Ledger Start App

Ledger protects your crypto by keeping your private keys off internet-connected devices. The Start App is designed for simplicity: it walks you through every step of initial setup, recommends security best practices, and helps you connect to the apps and blockchains you use most. Whether you’re new to hardware wallets or returning after a break, this single-screen experience minimizes friction while keeping security front and center.

1. Unbox & power: Connect your Ledger device to your computer or mobile device using the supplied cable. Confirm the device model and firmware prompts on the device screen.
2. Create or restore a wallet: Choose Set up as new to generate a new seed phrase, or Restore device to import an existing seed phrase. The device will generate and display a recovery phrase one word at a time — write this down offline. Never store your recovery phrase digitally.
3. Set a PIN: Pick a secure PIN directly on the device. This PIN protects access to your Ledger if it is lost or stolen.
4. Install apps: Use the Start App to add blockchain apps (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) onto your Ledger. Installing an app does not transfer funds; it merely enables the device to manage that chain.
5. Create accounts: After installing an app, create accounts in the Start App to view balances and receive funds. Each account corresponds to a blockchain address derived from your recovery phrase and is viewable only when the device is connected and unlocked.
6. Try a test transaction: Send a small test amount from another wallet into a Ledger account to confirm everything is working. Verify all transaction details on the physical device before approving.

• Recovery phrase is sacred: Store your 24-word recovery phrase offline in a secure place. Ledger will never ask for it over email, phone, or chat.
• Keep firmware up to date: Only update firmware using official Ledger Live or the official Start App prompts. Updates patch security improvements and new features.
• Verify addresses: Always confirm the address shown by your Ledger device matches the address in the Start App before receiving funds.
• Use a unique PIN: Choose a PIN that isn’t used for other accounts or devices. Protect it like you would a physical key.
• Beware of phishing: Only download the Start App from ledger.com and follow links from trusted sources. Suspicious pop-ups or social media links may attempt to trick you into exposing your recovery phrase.

• Guided onboarding: Clear prompts and inline help for each step of the setup process, including device checks and verification screens.
• Multi-chain support: Install and manage apps for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and hundreds of other blockchains directly from the Start App.
• Device verification: Cryptographic attestation confirms your Ledger device is genuine and running trusted firmware.
• Offline-first security: Private keys never leave your device. The Start App only sends unsigned transactions to the device for approval.
• Recovery tools: If you need to restore a wallet, the Start App walks you through the correct, safe procedure step-by-step.

Device not detected? Try a different USB cable or port, ensure the device is unlocked, and confirm your OS permissions allow USB/HID access. On mobile, use an OTG adapter where required.

Forgot your PIN? If you forget your PIN, you must factory-reset the device and restore from your recovery phrase. This is why secure offline storage of the recovery phrase is critical.

Lost recovery phrase? If you lose the recovery phrase and still have access to the device, immediately create a new wallet and transfer funds to it. If you lose both the device and the recovery phrase, funds are unrecoverable.

Ledger’s Start App is designed with privacy in mind. The app may request access to public blockchain information to display balances and network fees, but it never transmits your private keys or recovery phrase. When optional telemetry is enabled, data is anonymized and used to improve app performance; you can opt out at any time in Settings.

Click below to open the Start App and begin setting up your Ledger device. Keep your recovery materials handy and follow the on-screen prompts. If you need help, visit the official support center or consult our step-by-step guides.

Open Ledger Start