Ledger Setup Guide — ledger.com/start

A complete, practical walkthrough to initialize your Ledger hardware wallet, protect your recovery phrase, perform your first transactions safely, and troubleshoot common issues. Read this guide before you plug in.

Overview — what this guide covers

This guide covers everything a beginner needs to go from unboxing to confidently managing crypto with a Ledger device. You’ll find step-by-step setup instructions, non-negotiable security practices, how to receive and send assets, practical troubleshooting tips, and explanations of advanced features such as passphrases, staking, and multisig. Keep your recovery card nearby and set aside 20–40 minutes for the initial setup.

1. Before you begin — checklist

Preparation reduces risk. Confirm the items below and choose a quiet, private workspace with good lighting before you start.

  • Ledger hardware device and original USB cable (or adapter)
  • Recovery card(s) or other non-digital medium to write words
  • Computer or smartphone to install the companion app (Ledger Live)
  • Access to ledger.com/start for official downloads and support
  • Time and privacy — avoid public places and screen-sharing during setup

Tip: Keep original packaging and serials. If anything looks tampered with, do not use the device and contact official support.

2. Unboxing & initial inspection

Inspect the device and accessories carefully. A genuine Ledger device will include the hardware, a recovery sheet, a quick start guide, and a cable. Look for physical damage, pre-filled recovery cards, or missing tamper-evident seals. If something seems wrong, stop and consult the seller or official vendor.

Security note: Hardware tampering is uncommon but possible. Never trust a device that arrived pre-initialized or with a recovery phrase already written down.

3. Install Ledger Live (companion app)

Ledger Live is the official app used to update firmware, install coin-specific apps, add accounts, and broadcast transactions. Always download Ledger Live from ledger.com/start (official source).

  1. Open the official download page and select your OS (Windows, macOS, Linux) or mobile platform (iOS/Android).
  2. Install Ledger Live, open it, and follow onboarding prompts.
  3. Do not use browser extensions or third-party apps that claim to replace Ledger Live; they may be malicious.

Bookmark the official download page and verify HTTPS and the domain name to avoid phishing sites pretending to be Ledger.

4. Initialize your Ledger — step-by-step

Follow these steps on your device exactly. Take your time and never skip verification steps.

  1. Connect the device to your computer or pair via Bluetooth if your model supports it. Unlock the device using on-device buttons.
  2. Create a new device for a brand-new wallet, or choose Restore device if you already have a recovery phrase.
  3. Set a PIN (recommended 6–8+ digits). Memorize it. After several failed attempts the device will factory-reset, so avoid trying random PINs.
  4. Write down the recovery phrase exactly as the device displays it. Most devices present 24 words (some configurations use 12 or 18). Use the supplied recovery card; write each word clearly in order.
  5. Confirm the phrase when prompted by the device to ensure you recorded it correctly. The device may ask you to select certain words by position.
  6. Update firmware & install apps through Ledger Live if prompted. Only install official apps via Ledger Live to guarantee authenticity.
  7. Add one account for the asset you want to manage and test the receive flow with a small amount.

Never enter your recovery phrase into a computer, phone, email, or cloud storage. Ledger support will never ask for your recovery words or PIN.

5. Security best practices — non-negotiable

Good habits are your primary defense. Implement these practices immediately after setup.

  • Protect the recovery phrase. Treat it as the master key to all funds. Keep it offline and physically secure — consider metal backups to protect against fire and water damage.
  • Use multiple backups stored separately. Keep at least two copies in distinct, secure physical locations (e.g., home safe and safety deposit box).
  • Do not photograph or store the phrase digitally. Screenshots, cloud storage, and passwords managers are attack vectors.
  • Verify addresses on-device. Always confirm the receive address on your Ledger’s screen before sharing it or before approving a transaction.
  • Beware phishing. Bookmark official pages, enable browser URL verification, and avoid clicking unsolicited links about your device or recovery.
  • Understand the passphrase. A passphrase (sometimes called an extra 25th word) creates hidden wallets but is advanced: losing the passphrase equals losing access.

6. Receiving & sending crypto — practical steps

To receive funds

  1. Open Ledger Live and select the account for the asset you want to receive.
  2. Click Receive, connect and unlock your device, and verify the address shown on your device matches the app.
  3. Only copy/share the address after confirming on-device. Send a small test amount first.

To send funds

  1. Create a transaction in Ledger Live and enter the destination address and amount.
  2. Review fee settings and confirm the full destination address in the app.
  3. Verify the details on your Ledger device screen and approve the transaction to sign it. Ledger signs offline; Ledger Live broadcasts the signed transaction.
  4. Monitor confirmations on-chain according to the asset’s rules.

7. Troubleshooting — common problems & fixes

Device not recognized

Try a different cable or USB port, avoid USB hubs, ensure Ledger Live is up to date, and check OS-level permissions for USB devices. Rebooting sometimes resolves the issue.

Forgot PIN

If you forget your PIN, the device will factory-reset after several wrong attempts. Restore your accounts on the same or a new Ledger device using your recovery phrase.

Firmware update interrupted

Do not disconnect during firmware updates. If an update fails, follow Ledger Live's recovery prompts. Restoring from your recovery phrase on a new device is a fallback option.

Address mismatch

If the address displayed in Ledger Live differs from the on-device address, do not approve. Close Ledger Live, reconnect, and try again. Mismatched addresses can indicate malware.

8. Advanced topics & next steps

  • Passphrases & hidden wallets: Adds a layer of secrecy by creating additional wallets derived from the same seed + passphrase. Do this only if you understand the irreversible risk of forgetting the passphrase.
  • Staking: Many chains support staking from Ledger-managed accounts. Study lock-up terms and unstaking delays before committing funds.
  • NFTs & Web3: Interact with NFTs and dApps using trusted wallets that support Ledger. Always verify contract addresses and transaction details on-device.
  • Multisig setups: For institutional or high-value holdings, consider multisignature configurations that require multiple devices or people to approve transactions.

Before attempting advanced features, read dedicated documentation and test with small amounts. Consider professional advice if managing significant funds.

9. FAQ — quick answers

Is my recovery phrase a password?

No. The recovery phrase is a cryptographic seed used to reconstruct private keys. It is not a password you enter into websites — it rebuilds your wallet if your device is lost.

Can Ledger recover stolen funds?

No. Ledger cannot move or recover funds. If theft occurs, secure remaining assets immediately and contact exchanges/platforms if appropriate.

What if I lose both device and recovery phrase?

Without the recovery phrase, funds are irretrievable. Always maintain at least one secure backup in a separate location.