Overview
What this guide covers
This Official Getting Started Guide walks you from unboxing to first transaction. It focuses on practical steps, safety-first practices, and links to official resources. If you ever see a different address or an unsolicited request related to your Ledger, stop and verify at ledger.com/start.
Why a hardware wallet?
Hardware wallets like Ledger store private keys offline, dramatically reducing exposure to online threats (phishing, malware, exchange hacks). However, security depends on how you set up and protect your device and recovery phrase.
Quick note
This is a general guide. Always follow the exact instructions shown by your Ledger device and the official website. Never share your recovery phrase with anyone.
Before you start
What you'll need
- A Ledger hardware device (Nano S Plus, Nano X, or later)
- USB cable or Bluetooth (depending on model)
- A computer or smartphone with the Ledger Live app installed
- Pen and the supplied recovery card (or a high-quality metal backup)
- 10–20 minutes, uninterrupted
Security checklist
- Buy directly from the manufacturer or an authorized reseller.
- Inspect the packaging for tamper evidence.
- Do not connect the device to unknown computers.
- Never enter your 24-word recovery on a computer or phone.
Setup: step-by-step
Unbox and power on
Open the box and make sure the packet contains the device, a cable, a recovery card, and quick start materials. Power on by following the screen prompts.
1 — Initialize the device
Choose to set up as new device. Create a PIN directly on the device; choose something memorable but not guessable. Your PIN protects access to the device—even if someone has physical possession.
2 — Write down your recovery phrase
The device will display 24 words (or 12/18 depending on model) one by one. Write them exactly in order on the recovery card supplied. Double-check spelling and order. This phrase is the only way to recover your funds if the device is lost or damaged.
3 — Install Ledger Live
On your computer or phone, visit ledger.com/start and follow the platform-specific instructions to download Ledger Live. After installation, open Ledger Live and follow the app’s onboarding.
4 — Add an account
Use Ledger Live to add cryptocurrency accounts (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum). You'll be asked to connect and unlock your device to verify addresses.
5 — Receive a test transaction
Before moving large sums, send a small test amount to confirm the address and that you can sign transactions with your device.
Security best practices
Protecting your recovery phrase
Store your recovery phrase offline in a secure location. Consider a metal backup plate for fire and water resistance. Do not photograph or type your recovery anywhere online.
Phishing and scams
Always verify domains and emails. Ledger's official starting page is ledger.com/start. Ledger will never ask for your 24-word phrase. If someone asks, it’s a scam.
Advanced tip
Enable passphrase (optional) for an extra layer of protection, but treat it as part of your secret: if lost, funds are unrecoverable.
Troubleshooting
Common issues
If your device won't connect, try a different cable and ensure Ledger Live is up to date. Reboot your computer and re-open Ledger Live. If the device reports an unexpected message, consult the official start page first.
Lost or stolen device
If your device is lost or stolen—but your recovery phrase is safe—you can recover funds onto a new Ledger device or compatible wallet. If both device and recovery are lost, funds cannot be recovered.
Frequently asked questions
Can Ledger Live be used without the device?
You can view portfolio data in Ledger Live, but to sign transactions you must connect your hardware device. The private keys never leave the device.
Is my recovery phrase compatible with other wallets?
Yes. The 24-word recovery phrase follows BIP-39 standard and can be used with compatible wallets. Be careful: some blockchains or wallets add optional passphrases or use different derivation paths.
Resources
Official start page: ledger.com/start
Conclusion
Setting up a hardware wallet is one of the best steps you can take to secure crypto holdings. Follow the device prompts, protect your recovery phrase offline, and always verify official links. This guide condenses the most important steps — but the device screen and official start page are the final authority.
Final call-to-action
Begin now at: https://www.ledger.com/start