Getting started
Setting up your Ledger wallet correctly from the start ensures that your private keys remain secure and your crypto journey begins safely. Follow these steps to prepare and verify your new device.
Check that the Ledger box is sealed and untampered. Authentic devices ship with clean packaging and no pre-installed software. If anything looks suspicious, stop and contact Ledger support before connecting your device.
Visit ledger.com/start from your trusted browser to install Ledger Live. Only download from this address — never from ads, social links, or file-sharing sites. Ledger Live will walk you through the setup process.
Connect your Ledger via the supplied USB cable. Power on the device and follow the on-screen instructions. The device will guide you through setting up a PIN and generating a recovery phrase.
Choose a secure PIN. You’ll use it each time you connect your device. The Ledger device ensures the PIN entry is secure — numbers are entered using the device itself, not the computer.
Write down the 24-word recovery phrase displayed on your device. Never store it digitally. Keep multiple offline copies in safe, private places. This phrase can restore your wallet if the device is lost or damaged.
Open Ledger Live and install the apps for the coins you intend to manage. Ledger Live will check that your device runs official firmware. Always approve updates shown directly on your Ledger screen.
Once set up, test your wallet with a small transaction. Always confirm receiving and sending addresses on your device screen before approving any transfers.
Security tips
- Only buy Ledger devices from official sources.
- Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase or PIN.
- Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication on your Ledger Live account.
- Keep firmware up to date and verify updates within the app.
- Consider using a passphrase for extra protection if you’re an advanced user.
Troubleshooting
If your device isn’t recognized, try a different cable or port. Ensure Ledger Live is up to date. If your firmware update fails, do not disconnect during the update — restart the process within Ledger Live.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, using your 24-word recovery phrase, you can restore your wallet on another Ledger device or compatible BIP39 wallet.
Yes. Each Ledger generates a unique phrase. No one, including Ledger, can recover it for you — it’s the only way to restore your wallet.
You can reset the device and restore it using your recovery phrase. Without it, funds cannot be recovered.