Ledger.com/Start® | Getting started — Ledger®®

Setting up a Ledger hardware wallet is one of the smartest first steps you can take toward self-custody. This guide walks you through Ledger.com/start, the Ledger Live Desktop download, and the complete Ledger wallet setup process — from unboxing your device to securing your recovery phrase.

What Is Ledger Live Desktop?

Ledger Live is the official companion application for Ledger hardware wallets. While your private keys stay offline on the device itself, Ledger Live gives you a clean, user-friendly window to view your balance, send and receive crypto, buy assets, swap between coins, and stake supported tokens. The desktop version runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, and a mobile version is available for iOS and Android.

The key idea behind a Ledger hardware wallet is simple: your recovery phrase and private keys never leave the device. Ledger Live acts as the manager on your computer, but every important action is confirmed physically on the wallet. This keeps your assets safe even if your computer is compromised by malware.

Why Start at Ledger.com/start?

Ledger.com/start is the official onboarding page that directs new users to the right download and the right instructions for their specific device. Because it points to the genuine Ledger website, it helps you avoid fake apps and phishing sites that imitate Ledger Live. Whenever you are in doubt about a link, type ledger.com directly into your browser and navigate from there.

Always download Ledger Live from the official source. A counterfeit version of the app could be designed to steal your recovery phrase, so the single most important rule of your Ledger wallet setup is to only use software from the verified Ledger website.

System Requirements for Ledger Live Desktop

Ledger Live Desktop is lightweight and runs on most modern machines. On Windows it supports Windows 10 and later, on macOS it supports recent versions of the operating system, and on Linux it is distributed for popular distributions. You will also need a USB port to connect your Ledger device during setup, and a stable internet connection to sync your portfolio and update the app.

Supported devices include the Ledger Stax, Ledger Flex, Ledger Nano X, Ledger Nano S Plus, and the original Ledger Nano S. Each device connects over USB, while Bluetooth-enabled models can also pair with the Ledger Live mobile app.

How to Download Ledger Live Desktop

The Ledger Live App Download is quick and only takes a few minutes. Follow these steps to get the official desktop application:

  1. Open your browser and go to Ledger.com/start or the official Ledger Live page on ledger.com.
  2. Choose your operating system — Windows, macOS, or Linux — and download the installer.
  3. Once the file has downloaded, open it and follow the on-screen prompts to install Ledger Live.
  4. Launch the app and verify that it asks you to connect a genuine Ledger device before proceeding.

If your browser or operating system shows a security warning during installation, make sure you downloaded the file from the official Ledger domain before allowing it. This is a normal part of installing unsigned desktop software on some platforms.

Installing Ledger Live on Windows, macOS, and Linux

On Windows, run the downloaded .exe file and accept the installation prompt. On macOS, open the .dmg file and drag the Ledger Live icon into your Applications folder, then open it from there. On Linux, follow the instructions for your distribution to install the package, or run the provided AppImage.

After installation, keep Ledger Live updated. Ledger regularly releases new versions with security improvements and support for additional assets, so updating the app is part of keeping your setup safe and current.

How to Set Up a New Ledger Hardware Wallet

If you are setting up a brand-new device, your Ledger wallet setup begins with initializing the wallet. Connect the device to your computer, then follow the prompts on the device screen:

  1. Choose “Set up as a new device” to generate a fresh recovery phrase.
  2. Create a PIN code — typically between four and eight digits — directly on the device.
  3. Write down the 24-word recovery phrase on the recovery sheet included in the box.
  4. Confirm the phrase on the device by selecting the words in the correct order when prompted.

Your recovery phrase is the only backup of your wallet. Store it offline in a secure place, never photograph it, and never type it into a website, app, or chat. Anyone who has this phrase can access your funds.

Restoring an Existing Wallet with Your Recovery Phrase

If you already own a Ledger device and need to set it up again — for example, after buying a new device or after a reset — choose “Restore from recovery phrase” instead. You will enter your existing 24-word phrase directly on the device, set a new PIN, and then reconnect to Ledger Live.

Restoring your wallet does not require an internet connection to type the phrase; the words are entered on the device itself. Once restored, Ledger Live will rescan the blockchain and your accounts and balances will reappear.

Understanding Ledger Live Login and App Access

People often search for “Ledger Live Login” expecting an email and password screen. In practice, Ledger Live works differently: your identity is your hardware wallet, not an online account. To access your portfolio, you connect your device, enter your PIN on the device, and confirm when prompted.

You can optionally set an app password in Ledger Live to lock the interface on your computer, which adds convenience and privacy on shared machines. The real security, however, always comes from the physical device and the PIN that protects it.

Managing Your Portfolio in Ledger Live

Once your device is connected, you can add accounts for the assets you hold. Ledger Live supports thousands of coins and tokens, and each account gives you a receive address you can use to fund your wallet. To send funds, you review and sign the transaction on the device itself — nothing can be signed without your physical confirmation.

Ledger Live also includes features such as buying crypto through integrated providers, swapping between supported assets, and staking certain coins to earn rewards. For Web3 users, the Ledger ecosystem connects to decentralized apps through its browser-based connectivity layer, which some users look up as the “Ledger wallet extension.”

Security Best Practices for Your Ledger

By following these habits, you build a self-custody setup that keeps your keys offline while still giving you the convenience of managing everything from one clean dashboard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ledger.com/start the official website?
Yes. Ledger.com/start is part of the official Ledger website and is used to guide new customers through setup. Always confirm you are on ledger.com before downloading anything.
Do I need an account or password to use Ledger Live?
No traditional login is required. You access your wallet by connecting your Ledger hardware wallet and entering your PIN on the device. You can add an optional app password to lock Ledger Live on your computer.
Where can I download Ledger Live Desktop safely?
Download it only from the official Ledger website via Ledger.com/start or the Ledger Live page. Avoid third-party download sites, which may host modified or fake installers.
What should I do if I lose my recovery phrase?
Your 24-word recovery phrase is the only way to restore your wallet. If you lose it and your device is reset or damaged, the funds cannot be recovered. Store it securely from day one.
Can I use my Ledger with multiple devices or computers?
Yes. You can connect your Ledger to different computers and use Ledger Live on desktop and mobile. Your wallet is restored by the recovery phrase, so the same phrase always controls the same funds.
Is Ledger Live free to use?
Ledger Live itself is free to download and use. Network fees apply when you send transactions, and third-party providers may charge fees for buying, selling, swapping, or staking.