Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start® | Getting started Wallet Setup

A concise, presentation-style walk-through for initializing your Ledger hardware wallet and Ledger Live. (Includes 10 official Ledger links.)

Overview — What this guide covers

Purpose

This short presentation explains the essential steps to safely set up your Ledger hardware wallet, install and pair Ledger Live, secure your recovery phrase, and perform basic send/receive actions. It’s designed for new users who want a reliable, official-first approach.

Why follow the official flow?

Always start with the official Ledger pages (download Ledger Live from ledger.com and follow the official support guides). This reduces the risk of fake apps or malicious downloads. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Quick checklist before you begin

Required items

Genuine Ledger hardware device (Nano S+, Nano X, etc.)
USB cable or Bluetooth-capable phone (if using Nano X)
Computer or phone to install Ledger Live (download only from ledger.com).
Safe, offline place for your 24-word recovery phrase (do not photograph or store online).

Tip: If anything asks for your 24-word recovery phrase — it is a scam. Ledger support articles emphasize never sharing the recovery phrase. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Step-by-step: Initialize device & Ledger Live

Step 1 — Visit the official start page

Go to ledger.com/start for device-specific setup instructions and the official walkthrough. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Step 2 — Download Ledger Live

Download Ledger Live only from the official Ledger site: Ledger Live download. Install and run the app, then follow prompts to create or restore a wallet. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Step 3 — Initialize your device

Power on the device, create a PIN, and write down the 24-word recovery phrase on the provided recovery sheet. Keep the sheet offline and in a safe place. Ledger documents and support pages show the same official flow. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Step 4 — Add accounts

Open Ledger Live, pair your device, and add cryptocurrency accounts (BTC, ETH, etc.). Ledger Live will guide you through installing apps on your device per currency.

Security considerations

Never share your recovery phrase

Ledger's official guidance: the recovery phrase is the single key to your funds — do not enter it into any software or share it. Use the Recovery Check app on your device if you want to verify your backup without exposing it to a computer. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Consider adding a passphrase (optional advanced)

A passphrase is an extra word you choose to create a separate wallet derived from your 24 words. This is an advanced security measure — understand the trade-offs before using it. Official Ledger Academy explains passphrases in detail. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

Downloading Ledger Live from third-party sites — always use ledger.com. (Fake apps exist.)
Typing your 24 words into any website or app — never do this.
Using public Wi-Fi when restoring a wallet — prefer private networks.

If you suspect a problem, consult Ledger Support immediately: support.ledger.com. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Quick reference — Official resources

Use the 10 official links at the top of this page for downloads, step-by-step guides, and in-depth security explanations. Ledger’s Academy and Support are authoritative first stops for questions and troubleshooting. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}