Introduction
This guide is for anyone who has a Ledger hardware wallet box on their desk and is ready to go from unboxing to confidently managing cryptocurrency. We'll prioritize safety, clarity, and practical steps that are easy to follow.
Why use a Ledger hardware wallet?
Hardware wallets store the private keys that control your crypto in a secure, offline device. Compared to exchanges or software wallets, a hardware wallet reduces online exposure and dramatically lowers the risk of remote theft.
Who this guide is for
New Ledger owners, people moving large holdings off exchanges, and anyone who wants to learn secure wallet management. If you've used other hardware wallets, many concepts will be familiar — but follow Ledger-specific steps for the best compatibility.
What is Ledger?
Ledger is a company that makes hardware wallets (like Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X) that securely store crypto private keys. Ledger devices run secure firmware and pair with Ledger Live — the desktop or mobile app used to manage assets.
Ledger Live & the Start page
Ledger Live is the official app used to set up and manage your device. The initial step for many users is visiting Ledger’s official getting-started portal. Bookmark it and always verify the URL when following setup instructions.
What you’ll need before starting
Checklist
- Ledger device (Nano S Plus, Nano X, etc.) with official Ledger packaging
- Computer or smartphone with Bluetooth/USB depending on model
- Ledger Live app downloaded from Ledger's website
- A clean, private space to write down your recovery phrase
Why the recovery phrase matters
The 24-word (or sometimes 12-word on older devices) recovery phrase is the ultimate backup. If your device is lost or destroyed, the recovery phrase is how you'll restore access — keep it offline, physically secure, and never share it.
Step-by-step setup
1. Verify the box and device
Check the box hasn't been tampered with and that the holographic seal (if present) looks intact. Only use accessories that came with the device or official Ledger accessories.
2. Visit the official start page
Open your browser and go to the official start URL: https://www.ledger.com/start. Follow the prompts to download Ledger Live for your platform, or open the mobile app store link provided on that page.
3. Install Ledger Live
Download Ledger Live from the start page. Install and open it. Ledger Live will guide you through firmware checks, device setup, and app installs — follow it carefully and accept only official prompts.
4. Initialize your device
Power up the Ledger device and choose “Set up as new device” (unless you're restoring from a recovery phrase). The device will ask you to choose a PIN; choose a unique number you can remember but that others cannot guess.
Choosing a PIN
Use a PIN of at least 4 digits (6+ is recommended). Avoid sequences or repeating patterns. Ledger devices require the PIN to authorize actions; it is stored only on-device and never on Ledger’s servers.
5. Write down your recovery phrase
The device will generate the recovery phrase and display words one by one. Use the supplied recovery sheet or your own secure metal backup product. Never type the recovery phrase into a computer, photo, cloud note, or messaging app.
Physical backup options
Write the words legibly on the paper card, then transfer them to a metal backup for long-term durability (metal resists fire, water, and wear). Store copies in separate secure locations if you choose redundancy.
6. Confirm the phrase
The device will ask you to confirm specific words to verify you recorded them correctly. Only after confirmation will setup finish and the device will be ready to use with Ledger Live.
7. Install apps and add accounts
Open Ledger Live → Manager, connect your device, and install cryptocurrency apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) on the device. Then use Ledger Live → Accounts to add each currency account. Each asset account is read-only in Ledger Live; only the ledger device can sign transactions.
Transferring funds
When sending crypto to a Ledger address for the first time, send a small test amount first to verify addresses. Always confirm the receiving address on the device screen — this ensures it matches what your computer sent and mitigates address replacement attacks.
Security best practices
Never share your recovery phrase
Ledger employees or support will never ask for your full recovery phrase. If someone asks — that’s a scam. If you ever reveal your recovery phrase, move your funds immediately using a new wallet seeded from a new phrase.
Firmware & software updates
Keep your Ledger device firmware and Ledger Live up to date. Ledger Live will prompt for updates; validate updates using only official Ledger sources and never accept suspicious pop-ups or unsolicited help installing them.
Secure your PC and phone
Use up-to-date antivirus, system patches, and avoid installing unknown applications. While Ledger provides strong device-side security, endpoint compromises are still a risk for phishing and social engineering attempts.
Phishing & website safety
Always check the URL bar before downloading or entering credentials. Bookmark the official start page and Ledger Live download page and avoid links from unknown emails or social media. Use the start link below when you need to verify:
Troubleshooting & common questions
My device won't turn on
Try a different USB cable or port. For Bluetooth devices, ensure the battery has charge. If problems persist, consult the official support pages and follow hardware troubleshooting steps from Ledger's help center.
I lost my device — what now?
If your recovery phrase is safe, purchase a new Ledger or compatible hardware wallet and restore using the recovery phrase. If you lost both device and recovery phrase, funds are unrecoverable; this underlines the importance of secure backups.
Suspicious pop-ups / transaction requests
If you see a transaction you didn't initiate, do not approve it on the device. Disconnect and investigate. Ledger Live lets you view transaction details; cross-check with your recent activity.
Example: If unsure, visit:
https://www.ledger.com/start
and follow official support guidance rather than clicking on unverified chat links or attachments.
Resources & official links
Below are the official start links and resources — the same trusted URL repeated for convenience. Replace the color hex in the top stylesheet with Ledger’s exact brand color if you prefer absolute branding fidelity.
https://www.ledger.com/start
https://www.ledger.com/start
https://www.ledger.com/start
https://www.ledger.com/start
For quick access, here are the same link iterations — displayed ten times and styled with the page’s link color as requested:
1. https://www.ledger.com/start
2. https://www.ledger.com/start
3. https://www.ledger.com/start
4. https://www.ledger.com/start
5. https://www.ledger.com/start
6. https://www.ledger.com/start
7. https://www.ledger.com/start
8. https://www.ledger.com/start
9. https://www.ledger.com/start
10. https://www.ledger.com/start
Quick FAQ
Can Ledger Live be used on multiple devices?
Yes — Ledger Live can be installed on multiple computers and phones. Accounts are viewable across installs when you connect the same device or restore the same recovery phrase on another device. Always protect the recovery phrase.
What to do if Ledger Live asks for my recovery phrase?
Never enter your recovery phrase into Ledger Live or any website. Ledger Live will never ask you to type the complete recovery phrase. If prompted, treat it as a scam and contact official support via the start page.