Official Site® — Ledger.com/Start®

Getting started guide — secure setup, first steps, and best practices
Welcome! This getting started guide walks you through the essential first steps so you can set up, secure, and begin using your Ledger device and account with confidence. The content below is written clearly and practically so you can follow along whether you're new to hardware wallets or returning for a refresh.

Overview — what this guide covers

This guide explains how to prepare for setup, how to initialize your Ledger device, the importance of your recovery phrase, how to install apps and manage accounts, and steps to keep your assets safe. We include troubleshooting tips and a concise FAQ to answer common questions. Read fully before beginning any setup — understanding the recovery phrase and security model is crucial.

Before you start: prepare and verify

Before powering the device, choose a quiet, private space. Ensure your computer or smartphone is updated and free from suspicious software. Only use official Ledger software and downloads from the official site. If possible, have a pen and designated recovery backup material ready. Never share your recovery phrase with anyone or enter it into a website, app, or file on a computer.

  • Charge your device if it uses internal power, or have the cable ready.
  • Use the official Ledger Live app for management.
  • Confirm you're on the legitimate domain before downloading software.

Step 1 — unbox and power on

Carefully unbox your Ledger device. Inspect packaging and the device for tampering. On first start, follow on-screen instructions to choose a PIN code. Pick a PIN you can remember but not easily guessable. If a tamper indicator shows signs of manipulation, do not proceed and contact official support.

Step 2 — write down your recovery phrase

During initialization, the device will display a recovery phrase — typically 24 words — one by one. Use the provided recovery sheet or your own durable, offline medium to write these words in order. This phrase is the master key to your funds. If you lose it and your device is lost or damaged, you may permanently lose access.

Important safety rules:

  • Never photograph or store the phrase digitally (no cloud, pictures, screenshots, text files).
  • Never share the phrase — not with friends, family, or support agents.
  • Store backups in separate, secure locations where water/fire/ theft risk is minimized.

Step 3 — install Ledger Live and add accounts

Install the official Ledger Live app on your computer or mobile device. Open Ledger Live, follow the onboarding prompts, and connect your Ledger device when requested. Use Ledger Live to install currency-specific apps to the device (for example Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.). Each app allows the device to manage keys for the corresponding blockchain.

After installing apps, add accounts in Ledger Live for each asset you want to use. Accounts let you receive, send, and view balances. Double-check addresses in Ledger Live against those shown on the device screen before confirming a transaction.

Step 4 — receiving and sending funds

To receive funds, create a receive address in Ledger Live, verify the address on your device screen, and share that verified address with the sender. Always double-check: malware can substitute addresses in clipboard or on-screen.

To send funds, enter the recipient address and amount in Ledger Live, confirm details, and then review the transaction on your device. The hardware device signs transactions offline — this is the fundamental security advantage: private keys never leave the secure element.

Security best practices

  • Keep firmware up to date — updates often include security improvements.
  • Use a strong PIN and enable any available passphrase feature if you understand its implications.
  • Never enter your recovery phrase into a computer or phone.
  • Beware of phishing: attacker sites mimic official branding. Always verify the domain and certificate when downloading or signing in.
  • Consider a metal backup for the recovery phrase if you hold substantial funds.

Troubleshooting common issues

If your device does not power on, try a different cable and alternate USB port. For connection issues, restart Ledger Live and your device; ensure the Ledger firmware and Ledger Live are up to date. If a transaction fails, double-check network fees and that the correct app is installed. For lost or reset devices, your recovery phrase restores funds on a new compatible hardware wallet or software wallet that supports the same seed standard.

Advanced options — passphrase and multiple accounts

The optional passphrase adds an extra secret word to your recovery phrase, creating hidden wallets. This enhances privacy and separation of funds but also increases complexity: losing the passphrase means you cannot access those hidden wallets. Use it only after understanding the tradeoffs and securely storing the passphrase.

FAQ — quick answers

Q: What if I lose my device?
A: Use your recovery phrase on a new device or compatible wallet to restore access.

Q: Can support recover my funds?
A: No — only the recovery phrase controls your assets. Support cannot recover funds without it.

Q: Is it safe to use Ledger with third-party apps?
A: Many third-party apps are safe; always review permissions and confirm addresses on-device before signing transactions.

Final checklist before you finish setup

  • Recovery phrase written down in order and stored securely.
  • PIN set and tested so you can remember without writing it to a device.
  • Ledger Live installed and accounts added.
  • One small test transaction sent and received to ensure everything works.
  • Firmware and apps updated to the latest official releases.

Where to get help

For official support, always use the authorized support channels provided by the product vendor. Avoid sharing your recovery phrase or PIN with any support agent. If you suspect compromise, move funds to a new wallet whose recovery phrase you control, using a secure environment.

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Quick start summary

This summary highlights the most important steps: initialize the device, record your recovery phrase, install Ledger Live, add accounts, and perform a small test transaction. Secure your recovery phrase offline and confirm transaction details on your device before approving.

Why hardware wallets matter

Hardware wallets hold private keys in a secure element separate from your computer or phone. Because signing happens on the device itself, attackers that control your computer cannot steal private keys directly. This reduces attack surface and significantly increases the safety of owning cryptocurrencies.

Next steps after setup

Once you complete setup, consider enabling optional features like an additional passphrase, learning how to verify addresses, and reading the product’s security documentation. Periodically review your backup strategy and consider a hardware-friendly method for long-term storage such as multiple geographically separated backups.

Congratulations — you are now ready to manage your assets with a hardware-backed security model. Keep learning, stay cautious, and perform regular reviews of your backup and security setup.

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Last updated: just now. This guide is for educational purposes. Always follow official vendor documentation for firmware updates and official support channels.