Get Started with Your Ledger Device

Welcome to Ledger Start, the official guide to setting up your Ledger hardware wallet. This page is designed to help you safely begin your journey into crypto management with Ledger, whether you are new to digital assets or already familiar with blockchain technology. Ledger is built to give you full control over your cryptocurrencies, ensuring your assets remain secure, private, and accessible only by you.

In this guide, you will learn how to set up your Ledger device, install and use Ledger Live, secure your recovery phrase, manage crypto accounts, and follow best practices to protect your digital wealth.

Why Ledger Is Essential for Your Crypto Security

Ledger is a hardware wallet, a type of device that stores your private keys offline. Unlike software wallets or exchanges that store keys online, a hardware wallet keeps your keys completely offline, reducing the risk of hacking, malware, and phishing attacks.

By using Ledger:

You own your private keys
You approve transactions physically on your device
You maintain full control over your digital assets

This means you are not relying on third parties. You are in complete control of your crypto, which is crucial in the world of self-custody.

Before You Begin: Prepare Your Setup

Before starting, make sure you have the following:

A genuine Ledger device purchased from Ledger.com or an authorized reseller
A computer or smartphone with internet access
A quiet, private space to set up your device and safely write down your recovery phrase
Sufficient time to complete setup without distractions

⚠️ Security Reminder: Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase. Anyone who requests it is attempting to scam you. Always double-check URLs and sources when seeking help.

Step 1: Install Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the official software for managing your Ledger device and your cryptocurrencies. It is available for desktop and mobile devices.

Features of Ledger Live:

Set up and initialize your Ledger device
Install cryptocurrency apps for various assets
Check balances, view transaction history, and monitor portfolios
Send and receive crypto securely
Update firmware on your Ledger device

✅ Always download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website. Using unofficial apps exposes your funds to potential theft.

Step 2: Set Up Your Ledger Device

Once Ledger Live is installed, it will guide you through initializing your Ledger device. This process happens directly on the device screen, ensuring sensitive information never touches your computer or phone.

Setup Options:

Set up as a new device: Generate a new wallet with a new recovery phrase
Restore from recovery phrase: Recover an existing wallet from a previously saved recovery phrase

During setup, you will:

Choose a PIN code
Generate a recovery phrase
Confirm your recovery phrase

This process ensures your wallet is both secure and recoverable.

Step 3: Create a Strong PIN Code

Your PIN code protects access to your Ledger device. Every time you connect your Ledger, you will need to enter this PIN.

Tips for a secure PIN:

Use a number sequence that is difficult to guess
Avoid obvious patterns such as 1234 or 0000
Never share your PIN with anyone
Do not store it digitally

If someone enters the wrong PIN multiple times, the device will reset automatically, safeguarding your assets.

Step 4: Securely Write Down Your Recovery Phrase

The recovery phrase (or seed phrase) is a series of 24 words generated by your Ledger device. This phrase is the only backup of your wallet.

Importance of the Recovery Phrase:

It allows you to restore your wallet if your device is lost, stolen, or damaged
Anyone with this phrase can access your funds
Ledger does not store or have access to your recovery phrase

Best Practices for Storing Your Recovery Phrase:

Write it down on the provided recovery sheet
Keep it in a secure and private location
Consider using fireproof or waterproof storage solutions
Never take photos or store the phrase digitally

⚠️ Losing your recovery phrase means losing access to your crypto. Ledger cannot recover your assets for you.

Step 5: Verify Your Recovery Phrase

During setup, the device will ask you to confirm your recovery phrase by selecting the correct words in order. This ensures accuracy and prevents errors that could make recovery impossible.

Take your time and double-check every word. Even one incorrect word can prevent you from restoring your wallet.

Step 6: Install Apps and Add Crypto Accounts

Once setup is complete, you can use Ledger Live to install apps for the cryptocurrencies you wish to manage. Ledger supports thousands of assets, including:

Bitcoin (BTC)
Ethereum (ETH)
Stablecoins
Various tokens and NFTs

Installing an app on your Ledger device does not affect your funds. It simply allows you to manage a specific cryptocurrency through Ledger Live.

Step 7: Sending and Receiving Crypto Safely

Receiving Crypto:

Open Ledger Live and select the account
Click “Receive” and verify the address on your Ledger device
Share the verified address with the sender

Sending Crypto:

Enter transaction details in Ledger Live
Verify the amount and recipient address carefully
Confirm the transaction on your Ledger device

Always confirm addresses on the device screen, not just on your computer or phone. This ensures your funds are sent safely.

Step 8: Keep Your Ledger Secure

Security doesn’t end after setup. Here are essential best practices:

Keep your recovery phrase offline and private
Never share your recovery phrase
Regularly update Ledger Live and your device firmware
Connect your Ledger only to trusted computers and phones
Double-check URLs to avoid phishing attacks

Ledger support will never ask for your recovery phrase or PIN. Be cautious of unsolicited messages or emails.

Step 9: Restoring a Wallet

If you need to restore your wallet on a new or reset device:

Select “Restore from recovery phrase” on the Ledger device
Enter your 24-word recovery phrase directly on the device
Set a new PIN

Your assets will be fully restored once this process is complete.

Step 10: Understanding Self-Custody

Using Ledger means practicing self-custody, where you are fully responsible for your crypto security. Self-custody provides:

Full ownership of your private keys
Independence from exchanges or third parties
Responsibility for securing backups and recovery

Ledger is designed to make self-custody safer, but it also requires diligence and attention from the user.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Sharing your recovery phrase or PIN with anyone
Storing your recovery phrase digitally
Using unofficial Ledger apps or software
Rushing through setup without verifying information
Trusting messages that create urgency or fear

Being cautious and methodical is one of the strongest defenses against fraud.

Ledger Live Features for Managing Your Assets

Ledger Live not only manages your crypto but also provides:

Real-time portfolio tracking
Market and price alerts
Secure staking options for supported assets
Swap features for exchanging cryptocurrencies

Always ensure you are on the official Ledger Live app to avoid security risks.

Keeping Your Ledger Device Updated

Ledger devices periodically receive firmware updates to improve functionality and security. Steps to update:

Open Ledger Live
Connect your Ledger device
Follow the on-screen instructions

Updating firmware is essential for protecting your assets against evolving threats.

Recovery Phrase Backup Options

Beyond writing your recovery phrase on paper, you may consider:

Metal backup plates: Resistant to fire and water
Secure offline storage: Lockboxes or safe deposit boxes
Geographic redundancy: Multiple secure locations

Always avoid storing backups digitally, in emails, or on cloud services.

Tips for Safe Crypto Management

Double-check addresses for every transaction
Confirm transactions on the device itself
Use strong, unique passwords for your accounts
Avoid public Wi-Fi when managing crypto
Educate yourself continuously about security threats

Being proactive about security helps prevent loss or theft.

Ledger Academy and Support Resources

Ledger provides a range of educational materials to help you understand crypto security and device management:

Ledger Academy: Articles and tutorials
Official Support: Step-by-step guidance for issues
Community Forums: Peer discussions (always cross-check official info)

Always ensure you are on official Ledger platforms when seeking help.

Why Ledger Is Trusted Worldwide

Millions of users globally rely on Ledger for secure crypto storage. Its success is due to:

Industry-leading secure chip technology
Offline storage that prevents hacking
Compatibility with thousands of cryptocurrencies and tokens
Transparent and reliable customer support

Ledger helps users achieve true self-custody while minimizing security risks.

Final Thoughts

Setting up your Ledger device is a critical first step in protecting your crypto. By carefully following these steps, securing your recovery phrase, and staying vigilant, you are building a strong foundation for long-term crypto security.

Remember:
Your security starts with you.

You are now ready to explore the world of digital assets with confidence, control, and peace of mind. Ledger helps you take that first step safely and securely.