Get Started with Ledger* — Ledger.com/start

Why use a hardware wallet?

Hardware wallets put private keys on a dedicated device that stays offline. When you sign transactions the private key never leaves that device — the companion app only sends the transaction to be signed and the device itself displays the critical details (recipient, amount, and fee) for you to verify. That separation dramatically reduces the risk of remote theft compared with software wallets or custodial services.

Essential idea: Ledger hardware provides custody; Ledger Live provides management. Always verify on-device before approving.

Buy safely and inspect the box

Purchase only from the manufacturer or authorized resellers. Avoid marketplaces and second-hand devices unless you can completely factory-reset and verify the device yourself. When your device arrives:

• Inspect packaging for intact tamper seals and genuine branding.
• Confirm accessories — cable, recovery card, documentation — are present.
• If anything looks tampered with, stop and contact the seller or official support.

A new device should always prompt you to generate a new recovery phrase during setup. If it already contains a seed, do not use it.

Install Ledger Live (official companion app)

Ledger Live is the official desktop and mobile application used to initialize your device, manage accounts, install blockchain apps on the hardware, and apply firmware updates. For security:

1. Open your browser and navigate to the official Ledger downloads page (type the address or use a trusted bookmark).
2. Download the correct build for your platform (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android).
3. Install and launch Ledger Live. The app will guide you through permission prompts and device connection steps.

Avoid links in unsolicited messages or social posts; phishing remains common in the crypto space.

Initial device setup — step by step

With Ledger Live open and your device connected, follow these steps to create a secure wallet:

1. Set up as new: Choose Set up a new device if you don’t already have a recovery phrase.
2. Create a PIN: Use the device interface to choose a PIN. The PIN prevents local, unauthorized use if the device is lost or stolen.
3. Write your recovery phrase: Your device will generate and display a recovery phrase (typically 24 words). Write these down in exact order on the provided recovery sheet or a durable backup medium.
4. Confirm the seed: The device will ask you to confirm certain words to ensure the seed was recorded correctly.

Never store the recovery phrase electronically, photograph it, or upload it to cloud storage. Anyone with access to the phrase can recreate your wallet and take your funds.

Understand PINs, passphrases, and hidden wallets

The PIN protects physical access. An optional passphrase acts as an extra secret (like an additional seed word) that produces a hidden wallet — effectively a separate account. Passphrases are powerful but add operational risk: losing a passphrase means losing access to that hidden wallet even if you have the recovery phrase.

• PIN: Choose something memorable but not trivial. The device will throttle attempts to deter guessing.
• Passphrase: Use only if you understand how to store and recover it securely independent of the seed.

Document your passphrase procedures if multiple people may need to recover funds in an emergency — but keep the passphrase itself strictly private.

Install apps and add accounts

Ledger devices support blockchains through individual "apps" you install on the device using Ledger Live's Manager. After installing relevant apps:

1. Open Ledger Live → Manager → Install the blockchain apps you need (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.).
2. Go to Accounts and add an account for each blockchain. Ledger Live will synchronize addresses and balances for those accounts.

Some tokens or chains require external wallets or bridging tools — confirm compatibility before sending funds to new or obscure tokens.

Receiving crypto — verify every address

1. Select the account in Ledger Live and click Receive.
2. Ledger Live will display a receive address — check the device screen and make sure the address shown on the hardware matches the one in the app.
3. Share that verified address with the sender.

Malicious software can substitute addresses. On-device verification prevents silent address swaps.

Sending crypto — verify on-device and use fee control

1. Compose the transaction in Ledger Live: recipient address, amount, and fee preference.
2. Ledger Live sends the unsigned transaction to the device for signing.
3. Carefully verify recipient, amount, and fee on the device screen — the hardware display is the single source of truth.
4. Physically confirm to sign; Ledger Live will broadcast the signed transaction and display confirmations as they appear on-chain.

Use the app’s fee controls for blockchains that support them (e.g., Bitcoin) to balance cost vs confirmation time. For large transfers perform a small test first.

Firmware updates and device integrity

Firmware updates deliver security fixes and features. Ledger Live will notify you when an update is available. When updating:

• Install updates only via Ledger Live (official channel).
• Keep the device connected and do not interrupt the process.
• Ledger uses signed firmware images; check on-screen prompts and signatures when available.

If updates fail or the device behaves unexpectedly after an update, contact official support rather than attempting third-party repairs.

Backup strategies and recovery testing

The recovery phrase is the single point of truth for restoring funds. Best practice:

• Write the phrase clearly on the supplied sheet and consider durable metal backups for fire and water resistance.
• Store multiple copies in geographically separated, secure locations if holding meaningful value.
• Perform a recovery drill on a spare device to confirm the seed was recorded correctly and you know the restore process.

If you suspect the phrase is compromised, move funds to a new wallet with a fresh seed immediately.

Troubleshooting common issues