Introduction

Welcome to Ledger — this page walks you through the official start process for your Ledger hardware wallet and the Ledger Wallet app (the companion application used to manage accounts, send and receive crypto, and interact with Web3). Follow these steps to set up your device securely and begin managing your crypto with private keys kept offline.

What is Ledger & Ledger Wallet?

Ledger provides a secure hardware wallet (such as the Nano S Plus and Nano X) that stores private keys offline. The Ledger Wallet app (formerly known to many as Ledger Live) is the desktop and mobile application that lets you view balances, add accounts, buy/swap crypto, stake assets and sign transactions while keeping your seed and keys on the hardware device.

Ledger's official resources contain detailed compatibility and download pages for the Ledger Wallet app and device setup.

Getting started — step by step

Go to the official start page: Open ledger.com/start to download the Ledger Wallet app and access the step-by-step setup guide.
Unbox & verify: Inspect the package and device; use official guidance if the package or tamper seal looks suspicious.
Install Ledger Wallet: Download the Ledger Wallet app for your OS (desktop or mobile) from the official site and install it.
Power on and initialize: Connect the device by USB (or Bluetooth for supported models). Follow the on-screen instructions to create a new device or restore from an existing recovery phrase.
Write your recovery phrase: Carefully write down your recovery (seed) phrase on the provided card and store it securely offline — never share it and never store it digitally.
Add accounts & apps: Open Ledger Wallet, add the crypto accounts you want to manage, and install required currency apps on the device via the app manager.
Start transacting: Receive a small test amount first, then send/receive, swap, or stake through the Ledger Wallet app or compatible third-party wallets.

Open Official Start Page

Core features

Private keys offline: Your keys remain on the hardware device — never exposed to the internet during signing.
Multi-asset support: Ledger supports thousands of crypto assets and integrates with third-party wallets.
Buy, swap, stake: Compare providers and perform buy, swap and staking actions directly inside the Ledger Wallet app.
Portfolio & tracking: See balances and transaction history across accounts in one place.
Open-source guides & verifications: Download signatures and verify installation files if you want additional authenticity checks.

Trust & Security

Ledger hardware wallets are designed to keep your private keys offline inside a secure element. The company publishes guidance for verifying Ledger Wallet download signatures, provides a support hub with setup instructions, and documents compatibility and supported assets so you can confirm integrations before using them.

Always use the official pages to download software and follow the recommended verification steps before installing.

FAQ — Frequently asked questions

1. Where do I download the Ledger Wallet app?

Use ledger.com/start — the official start page provides installers for Windows, macOS, Linux and mobile apps.

2. Can I restore an old wallet?

Yes — during device setup choose "Restore device" and enter your recovery phrase to import existing accounts.

3. Is Ledger Wallet the same as Ledger Live?

Ledger Wallet is the evolution of what many users knew as Ledger Live — the official app continues to provide the same core account and transaction features under updated product names.

4. What if I lose my device?

If you lose the device, you can restore funds on a new Ledger device or compatible wallet using your recovery phrase — which is why safely storing your seed is critical.

5. How many coins are supported?

Ledger supports a wide and growing number of crypto assets via first- and third-party integrations — check the official supported assets list for current coverage.

6. How can I verify my download?

Ledger publishes checksum/signature files for Ledger Wallet installers so advanced users can verify authenticity before installing.

Disclaimer

This page is a user-focused guide and summary based on Ledger’s official start materials. It is not legal or financial advice. Always rely on Ledger’s official site and support documentation for the most current instructions, compatibility, and security notices. Never share your recovery phrase; Ledger support will never ask for it.