Ledger Getting Started Hub — ledger.com/start

Welcome to the Ledger Getting Started Hub. This page guides first-time users through buying, setting up, and securing a Ledger hardware wallet. It includes step-by-step instructions, security best practices, and links to 10 official resources so you can move from unboxing to confidently managing crypto, NFTs, and DeFi with Ledger Live and supported third-party apps.

What you’ll accomplish

By the end of this guide you’ll know how to: unbox and verify your device; initialize it with a secure PIN; create and protect your 24‑word recovery phrase; install Ledger Live; add and manage accounts; and safely interact with decentralized apps. We recommend following the exact steps below and bookmarking the official resources linked throughout.

Essential links (10 official resources)

Step-by-step setup (detailed)

Using Ledger Live — basics

Open Ledger Live and follow the onboarding flow: add a device, confirm firmware, and install what you need. Add accounts (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) and install only the apps required by the assets you plan to manage. Use a small test transfer when you first receive funds to practice verifying addresses on the device screen before accepting larger amounts.

Security best practices

• Never share your 24‑word phrase. Ledger employees will never ask for it. If anyone requests it, it’s a scam.
• Keep firmware & Ledger Live up-to-date. Updates fix bugs and security issues.
• Verify addresses on the device. When receiving or signing transactions, always confirm the address shown on the device screen matches what you see in the app.
• Use a secure, offline backup. Consider metal backups and store them separately from the device in a secure physical location.
• Minimize digital exposure. Do not store recovery words in cloud notes, photos, or password managers unless you understand the risks and encrypt securely.

Recovery & lost device

If your device is lost or damaged but you have your 24‑word recovery phrase, you can restore your accounts on a new Ledger device or any compatible wallet. If your recovery phrase is lost or exposed, move assets to a new wallet immediately and treat the phrase as compromised. Official recovery info is available at Recovery guide.

Advanced: DeFi, NFTs & third‑party integrations

Ledger devices can interact with DeFi platforms and sign NFT transactions when used with Ledger Live or compatible apps such as MetaMask. Always consult compatibility lists and follow official instructions at Compatible apps. When connecting to dApps, confirm every action on your Ledger device display.

Common mistakes & how to avoid them

• Copying the recovery phrase digitally. Avoid taking photos or typing the phrase into devices that are online.
• Buying used devices. A used device may be risky — always initialize and confirm a new device before use.
• Ignoring updates. Postponing firmware updates can expose you to patched vulnerabilities.

Support, community, and learning

Use Ledger Support for official help and troubleshooting. Join other users in the Ledger Community forum for tips and shared experiences. For structured learning, browse Ledger University for tutorials and walkthroughs.

This Getting Started Hub is intended as a practical, plain-language companion to Ledger’s official documentation. Always defer to the official links provided above for the latest instructions and device-specific information.