Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start®

Getting started — clear & secure steps

This guide will walk you through setting up a Ledger hardware wallet safely: unboxing, installing Ledger Live, firmware checks, generating and protecting your recovery phrase, installing apps, connecting to services, troubleshooting common problems, and long-term safety. Follow each step carefully and keep your recovery phrase offline at all times.

Before you start — short checklist

Buy a new device from an authorized seller or the official store. Avoid used devices.
Prepare a clean computer or mobile phone you trust; avoid public/shared machines for setup.
Have a pen and the supplied recovery cards (or a metal backup plate) ready — do not photograph the recovery phrase.
Plan where you will store the recovery phrase (safe, safety deposit box, or other secure place).

Quick tip: Keep packaging and receipts until you finish setup and verify the device functions correctly.

Unbox & inspect

Open the box, check the device and accessories (USB cable, recovery cards, quick start guide). Inspect for tampering or damage — any obvious tampering is a red flag. If anything seems off, contact the seller or official support.

Download Ledger Live & initial connection

Ledger Live is the official app (desktop and mobile) for managing accounts and updates. Download Ledger Live only from the vendor's official download page. When you open Ledger Live for the first time, choose your device model and follow the guided setup.

Download: Get Ledger Live from the official site and install it on your computer or mobile device.

Connect your device: Plug in the device using the supplied cable (or pair via Bluetooth if your model supports it). Ledger Live will detect it.

Choose setup: Select “Set up as new device” to create a new wallet, or “Restore from recovery phrase” if you already have a valid phrase.

Warning: If any website or person requests your recovery phrase, stop immediately — this is a scam. Legitimate support will never ask for your full seed.

Firmware, PIN, and recovery phrase

Firmware

Ledger Live will check for firmware updates. Firmware is cryptographically signed. Install firmware only via Ledger Live and confirm the on-device prompts. Never install firmware from unknown or third-party sources.

Set a PIN

The device will prompt you to set a PIN. Choose a PIN that you can remember but is not trivial. Enter the PIN only on the device's buttons/screen — do not type it into your computer.

Generate & record your recovery phrase

The device will display a recovery phrase (usually 24 words) one word at a time. Write these words down in order on the supplied recovery card or a durable backup. Double-check spelling and order — the recovery phrase is the single most important backup for your funds. Keep this offline and secure.

Optional: A passphrase can be added for extra security. A passphrase creates a hidden wallet and must be stored separately. If you lose the passphrase, the hidden wallet is inaccessible.

Installing apps & creating accounts

Ledger devices use small blockchain-specific apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.). Install apps via Ledger Live’s Manager. Each app occupies limited device storage; uninstalling an app does not remove funds (funds are recoverable via the recovery phrase).

Open Ledger Live → Manager, connect and unlock your device.
Install only the apps you need.
Create accounts inside Ledger Live for each app/coin and test with a small transaction.

Always verify receiving addresses on the device screen — do not copy addresses blindly from the computer.

Mobile & Bluetooth considerations

Some models support Bluetooth pairing via the official mobile Ledger Live app. Only pair using Ledger Live and avoid untrusted third-party mobile apps. Keep your phone OS updated and avoid installing apps from unknown sources that could intercept communications.

dApps, WalletConnect & integrations

When using decentralized apps or third-party wallets, prefer reputable connectors (WalletConnect, official integrations). Always confirm transaction details on the device screen before approving. Do not approve transactions that request excessive allowances unless you understand the risk.

Troubleshooting — common issues

Device not detected

Try another USB cable/port, ensure the device screen is on, and restart Ledger Live. Some cables are power-only; use a data-capable cable.

Firmware update problem

Do not unplug mid-update. Re-open Ledger Live and follow the recovery prompts. If the device remains unresponsive, contact official support.

Forgot PIN

If you forget the PIN, you can wipe the device and restore from your recovery phrase. Keep the recovery phrase safe — it is the only reliable backup.

Seed verification mismatch

Check your written words carefully for spelling mistakes and order. If necessary, generate a new seed in a secure environment and start again.

Security best practices

Never share your recovery phrase, PIN, or passphrase with anyone.
Download Ledger Live only from the official download page and verify the source.
Keep firmware and apps updated via Ledger Live.
Use multiple geographically-separated backups (metal plates are great for physical resilience).
For large holdings, consider multi-signature and multiple devices to reduce single-point failure risk.

Final checklist before you send funds

Ledger Live installed from official source.
Firmware up to date and validated on device.
Recovery phrase written down offline and stored securely.
PIN set and memorized (don’t store with seed).
Installed apps only for coins you use; small test transfer successful.

Practice restore: If possible, use a spare device or a test wallet to practice restoring from your recovery phrase before moving large balances. This verifies your backup and your process.