Start by checking where you are.
Ledger.com/start is a useful search phrase, but a search result alone does not prove a page is genuine. Before downloading anything or entering information, inspect the address bar and make sure you are on Ledger’s real domain. Look carefully for misspellings, added words, unusual endings, or sponsored results that imitate familiar branding.
For a safer route, type the address yourself or use a bookmark you created after confirming it. This page is an independent guide, not Ledger’s official website; links marked official take you directly to Ledger-owned destinations. Ledger will never need your recovery phrase to help with ordinary setup.
Install Ledger Live from Ledger.
Ledger Live is the companion application used to manage supported accounts and interact with a Ledger hardware device. Download it only from Ledger’s official website, selecting the version for your computer or mobile device. Avoid download mirrors, unsolicited messages, and links in unexpected emails. If an installer or browser prompt feels surprising, stop and verify the source before continuing.
After installation, open the app and follow its on-screen prompts. Keep your device nearby, connect it only as instructed, and compare important prompts on the device screen itself. The app may guide you through authenticity checks and software updates. Use the official support center if something differs from the instructions shown for your specific model.
Create a wallet, one prompt at a time.
Follow the setup flow on the device and in Ledger Live, taking care to read each instruction rather than rushing through. If you are setting up a new device, initialize it as new and let the device generate its recovery phrase. Write the words down in the order shown, using the recovery method and materials recommended by Ledger for your model.
Never use a recovery phrase that was supplied in a box, sent to you, displayed online, or saved by someone else. A genuine new-device setup should not ask you to restore a phrase you have never created. Your PIN protects access to the device; choose one that is private and do not share it. Check the manufacturer’s current instructions if your setup screen does not match what you expected.
Your recovery phrase is the key.
A recovery phrase can restore access to your wallet, so treat it as the most sensitive part of setup. Keep it offline, private, and protected from damage or loss. Do not photograph it, type it into a website, paste it into a chat, or store it in cloud notes. Anyone who obtains the phrase may be able to take control of the associated assets; a hardware device cannot reverse that exposure.
Ledger support will not ask you to reveal those words. Ignore requests to “validate,” “synchronize,” or “secure” a wallet by entering the phrase into a link. If you suspect it has been disclosed, stop using that phrase and follow instructions from the official support center immediately. Slow down, verify each step, and use only resources you reached through Ledger’s confirmed domain.
Keep these words to yourself.
No legitimate support agent, website, or app needs your complete recovery phrase.
Take your time. Verify the source.
There is no benefit to hurrying through self-custody. Confirm the URL, install software from Ledger, follow the instructions displayed by your own device, and protect the recovery phrase offline. These small checks create a safer foundation than any shortcut or message promising instant assistance.
When you need model-specific guidance, go directly to Ledger’s official support center. This article is general educational material, not financial, investment, or security advice, and product details can change. Always review the latest instructions published by Ledger before acting.
Visit Ledger’s official support centerLedger and Ledger Live are trademarks of their respective owner. This independent guide is not affiliated with or endorsed by Ledger. Never disclose your recovery phrase or PIN.