When you take a Ledger hardware wallet out of the box, the first priority is to set it up correctly so your crypto stays under your control. This page gives a clear, user-focused roadmap for powering up, creating (or restoring) your wallet, and applying important security practices. Whether you are completely new to hardware wallets or you are refreshing your setup routine, these steps will help you finish the process confidently and cleanly.
Begin by verifying the packaging and device authenticity. Genuine Ledger products arrive in secure packaging with tamper-evident seals and clear product markings. Once you are satisfied the device is authentic, connect it following the instructions supplied. For step-by-step, device-specific guidance, visit ledger.com/start — that official resource walks you through each model and firmware combination to avoid mistakes.
Power the device on and follow the on-screen prompts. You will be asked to choose a PIN — this protects local access to your device and should be short enough to enter easily but not predictable. After setting your PIN, the device will generate your recovery phrase (also called seed phrase). This is a human-readable backup of your private keys. Write it down on the supplied recovery sheet or another secure medium. Never store the phrase digitally or share it with anyone. The phrase is the single most important piece of information: anyone with it can control your funds.
After writing the recovery phrase, confirm it on the device when requested. This double-check confirms you recorded it correctly. Use a safe, private place for this process. Ledger devices never ask you for your recovery phrase online — if a website or person asks for it, it is a scam. Keep the phrase offline, ideally using materials resistant to fire and water, and consider using a metal backup plate for long-term durability.
Next, install the Ledger Live app on a trusted computer or mobile phone and connect your device. Ledger Live is the official companion application for managing accounts, installing apps, and checking firmware updates. Always download Ledger Live from the official site and verify the URL. Once connected, follow the prompts to add cryptocurrency accounts (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum). Ledger Live will not request your recovery phrase; it communicates with the device to sign transactions securely.
Understanding transaction signing is crucial. When you instruct a transfer inside Ledger Live, the operation is sent to your device. The Ledger device displays transaction details and requires your physical confirmation on the device itself to sign. This separation ensures private keys never leave the device. Always check recipient addresses and amounts on the device screen before confirming. Phishing apps or compromised hosts can attempt to display manipulated data — rely on the device’s display for the final verification.
Security practices go beyond the physical device. Keep firmware up to date, but only apply updates via official channels. Backups of your recovery phrase should be stored in geographically separated, secure locations if you manage significant funds. Use a strong, unique PIN and consider enabling additional device-level protections where offered. If you ever suspect the device was tampered with or compromised, treat it as insecure: transfer funds to a freshly initialized device and never reuse the same recovery phrase unless you are certain of its origin and integrity.
For routine maintenance, regularly open Ledger Live to check for app updates and firmware releases. Ledger publishes guidance and release notes for new firmware—read them to understand changes. If you plan to use advanced features like staking or connecting to third-party dApps, confirm compatibility and understand the role of the Ledger device: it will sign critical actions, but some interfaces require extra caution. When in doubt, refer to the official documentation at ledger.com/start or Ledger’s knowledge base for the most recent, model-specific instructions.
Customer support and community resources can be helpful if you run into problems. Ledger’s official support channels provide verified instructions and troubleshooting steps. Avoid help from unverified sources that request your recovery phrase or ask you to move funds to unknown addresses. Good community posts explain scenarios and solutions without ever asking for private keys or seed words.
Finally, adopt a clear plan for long-term ownership. Document a recovery plan for heirs or trusted parties without storing sensitive secrets in insecure locations. If you manage multiple wallets, create an inventory of which recovery phrase backs which set of accounts (store that inventory separately and securely). Periodically rehearse a safe recovery drill using non-critical test funds to make sure your process works as expected.
In short: power on, set a PIN, write and secure your recovery phrase, use Ledger Live to manage accounts, confirm transactions on the device, and keep firmware up to date. For the official, step-by-step onboarding flow tailored to your Ledger model, follow the instructions at ledger.com/start. Careful setup and disciplined security habits will keep your digital assets accessible only to you.
Go to ledger.com/start