Get started with Ledger — Ledger.com/start

Why Ledger? Secure custody with a hardware wallet

Ledger hardware wallets keep your private keys isolated from the internet by storing them inside a secure element — a tamper-resistant chip designed to protect cryptographic secrets. Ledger Live is the desktop and mobile companion application that allows you to manage accounts, install apps on your device, send and receive crypto, and monitor your portfolio while keeping signing operations on-device.

What you'll learn on this page

How to prepare for setup and what to buy
Installing Ledger Live and initializing a device (Nano S / Nano X)
Backing up, restoring, and protecting your recovery phrase
Sending, receiving, and managing assets securely
Troubleshooting, maintenance, and practical best practices

1 — Before you buy or unbox

Buy from official channels

Purchase Ledger devices only from the manufacturer or authorized resellers. Avoid marketplaces where devices may have been tampered with.

Prepare a secure workspace

Use a trusted computer or smartphone that is updated and free of suspicious software. Avoid public or shared machines for initial setup.

Gather essentials

Device box and USB cable included in the package
Paper and pen (or an approved metal backup) for your recovery phrase
30–45 minutes of uninterrupted time

2 — Install Ledger Live

Ledger Live is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. Download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website. Do not download software from third-party mirrors.

Download the installer suitable for your operating system from the official site.
Install and launch Ledger Live, then follow the initial setup wizard.
When prompted, choose whether you are setting up a new device or restoring an existing one.

3 — Unboxing & device initialization

Open the box and verify tamper-evident seals. When you first connect the device, follow the on-device prompts — the screen and buttons on the hardware are the secure channel for confirming critical actions.

Connect the Ledger to your computer using the supplied cable and open Ledger Live.
Select your device model and follow the on-screen steps to set a PIN on-device.
Ledger will display a recovery phrase (usually 24 words). Write the words in order on the provided recovery sheet. Do not photograph or store them digitally.
Confirm a few random words on-device to validate your backup.

4 — Recovery phrase: backup & restore

Your recovery phrase is the single most important item — it restores your funds on a new device if your hardware is lost, damaged, or stolen.

Store the recovery phrase offline in at least two separate secure locations.
Consider durable options (metal backup plates) to protect against environmental damage.
Never share your recovery phrase. Ledger support will never ask you for it.

5 — Add accounts and manage assets

Ledger Live allows you to install apps on the device for specific blockchains, add accounts for different cryptocurrencies, and view balances and transactions.

Open Ledger Live and go to the Manager to install apps for the coins you plan to use.
After installing an app, choose Add Account and follow prompts to create or view accounts.
Use the Portfolio tab to review holdings and recent activity at a glance.

6 — Sending and receiving: how to stay safe

Every transaction is reviewed and approved on the physical device — this is the core security measure. Always verify on-device details before confirming.

Receive

Select the account in Ledger Live and click Receive.
Verify the receiving address shown in Ledger Live matches the address displayed on your Ledger device.

Send

Click Send, enter the destination address and amount (or scan a QR code).
Review the transaction details in Ledger Live.
Confirm the destination address and amount on the Ledger device screen before approving.

7 — Advanced features & integrations

Bluetooth (if supported): Some Ledger models support Bluetooth for mobile use — enable only in trusted environments.
Staking & DeFi: Ledger integrates with partners and third-party apps for staking, swaps, and DeFi — treat external apps as untrusted UIs and verify signed actions on-device.
Passphrase: Use an optional passphrase to create additional hidden wallets if you need plausible deniability or extra account separation. Remember: losing the passphrase means losing access to that hidden wallet.

8 — Maintenance, firmware & security hygiene

Keep firmware and Ledger Live up to date. Firmware fixes can include security hardening and new features. Only install updates presented by Ledger Live or the official site.

Check for Ledger Live updates periodically and enable official notifications if desired.
When performing firmware updates, follow on-screen instructions precisely and verify prompts on-device.
Avoid connecting the device to unknown or public computers for important operations.

9 — Troubleshooting common issues

Device not recognized:

Try a different USB cable or port; use the original cable when possible.
On desktop, ensure Ledger Live is running and you’ve granted required permissions.
Restart Ledger Live and, if needed, reboot the computer or device.

Forgot PIN:

If you forget your PIN, you must reset the device, which wipes it, then restore from your recovery phrase.

Recovery errors:

If a restoration fails, double-check the word spelling and order. If unsure, try restoring on another device in a secure location to verify the seed.

10 — Practical workflows & recommended habits

Keep a small hot wallet for everyday use and store the majority in Ledger for long-term custody.
Test new exchanges or dApps with small amounts before committing larger funds.
Use multiple offline backups for the recovery phrase and physically separate them geographically.

Tip: The device screen is your trusted source. Always verify addresses and amounts on the Ledger device itself — not just in the computer or mobile app.

11 — Common mistakes to avoid

Storing recovery phrase digitally

Avoid photos, cloud storage, or password manager entries for your full recovery phrase — these are the most common sources of loss and theft.

Buying tampered or second-hand devices

Purchasing from unofficial channels increases risk. If you receive a device that appears tampered with, do not use it and contact official support.

Sharing sensitive info with support

Ledger support will never ask for your full recovery phrase. Be skeptical of unsolicited requests for sensitive data.

12 — Final checklist

Purchased from official or authorized seller.
Ledger Live installed from official source.
PIN set and recovery phrase recorded and verified.
Small test transactions completed successfully.
Firmware up to date and backups stored securely.

Resources

For official downloads, firmware updates, and step-by-step support, always consult Ledger's official website and support pages. Security advice evolves — stay informed and periodically review your procedures.