Welcome! This guide walks you through everything you need to know to get started with a Ledger hardware wallet via Ledger.com/start. It's designed for first-time users and covers unboxing, setup steps, safety best practices, Ledger Live basics, common tasks (send/receive), and troubleshooting. Read top-to-bottom or jump to any heading — headings use H1–H5 so it's easy to skim.
Get started with Ledger — Ledger.com/start
Why use a Ledger hardware wallet?
Hardware wallets like Ledger keep your private keys offline, which dramatically reduces exposure to hacks and phishing attacks compared with storing keys on exchanges or in software wallets. Think of Ledger as a small, air-gapped vault for your crypto. You still use apps like Ledger Live to view balances and create transactions, but the signatures happen inside the device — offline.
What you’ll need before you start
- A Ledger device (e.g., Ledger Nano S Plus or Ledger Nano X).
- A computer or mobile device with a browser (or Bluetooth-capable phone for Ledger Nano X if using Bluetooth).
- A reliable internet connection — only for downloading Ledger Live and broadcasting transactions (not for storing keys).
- A secure, private space to write down your recovery phrase (do not photograph or store digitally).
Quick note on safety
Ledger devices are shipped sealed. If the seal looks tampered with, contact Ledger support instead of setting up the device. Never share your 24-word recovery phrase with anyone, not even someone who claims to be support.
Step-by-step setup (walkthrough)
This step-by-step section mirrors the experience at Ledger.com/start, but with friendly explanations and tips at each stage.
1. Unboxing and initial checks
- Inspect the packaging: authentic Ledger units arrive in secure, tamper-resistant packaging.
- Confirm the device model and paperwork in the box (quickstart guide, recovery sheets).
2. Visit Ledger.com/start
Open a browser and navigate to https://www.ledger.com/start. Download Ledger Live for your platform (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android). Only install Ledger Live from Ledger's official site.
3. Initialize the device
Plug the Ledger into your computer or pair via Bluetooth (Nano X). Choose Set up as new device. You’ll be prompted to choose a PIN — pick something you can remember but that’s not guessable.
About the PIN
The PIN protects access to the device if it’s physically stolen. Use a 4–8 digit PIN (or longer if supported), avoid simple combos like 1234 or your birthday.
4. Write down the recovery phrase
The device will display a 24-word recovery phrase (sometimes 12 on older models). Write each word in order on the recovery sheet provided — double-check spelling and order. This phrase is the single backup for your entire wallet.
Do not:
- Take photos of the recovery phrase.
- Store it in cloud storage, email, or notes apps.
- Share it with anyone claiming to be support.
5. Confirm the recovery phrase on the device
Ledger will ask you to confirm several words. This confirms you wrote the words down correctly. Only after confirmation will the device finalize the setup.
6. Install Ledger Live and add accounts
Open Ledger Live, create a profile, and use the Manager to install apps for the blockchains you plan to use (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.). Then add accounts in Ledger Live — the apps on the device enable each account type.
Pro tip: Install only the apps you need. Each app uses a small portion of the device storage; uninstalling an app does not remove the associated accounts — your keys remain safe on the device.
Using Ledger Live: common actions
Receive crypto
In Ledger Live: Accounts → select account → Receive. Connect and unlock your device when prompted. Always verify the address displayed in Ledger Live matches the address shown on your Ledger device screen before giving it to a sender.
Send crypto
Create a transaction in Ledger Live, set the destination and fees, then confirm the details on your device. The transaction is signed on-device and broadcast by Ledger Live.
Fees & network selection
For Ethereum and other smart-contract chains, choose appropriate gas or priority. Ledger Live provides fee presets; you can also set a custom fee if you understand network conditions.
Staking, swapping, and apps
Ledger Live supports staking and third-party integrations. For advanced actions (DeFi dapps, swaps), use Ledger Live or connect the device to trusted web interfaces that support hardware wallets. Always verify contract addresses and prompts on your device.
Security reminder
The device screen is the final authority — any transaction shown on the device is what will happen. If something looks wrong, cancel and double-check the recipient/amount/fees.
Troubleshooting & common issues
Device won't connect
- Try a different USB cable or port (use the cable that came with the device).
- Reboot the computer or mobile device.
- Ensure Ledger Live is up-to-date and the device firmware is current (Ledger Live checks for firmware updates).
I lost my device — what now?
If you lose your Ledger, your funds are still safe as long as nobody has your recovery phrase or PIN. Obtain a new Ledger device and choose Restore device from recovery phrase during setup to recover accounts.
Someone asks for my recovery phrase
Never share your recovery phrase. Ledger support will never ask you for it. If someone insists, they are trying to steal your funds.
Firmware update issues
If a firmware update fails, follow Ledger Live instructions or contact Ledger support. Do NOT enter your recovery phrase into any website or app; device restoration should only happen on a Ledger device.
Advanced safety practices (for power users)
Use a passphrase (25th word)
Ledger supports adding a passphrase to your recovery seed to create additional hidden wallets. This is powerful but risky: if you forget the passphrase, the funds are unrecoverable. Use only if you fully understand the tradeoffs.
Split backups
Consider splitting backup responsibilities — e.g., using a multisig setup, or dividing seed pieces using established techniques (shamir backup via compatible hardware or software). Never DIY splitting the 24 words unless you understand cryptography.
Keep software updated
Ledger Live and device firmware receive occasional updates for new coins, UX, and security. Keep both updated from official sources only.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Q: Is Ledger safe to use with DeFi?
A: Yes — Ledger secures your keys. When interacting with DeFi, always verify addresses and contracts on-device, and prefer audited platforms. Use a small test amount first if unsure.
Q: Can Ledger recover my funds if I forget my PIN?
A: No. If you forget your PIN, you can reset the device and restore using your recovery phrase. Without the recovery phrase, funds are inaccessible.
Q: What if my recovery phrase is compromised?
A: Immediately move funds to a new wallet with a new recovery phrase. Best practice: generate a fresh wallet on a new device or via a trusted process, and transfer funds — treat the compromised seed as fully compromised.
Colorful quick-access — 10 Office Links
Below are ten colorful quick links (for convenience). They all point to the official Ledger start page. Use them as fast-access buttons or copy their URLs into your browser.
Wrap-up & final safety checklist
- Set a secure PIN and never reveal it.
- Write the recovery phrase on paper — keep it offline and in a safe place.
- Only install Ledger Live from Ledger.com/start.
- Verify addresses and transaction details on the device screen every time.
- Keep firmware and Ledger Live updated from official sources.
- If your recovery phrase is compromised, move funds immediately.
Final encouragement
Taking the extra minutes to set up your Ledger properly pays off in long-term peace of mind. Keep your setup simple, secure, and private — and enjoy using your hardware wallet to safely manage your crypto.