Get Started with Your Ledger Device

Secure your crypto. Own your identity. Take control of your digital future.

Welcome to your starting point. This page walks you through everything you need to unbox, initialize, and confidently use your Ledger hardware wallet. Whether you’re new to crypto or looking for a more secure way to store your digital assets, this guide gives you the clarity and confidence to move forward safely.

Why Start with Ledger?

Digital ownership is powerful — but only if you control your private keys. Online exchanges and software wallets expose you to unnecessary risks such as hacks, phishing, and device compromises. A Ledger device gives you offline, hardware-based protection that keeps your private keys out of reach from attackers.

With Ledger, you get:

• Cold-storage security through a certified secure element chip
• Human-readable transaction verification directly on your device’s screen
• Compatibility with major cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and Web3 apps
• A single, reliable place to manage long-term digital wealth

This guide ensures you set everything up the right way, right from the start.

Step 1: Unbox Your Device

Inside the box, you should find:

• Your Ledger hardware wallet
• A USB cable
• Recovery phrase sheets
• A getting-started card or booklet
• Optional accessories depending on the model

Before you connect anything, take a moment to verify the packaging. Your device should arrive sealed and untampered. If something looks suspicious — unusual marks, broken seals, or missing components — stop immediately and contact support before proceeding.

Step 2: Power On and Initialize

When you turn on your Ledger device for the first time, you’ll be guided through an initialization process. This takes only a few minutes and is essential to securing your wallet.

1. Connect your Ledger device to your computer or mobile device using the included cable.
2. Power it on using the device buttons.
3. When prompted, choose “Set up as new device.”
4. Select and confirm a PIN code. Choose a PIN that is hard to guess but easy enough for you to remember. Do not store it digitally.

Your PIN is your first line of defense. If someone gains physical access to your device, your PIN prevents unauthorized use.

Step 3: Create and Secure Your Recovery Phrase

Your Ledger device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase (also known as a seed phrase). These 24 words are the backup to your entire wallet — every asset, every account, every identity you store.

Treat this phrase with extreme care:

• Write the words down on the recovery sheets provided.
• Double-check the spelling and order.
• Store the sheet offline in a safe, private place.
• Never share your phrase with anyone. No employee, support agent, or website will ever legitimately ask for it.
• Do not store it digitally (no screenshots, cloud storage, or notes apps).

If your device is lost, broken, or stolen, you can recover your crypto on a new Ledger using this phrase. If someone else gets the phrase, they can access your assets — no PIN required. This is the most critical step of the setup. Take your time.

Step 4: Install Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the official companion app for managing your Ledger hardware wallet. It serves as the gateway to your accounts, assets, and Web3 features.

To install Ledger Live:

1. Visit the official download page (never download from unofficial links).
2. Install Ledger Live on your computer or mobile device.
3. Open the application and follow the onboarding steps.
4. When prompted, connect your Ledger device to verify authenticity.

Ledger Live will then guide you through installing apps for the cryptocurrencies you want to manage.

Step 5: Add Your Accounts

Different crypto networks require different apps on your Ledger device. For example, you’ll install the Bitcoin app to manage BTC or the Ethereum app to manage ETH and most NFTs.

To add accounts:

1. Navigate to "Accounts" in Ledger Live.
2. Choose “Add account.”
3. Select the cryptocurrency you want.
4. Ledger Live will install the corresponding app on your device (if not already installed).
5. Verify account creation on your Ledger device.

Once added, you can view balances, receive assets, and track transaction history directly from Ledger Live.

Step 6: Receive Crypto Safely

Receiving crypto begins with generating a receive address from Ledger Live. This address must be verified on your physical Ledger device before you share it.

Why? Because malware can alter on-screen addresses — but it cannot change the address displayed on your secure hardware wallet.

To receive funds:

1. Select an account in Ledger Live.
2. Click “Receive.”
3. Ledger Live will display an address.
4. Your Ledger device will show the same address — review it carefully.
5. If both match, approve the address on your device.
6. Share the address with the sender or use it to transfer from an exchange.

Never skip the verification step.

Step 7: Explore Web3 and Beyond

Once you’ve mastered the basics, your Ledger device becomes a passport to the broader crypto ecosystem.

With Ledger Live and compatible third-party apps you can:

• Interact with DeFi platforms
• Buy, sell, and stake crypto
• Manage and store NFTs
• Connect securely to Web3 sites using Ledger’s hardware-based authentication
• Access a growing marketplace of crypto services

In every case, your private keys remain locked inside your Ledger device — never exposed online.

Step 8: Keep Your Device Updated

Ledger regularly releases firmware updates to enhance security, improve performance, and support new features.

To update safely:

1. Connect your device.
2. Open Ledger Live and look for update notifications.
3. Follow the instructions — do not disconnect during the update.
4. Never install firmware from unofficial sources.

Firmware updates do not affect your funds or recovery phrase.

Step 9: Strengthen Your Security Habits

Owning a hardware wallet is the strongest step toward securing your assets, but your habits matter just as much.

Here are essential ongoing practices:

• Always verify on your device before approving actions.
• Store your recovery phrase in a secure, offline location.
• Keep your device and Ledger Live updated.
• Avoid downloading unknown crypto apps or browser extensions.
• Bookmark official links to prevent phishing.
• Never enter your recovery phrase anywhere except the Ledger device itself.

Security is not a one-time task — it’s a routine.

Step 10: If You Ever Need Help

Support is available for troubleshooting, learning advanced features, and securing your device. Only engage with official support channels and avoid sharing sensitive information.

Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase. If someone does, it is a scam — no exceptions.