Official Site®® | Ledger.com/Start®®

Getting started®™ — secure your first device and your assets

Welcome — this page walks you through everything needed to set up your Ledger device, secure your recovery, and start managing digital assets with confidence. We keep language simple, steps clear, and security front-and-center, so you can get started safely whether this is your first wallet or you're migrating from another solution.

1. Unbox & inspect

Check package

Ensure your device and tamper-evident seals are intact. Only install official firmware from Ledger.com/Start®®.

2. Initialize

Create PIN & seed

Set a PIN on the device and write down your recovery phrase on the supplied card — never store it digitally.

3. Use Ledger Live

Install apps

Open Ledger Live, install the apps for the coins you hold, and add accounts to manage them securely.

Getting started — clear, secure steps

Setting up a hardware wallet is the most important step you can take to protect your cryptocurrency. The core idea is simple: keep your private keys offline. Ledger devices store those keys on a secure chip, and all sensitive operations happen inside the device. While this sounds technical, the setup process is designed for clarity. Follow these steps carefully and you will have a strong foundation for custody and long-term storage. Below you will find practical guidance, what to avoid, and answers to common questions.

Step 1 — Unbox and verify

When your Ledger device arrives, verify the packaging and tamper-evident stickers. Ledger ships devices sealed; if anything looks altered, contact support immediately and do not use the device. Retain the box and documentation for your records — these include a recovery sheet where you will write your seed phrase. Do not plug the device into any computer or phone before you follow the official start flow at Ledger.com/Start®®.

Step 2 — Initialize the device

Power on the device and follow the on-screen prompts. Choose a PIN you will remember but that is not easily guessable. The device will generate a recovery phrase — typically 24 words — which is the only backup of your wallet. Write the words in exact order on the recovery sheet provided. Do not photograph, type, or store the phrase on any online service. If your recovery phrase is ever exposed, anyone can control your assets. Keep at least one additional secure copy (for example, a steel backup solution kept in a different safe location) and ensure the backup is physically protected.

Step 3 — Install Ledger Live and add accounts

Download Ledger Live only from the official site. Install the Ledger Live desktop or mobile app and connect your device when instructed. Ledger Live lets you install coin-specific apps directly to your device and add accounts for the assets you own. Installing an app does not expose your private keys — it only enables the device to understand and sign transactions for that coin. When you add an account, the app will derive public addresses from your private keys stored on the device and display them for receiving funds.

Security best practices

Security is layered: your PIN protects against local access; the recovery phrase protects against device loss; firmware and software updates protect against vulnerabilities. Always update your device firmware and Ledger Live to the latest versions through the official channels. Never reveal your PIN or recovery phrase to anyone, including people claiming to be from support. Ledger never asks for your recovery phrase. Be careful with social engineering attacks — phishing websites, fake support numbers, and unsolicited messages are common. Bookmark Ledger.com/Start®® and Ledger.com to avoid impostor sites.

Using your Ledger day-to-day

After setup, use Ledger Live to manage transactions. When you want to send funds, create the transaction in Ledger Live or a supported wallet, then confirm details directly on your device screen. The device shows the exact address and amount so you can verify it before signing. For DeFi and smart contract interactions, use widely trusted interfaces and confirm all on-device prompts carefully. Keep a minimal hot wallet for daily use and a larger amount in the Ledger-secured cold wallet if you routinely transact.

Recovery and migration

If your device is lost or damaged, restore from your recovery phrase on a new Ledger or any compatible hardware wallet. If you ever migrate from one device to another, perform the restore on the new device and verify balances and accounts. When disposing of an old device, perform a factory reset and physically destroy the device if necessary. If you think your recovery phrase may have been exposed, move funds to a brand new seed generated by a new device immediately.

Common questions

Q: Can Ledger recover my funds if I forget my PIN?

A: No — your PIN is local to the device. Use your recovery phrase to restore access on a new device.

Q: Is it safe to buy a Ledger second-hand?

A: Avoid second-hand devices. Buy only from official channels to ensure device integrity and warranty.

Q: Can I use Ledger with mobile wallets?

A: Yes — Ledger works with many mobile wallets via Bluetooth (Nano X) or USB (Nano S) and via Ledger Live companion apps.

Q: Who should I contact for help?

A: Use official support channels linked from Ledger.com/Start®®. Do not call or message phone numbers found in unsolicited emails.

Start now — simple checklist

1) Verify packaging. 2) Initialize and write your recovery. 3) Install Ledger Live. 4) Install coin apps and add accounts. 5) Move a small test amount first. 6) Store backups in secure, separate locations. 7) Keep firmware updated. Follow this checklist every time you set up a new device.