This document is an official-style setup guide for getting started with a Ledger hardware wallet. It walks you through unboxing, initial setup, installing Ledger Live, securing your recovery phrase, and basic troubleshooting. Always use official Ledger resources at https://www.ledger.com/start for downloads and support.
https://www.ledger.com/start for official downloads.Unbox your Ledger device and inspect the tamper-evident packaging. Verify the box accessories: device, USB cable, recovery sheet and quick start guide. If something looks tampered with or missing, contact Ledger support via the official page at Ledger.com/Start.
Physical tampering could indicate someone tried to preconfigure or compromise the device.
Keep the packaging material until setup is complete — it can help with returns or support.
Connect your Ledger device to your computer or mobile device. Follow on-screen prompts on the device. Choose "Set up as new device" if it has no existing configuration.
The device will ask you to create a PIN. Pick a PIN you can remember but that isn't trivial. The PIN protects local access to the device and triggers wiping after multiple incorrect attempts.
The device will display a 24-word recovery phrase (sometimes 12 words on older devices). Write these words in order on the recovery sheet supplied. This phrase is the only way to restore your wallet if the device is lost, stolen, or damaged.
To ensure you recorded the recovery phrase correctly, the device will ask you to confirm several randomly selected words. Only after correct confirmation will the setup continue.
If you fail the confirmation, you can reset and restart the device. This is safe but adds time; make sure to record the words accurately before confirming.
Download Ledger Live from the official site: Ledger.com/Start. Install the application on macOS, Windows, Linux, Android, or iOS as instructed on the official download page.
Open Ledger Live and follow the on-screen link to connect your Ledger device. When prompted, allow the device to communicate with Ledger Live. Ledger Live will guide you to install the necessary apps for specific cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.).
Within Ledger Live, click Manager to install crypto apps on the device, then use Accounts to add individual wallet accounts. Each account provides an address you can use to receive cryptocurrencies. Test with a small amount first to ensure everything works as expected.
Your recovery phrase (seed) is the master key to your funds. Whoever has access to it can restore your wallets and move funds. Treat it as high-value, offline property.
Common threats include phishing sites, fake apps, social engineering, physical tampering, and malware on computers. Mitigate these by using only official software from Ledger and verifying all URLs.
Always confirm URLs: use bookmarks for Ledger Live download pages and avoid clicking links from unknown emails. Ledger will never ask for your full recovery phrase.
Ledger devices support an optional passphrase (25th word) which can create hidden wallets. This gives stronger security and plausible deniability but increases complexity and risk of permanent loss if the passphrase is forgotten. Use only if you understand the trade-offs.
Ensure the USB cable is data-capable, try another USB port, and verify the device is powered. Reboot your computer and reopen Ledger Live. If the problem persists, reinstall Ledger Live from Ledger.com/Start.
The device will wipe itself after multiple wrong PIN attempts. If wiped, restore using your recovery phrase on the device to regain access to your accounts via Ledger Live.
If the recovery phrase is lost and you still have device access, create a new wallet immediately and move funds to the new wallet. If you lose both device and recovery phrase, funds are unrecoverable.
For higher security or business needs, use multisignature wallets requiring multiple devices/keys to authorize transactions. Ledger devices can be integrated into many multisig workflows — consult Ledger documentation on supported integrations at Ledger.com/Start.
Keep your device firmware and Ledger Live up to date. Firmware updates are delivered via Ledger Live and will be signed by Ledger. Only update firmware when prompted by the official Ledger Live app.
Ledger supports third-party wallets and dApps (e.g., MetaMask, Electrum). When connecting, always review transaction details on the physical Ledger device rather than the computer screen to prevent maliciously altered transactions.
No. Ledger cannot recover your recovery phrase or PIN for you. Ledger support can help with device or software issues, but not your secret seed words.
Hardware wallets like Ledger are considered one of the safest ways to store private keys offline. For very large holdings, combine hardware wallets with good operational security, multisig, and offline backups.
Use official resources and support pages available at https://www.ledger.com/start. Do not rely on random forum links for official downloads.