Review and sign transactions from a single secure screen with Ledger Flex™

[ LEDGER ]

Products

Apps and Services

Learn

For Business

For Developers

Support

OFFICIAL LEDGER LIVE™ DOWNLOAD PAGE

Download the Ledger Live™ app

Trusted by over 7 million customers

Ledger Live™ is the companion app to your Ledger wallet. Download to set up your Ledger wallet and begin securely managing all your digital assets in one place.

Select your operating system to download Ledger Live™ below

Ledger Live app interface and hardware device

OFFICIAL HARDWARE SECURITY INITIALIZATION

Ledger.com/start: The Complete Setup & Safety Guide for Cold Storage

Welcome to self-sovereignty. When you initialize your Ledger hardware device through the official ledger.com/start gateway, you establish a resilient defense against online exploits, malware, and centralized exchange vulnerabilities. Follow this comprehensive walkthrough to configure Ledger Live, protect your private keys, and master your cold storage setup.

Why Beginning at Ledger.com/start Is Crucial

In decentralized finance, security begins at the access layer. Counterfeit software and sophisticated phishing schemes attempt to trick users into downloading malicious executables or exposing recovery phrases. Navigating strictly to ledger.com/start ensures you obtain legitimate, cryptographically signed Ledger Live software direct from source. The Secure Element chip (CC EAL5+ certified) within your device maintains key isolation, guaranteeing your private credentials never touch memory spaces accessible by web browsers or infected operating systems.

STEP 01

Install Ledger Live Desktop or Mobile

Download the verified Ledger Live application compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, or Android directly through ledger.com/start. Avoid unverified third-party search advertisements or mirror repositories. Once installed, Ledger Live serves as your encrypted bridge for device orchestration, balance tracking, and transaction verification.

STEP 02

Configure Secure PIN Authentication

Connect your device using the included USB cable. Select 'Set up as new device' on the hardware screen. You will choose a 4- to 8-digit PIN code using the physical navigation buttons. This local PIN safeguards physical possession: inputting three consecutive incorrect codes automatically triggers a factory wipe to protect stored data.

STEP 03

Safeguard the 24-Word Recovery Phrase

Your hardware device generates 24 BIP39 recovery words exclusively across its secure screen. Transcribe every word in precise sequential order onto the recovery sheet or steel capsule. Never enter this phrase into any computer, smartphone keyboard, camera, cloud drive, or chat prompt. Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase.

STEP 04

Run the Cryptographic Genuine Check

Connect the device to Ledger Live to initiate an automated cryptographic handshake with Ledger servers. This attestation test confirms that your hardware has not been tampered with along transit routes and houses authentic BOLOS firmware. Once confirmed, install desired coin apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.) and generate your receive addresses.

Core Hardware Security Fundamentals & Best Practices

Operating a non-custodial cold wallet grants absolute autonomy over digital assets, eliminating third-party insolvency hazards. However, absolute ownership requires rigorous operational security. The primary vector of crypto theft in modern web3 environments is social engineering rather than hardware exploitation. Understanding these fundamental rules guarantees uncompromised protection.

The 'Clear Signing' Rule: Modern blockchain interactions often involve smart contract approvals, decentralized exchanges, and NFT mints. Whenever signing outgoing payloads, inspect token amounts, smart contract hashes, and destination addresses directly on the hardware screen. Malware on your workstation can easily tamper with browser-based wallet popups, but it cannot alter the authentic cryptographically isolated display on your physical device.

Physical Security and Disaster Recovery: Your 24-word recovery seed represents complete mathematical access to all your accounts. Consider storing backup cards inside waterproof, fire-resistant enclosures or stamped stainless steel plates. Never store digital images, scan records, or unencrypted text documents containing these words on computers, messaging apps, or cloud storage platforms.

Frequently Asked Setup Questions

What should I do if my box arrived with an already written recovery phrase?

Never use a pre-filled recovery card under any circumstance. Genuine Ledger hardware devices always prompt you to generate new, random words directly on the physical device screen during setup at ledger.com/start. If a phrase is pre-printed, your device is compromised; reset it immediately or contact official customer support.

Can I manage multiple blockchains from a single Ledger setup?

Yes. Your 24-word root seed derives infinite cryptographic addresses across over 5,500 coins and tokens, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, ERC-20 tokens, Solana, Cardano, and Cosmos ecosystems. You can install and uninstall individual coin apps via Ledger Live as needed without losing access to stored balances.

What happens if my Ledger hardware device is lost or damaged?

Your crypto assets reside directly on their respective distributed blockchains, not inside the physical plastic or metal chassis. As long as your 24-word recovery phrase remains safe, you can instantly restore complete wallet control by purchasing a replacement device and selecting 'Restore from recovery phrase'.

Ready to Initialize Your Hardware Device?

Ensure your computer is running an up-to-date operating system, verify your browser address bar reads ledger.com/start, and begin your secure setup today.

GrigoraMade with Grigora