Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start®

Congratulations — you’re about to set up a hardware wallet, one of the best ways to keep your crypto private keys offline and out of reach from hacks. This guide walks you through the essentials: unboxing, secure setup, writing down your recovery phrase, installing the Ledger Live app, and sending or receiving funds. Read each step carefully and keep your recovery phrase offline and private.

• Make sure you received the official Ledger device in sealed packaging.
• Have a stable computer or phone and a USB cable (or Bluetooth for supported models).
• Find a quiet, private spot to write down your recovery phrase — paper and pen only (no screenshots).
• Disconnect from public Wi-Fi if possible and avoid using public computers during setup.

1. Unbox and inspect.

   Confirm that the seal and packaging are intact. If anything looks tampered with, contact support immediately and do not use the device.

2. Power on & follow the device prompts.

   Connect to your computer or phone and turn on the device. Choose Set up as new device unless you're restoring from an existing recovery phrase. The device will ask you to create a PIN — pick a PIN you’ll remember but that’s not easily guessable.

3. Write down the recovery phrase.

   The device will display a 24-word recovery phrase (some models may use 12/18/24 words). Write each word in order on the recovery sheet provided. Never store this phrase digitally — no photos, no cloud. This phrase is the only backup for your private keys.

4. Confirm the recovery phrase.

   Your Ledger will ask you to confirm certain words from the phrase to ensure you've copied them correctly. This is a crucial step — if you fail to confirm, the device may force you to repeat the write-down process.

5. Install Ledger Live on your computer or phone.

   Download Ledger Live from the official source (do not install third-party copies). Ledger Live lets you add accounts, install apps on the device, and manage assets. Open Ledger Live and follow the on-screen instructions to pair your device.

6. Install coin apps and add accounts.

   Using Ledger Live, install the specific cryptocurrency apps you need (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum). Then add accounts for each currency. Ledger keeps the private keys on the device — Ledger Live only manages transactions and account viewing.

7. Receive a small test transaction.

   Before sending large amounts, receive a small test transfer to confirm everything is working. Verify the address on the Ledger screen — always cross-check addresses on the device itself, not only in software.

Important: The recovery phrase is the wallet. Anyone with access to it can access your funds. Keep it offline, secure, and split across trusted locations if you wish. Consider metal backup plates for long-term durability against fire and water.

• Never share your recovery phrase. Ledger staff or official support will never ask for your full recovery phrase.
• Use a strong PIN and enable passphrase protection if you want an extra layer (advanced users only — losing the passphrase means irrecoverable loss unless you have it recorded).
• Keep firmware up to date. Firmware updates close vulnerabilities and add features — install updates only from Ledger Live and verify prompts on your device.
• Beware of phishing. Always verify URLs and email senders. Bookmark the official Ledger website and never click suspicious links.
• Consider hardware redundancy. For large holdings, consider splitting funds across multiple devices or using multi-signature setups.

If anything goes wrong during setup, remain calm. Common issues and solutions:

Device not recognized

Try a different cable or USB port. For phones, ensure the cable supports data transfer. Restart Ledger Live and your device.

Forgot PIN

After too many incorrect PIN attempts, the device will reset. You will need your recovery phrase to restore your accounts to the device.

Damaged recovery sheet

If your recovery phrase becomes unreadable and you have no copy, funds may be permanently inaccessible. Use durable backups and consider metal plates.

Suspicious activity

If you suspect your recovery phrase was exposed, move funds to a new wallet immediately using a new device and a new recovery phrase.

Can Ledger recover my funds for me?

No. Ledger does not hold your private keys or recovery phrases and cannot recover funds for you. If you lose your recovery phrase, Ledger cannot help you regain access.

Is Ledger Live required?

Ledger Live is recommended for convenience and security, but advanced users may use third-party wallets that support hardware devices. Always verify compatibility and trustworthiness.

What is a passphrase (25th word)?

A passphrase is an optional additional secret you can add to your recovery phrase to create hidden wallets. It's powerful but risky: if you forget the passphrase, you permanently lose access to those hidden wallets.

How do I securely store my recovery phrase?

Write it on the provided recovery sheet and store it in a safe location (safe deposit box or home safe). Avoid digital copies and photographs. Consider redundant, geographically separated backups.