ledger.com/start — Official onboarding & safest download hub
The official first step for Ledger hardware wallet users: download Ledger Wallet (formerly Ledger Live), initialize or restore your device, secure your recovery seed, and follow vendor-verified security guidance — all from one trusted place. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Start
ledger.com/start
If you're setting up a Ledger hardware wallet (Nano X, Nano S Plus, Stax) or reinstalling the companion app, always begin at ledger.com/start. That page centralizes official installers, device-specific setup instructions, recovery guidance and Ledger Academy resources — so you avoid fake downloads and phishing traps. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Why start here?
Ledger devices rely on self-custody: the safe delivery and verified installation of Ledger Wallet is the first line of defense. Official downloads include signed installers and checksum data you can use to verify authenticity. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Quick snapshot
• Official Ledger Wallet (desktop & mobile) downloads.
• Step-by-step setup for initializing or restoring a device. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
• Links to Ledger Academy for learning secure practices. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• Step-by-step setup for initializing or restoring a device. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
• Links to Ledger Academy for learning secure practices. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Practical step-by-step (use ledger.com/start)
1
Type the URL — don’t click unknown links
Open your browser and enter ledger.com/start directly. Phishing sites often mimic Ledger branding; typing the address reduces risk. Tech coverage has repeatedly flagged fake Ledger installers targeting Mac users — a strong reminder to use the official source. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
2
Download Ledger Wallet (formerly Ledger Live)
Choose the correct OS (Windows / macOS / Linux / iOS / Android). Ledger’s app has been rebranded in places as “Ledger Wallet,” but its function is the same: connect to your device and perform device-backed signing. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
3
Verify the installer (sha512 / signatures)
Ledger publishes hashes and signature files for installers. If you’re security-conscious, compare the file hash with the official ledger.com listing to confirm integrity before running the binary. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
4
Initialize or restore your device
Follow the on-screen Ledger Wallet instructions to create a PIN and generate your recovery seed, or use your existing 24-word phrase to restore. Keep that seed offline; it is your primary backup. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
5
Install blockchain apps & add accounts
Use Ledger Wallet to install per-chain apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.) and add accounts so balances appear. All transactions must be confirmed on the physical device. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
Security alert: real attacks exist — stay vigilant
Researchers and news outlets have documented malware campaigns distributing fake Ledger apps that ask for your recovery phrase during "recovery" prompts — a trap to steal funds. Ledger and security advisors insist: never enter your recovery seed into any app or website. If anything prompts for that phrase outside the device during setup, treat it as malicious. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
Problem: Installer flagged as malicious
If your OS flags the installer, confirm file integrity with Ledger’s published hash file, re-download from ledger.com/start, and avoid running unknown binaries. Ledger provides checksums and signature verification guidance. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
Problem: Forgot PIN or device wiped
Ledger devices can be reset after too many PIN failures. Restore your accounts using your 24-word seed via the official restore flow — only through Ledger Wallet / device screens. If your seed was exposed, migrate funds immediately to a new device with a fresh seed. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
FAQ — ledger.com/start
Q: Is ledger.com/start the only safe source?
It is the recommended entry point and contains links to official installers and support pages — always prefer it over third-party links. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
Q: What if an installer asks for my recovery seed?
No legitimate Ledger installer or app will ever ask for your recovery phrase. Any such prompt is a scam — stop and report it. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
Q: How do I verify Ledger Wallet binaries?
Compare the downloaded file’s sha512 checksum or signature with the ledger.com/lld-signatures resource before running installers. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
Pro tips — safety-first checklist
- Bookmark ledger.com/start and always initiate downloads from that page. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
- Verify installer hashes/signatures before installation. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
- Write your recovery seed on the included recovery sheet (or a metal backup) — never store it digitally. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
- Confirm every transaction and address on the Ledger device screen, not just the app. :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}
- If you suspect compromise, move funds to a fresh seed immediately and contact Ledger support via official channels. :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}
Closing note
ledger.com/start is designed to be your single trusted starting point for safely downloading Ledger Wallet, setting up devices, and learning secure crypto custody. Use it, verify binaries when you can, keep your recovery seed offline, and never disclose it — those actions will keep your crypto under your control. :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}