet on a new Ledger or any compatible hardware wallet using your recovery phrase. This is why secure backups are critical. Change any linked passwords and monitor accounts for suspicious activity while you restore and regain control.

Q: Can Ledger Live access my funds?

A: No. Ledger Live is a management interface that helps you prepare transactions. Private keys remain on the hardware device. Ledger Live cannot move funds without your device and your explicit confirmation on the device screen.

Q: Is Ledger Live free?

A: Yes. Ledger Live is free to download and use. However, network fees for transactions and any third-party service fees (for swaps or staking providers) still apply.

Design notes — gloryia aesthetic & unik headings

The gloryia style favors serif headings set in the bespoke "bahyia" hue, with glass-like content panels in the body. This juxtaposition aims to combine a sense of classical trustworthiness with modern UI clarity. Headings use the unique color exclusively to maintain visual hierarchy; body text remains near-black to preserve readability. Decorative chips and micro-interactions should be colored from a constrained palette to avoid visual noise.

Localization & accessibility

Design for text expansion in translations. Keep button labels short and consistent across locales. Use accessible contrast ratios and provide alternative text for images. Offer keyboard navigation and screen-reader compatible labels for device interactions and modal dialogs. Respect user preferences for reduced motion and increased text size.

Developer & integration notes

Developers integrating with Ledger should follow standard security best practices: do not ask users for private keys or recovery phrases, use official libraries and SDKs, and verify all cryptographic signatures where applicable. Document API surfaces and handle firmware and app version compatibility carefully. For third-party wallets, clearly explain where keys are held and whether the wallet is a fully non-custodial interface using Ledger's secure element.

WalletConnect and DApps

When using WalletConnect or similar connectors, confirm contract interactions thoroughly on the device. For complex contract calls, review the method names and parameter summaries both in Ledger Live and on the device when possible. Educate users about contract approvals — indefinite approvals are risky and should be limited where possible.

Legal and trademark notes

This page is a styled, user-facing guide and not an official policy document. Trademarked names and marks are used here as references in a demonstrative context. For brand and legal guidance, consult the official legal resources and support channels.

Glossary

Private key: a secret number that allows spending of funds from an address. Public key: derived from the private key and used to create addresses. Recovery phrase: a human-readable backup of your private key set (typically 24 words). Ledger Live: official desktop app for Ledger devices. Hardware wallet: a physical device that stores private keys offline.

Extended best practices (detailed)

1) Always verify addresses on the hardware device before confirming transactions. 2) Use a strong PIN and consider enabling a passphrase for hidden accounts if you need compartmentalization. 3) Keep firmware updated and perform updates only through Ledger Live. 4) Keep multiple backups in geographically separated secure locations. 5) Use multi-signature schemes for institutional or high-value custody when possible. 6) Educate any beneficiaries or co-trustees on recovery procedures without revealing secrets in insecure ways. 7) Use separate devices for high-frequency trading and long-term cold storage as part of an overall operational security plan.

Content & copy examples (UI microcopy)

Welcome screen: "Welcome to Ledger Live — your hardware-protected manager for digital assets. Get started or restore a wallet." Confirmation dialogue: "Confirm on device — Review the destination address and amount. Press your device button to sign." Error help: "Device not detected — check cable and USB port, then try again. Export diagnostics if the issue persists."

Printable quick-start checklist

  1. Unbox and visually inspect the device and packaging.
  2. Install Ledger Live from ledger.com/start.
  3. Connect device and set a PIN.
  4. Write down the 24-word recovery phrase; verify it on device.
  5. Install required blockchain apps via Ledger Live Manager.
  6. Create accounts in Ledger Live and receive a small test amount.
  7. Confirm send/receive flows and enable desired security enhancements.

Conclusion & next steps

This guide provides a comprehensive, practical starting point for new Ledger users while including design rationale, security explanations, and developer notes for deeper understanding. Use the gloryia panels as printable reference sheets, and adapt microcopy to your target audience. Conduct user testing for ambiguous flows and keep the principle of doing one thing well in each onboarding screen: clarity trumps cleverness. Remember: private keys are the ultimate control — protect them with a strategy that balances security and recoverability.