Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start®

Introduction

This guide walks you through everything you need to begin using your Ledger hardware wallet securely. It covers unboxing, initializing your Ledger device, installing Ledger Live, creating and securing your recovery phrase, adding accounts, making transactions, and best practices for everyday use. The content below uses semantic headings (H1–H5) in a clean HTML format so you can paste it straight into a blog or documentation site.

Why use a hardware wallet?

Hardware wallets like Ledger provide a strong security boundary: private keys never leave the device. If you plan to hold cryptocurrency long-term or store larger balances, a hardware wallet reduces the risk of remote theft compared to hot wallets (mobile/desktop).

What this guide is not

This guide is not a substitute for official Ledger documentation. Always cross-check critical security steps with Ledger's official resources (linked below).

Quick checklist (before you begin)

Have your computer or mobile device ready.
A reliable internet connection.
Find a private, distraction-free space to write down your recovery phrase.
Keep the Ledger box and packaging until setup is complete and you are confident the device is genuine.

Step 1: Unboxing & verifying the device

Inspect the packaging for tamper evidence. Only use the official Ledger website for downloads and verification. Ledger-branded devices will include seals and a genuine-looking box. If anything looks suspicious, contact Ledger support rather than proceeding.

Links to official resources

Ledger Start Ledger Live Ledger Support Ledger Academy Safety Tips FAQ Ledger Blog Official Shop About Ledger Ledger Live Support

Step 2: Install Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the official companion app for managing accounts and sending/receiving crypto. Download it only from the official Ledger site and verify signatures when prompted.

Install (desktop)

Visit the Ledger Live page, choose your operating system, download and run the installer. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Install (mobile)

Find Ledger Live on the App Store or Google Play. Install and open the app. When connecting a device to a mobile phone, use the official cable or Bluetooth (if your Ledger model supports it) and follow onboarding prompts.

Step 3: Initialize your Ledger device

Follow the device's setup flow: select Create a new wallet unless you already have a recovery phrase and want to restore.

Choose a PIN

Set a PIN on the device. This PIN protects against local physical access. Choose a PIN you will remember, but not something trivial like birthdays or repeated digits.

Write down your recovery phrase

The device will display a 24-word recovery phrase (sometimes 12 for older flows). Write each word on the provided recovery sheet in order. This is the single most critical backup — anyone with this phrase can access your funds.

Recovery phrase best practices

Write the phrase on paper (or use an approved metal backup) and store it in a secure location (e.g., safe deposit box).
Never store the phrase in cloud storage, email, photos, or messaging apps.
Do not share the phrase — Ledger staff will never ask for it.

Step 4: Add accounts and apps

Ledger Live uses an app model: install the cryptocurrency apps (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) on the device via Ledger Live, then add accounts in the Ledger Live interface.

Installing an app (example)

// Example pseudocode for the flow
1. Open Ledger Live -> Manager
2. Connect and unlock your Ledger device
3. In Manager, find the app (e.g., Bitcoin)
4. Click Install
5. Wait for confirmation on the device

Adding an account

In Ledger Live choose Add account, select the crypto network, and follow prompts — Ledger Live will derive addresses from your device's keys.

Step 5: Receiving and sending crypto

Always verify the receive address on your Ledger device display — never rely solely on the app display (to avoid address substitution attacks).

Receiving

Open the account in Ledger Live.
Click Receive.
Connect and unlock your Ledger; the device will display the address.
Confirm the address on the device screen and then use it to receive funds.

Sending

Create a transaction in Ledger Live.
Review amounts and fees.
Confirm the transaction details on your Ledger device and approve it there.

Tip: When sending large amounts, send a small test transaction first to confirm everything is correct.

Security hygiene & advanced tips

Keep firmware up-to-date

Ledger occasionally releases firmware updates to add features and security fixes. Update only via Ledger Live after verifying the update flow.

Use passphrase (optional advanced)

Ledger supports an additional passphrase (often called a 25th word). This creates a hidden wallet derived from your recovery phrase plus the passphrase. It's powerful but riskier — losing the passphrase means losing access to that hidden wallet. Use with care.

Passphrase considerations

Only use passphrases if you understand how they work.
Store passphrases separately from your recovery phrase.

Protect against phishing

Always verify URLs and only download Ledger Live from the official site. Ledger's official domain is ledger.com. Avoid clicking unsolicited links; type addresses manually when in doubt.

Troubleshooting common issues

Device not detected

Try a different USB port or cable, restart Ledger Live, or reboot your computer. Ensure the device is unlocked and showing the correct app if the Manager requires it.

Forgot PIN

If you forget your PIN, you must reset the device and restore from your recovery phrase. Do not enter random PINs — repeated wrong attempts can lock the device or trigger wipes depending on model settings.

Lost recovery phrase

If you lose your recovery phrase and still have access to the device, create a new wallet and move funds. If you lose both device and recovery phrase, funds are unrecoverable.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is Ledger safe?

Ledger devices provide robust protection for private keys. Security depends on your operational security: how you store the recovery phrase, passwords, and how you validate transactions.

Can Ledger recover my funds?

No — Ledger cannot recover a lost recovery phrase. Ledger support can help with device issues, but not with lost or stolen seed phrases. Treat the seed like the keys to a safe.

Multiple devices & redundancy

For added redundancy, you can initialize a second Ledger device with the same recovery phrase. That second device will control the same wallets and addresses. Alternatively, use multisig solutions for higher-security setups.

Accessibility & formatting notes (for web publishing)

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Suggested meta & SEO

Use a concise meta description (120–160 characters), include canonical links to the official Ledger pages you cite, and provide structured data if you publish this as a help article.

Final checklist & best practices

Only buy Ledger devices from official sources.
Record and double-check your recovery phrase in private.
Keep firmware and Ledger Live updated from official sources.
Never share seed phrases or private keys.
Use a passphrase only if you understand the trade-offs.
Consider multisig for larger holdings.

Conclusion

Setting up and using a Ledger device securely is straightforward if you follow core safety steps: buy genuine hardware, keep your recovery phrase offline and secure, verify addresses on-device, and always use the official Ledger Live application. This guide gives you the semantic HTML ready to publish — colorful, accessible, and full of practical steps.