Ledger Start | Official Hardware Wallet Setup Guide

1. Unboxing & Safety

Always verify the packaging is sealed and the tamper-evident stickers are intact. Ledger devices arrive with factory seals — if anything looks tampered with, do not use it and contact official support.

What’s inside

A Ledger device, a USB-C/USB-A cable (depending on model), recovery seed cards, a lanyard, and quick start leaflets. Keep packaging documents for warranty and record-keeping.

Device with screen

USB cable

Recovery cards

⚠️

Important safety note

Never enter your recovery phrase into a computer or a phone. Write it down on the provided recovery card, store multiple copies in secure locations (offline), and never share it. Ledger will never ask for your phrase.

🔌

2. Power & Initialize

Connect your Ledger to power via the supplied cable. Use the official cable and a trusted USB port. The device will boot and show a welcome screen.

🔐

Choose 'Set up as new device'

Select “Set up as new device” on the screen. The device guides you to create a PIN — pick something memorable but not guessable, then confirm it.

📝

3. Create a PIN

Choose a 4–8 digit PIN. The PIN protects direct device access. If forgotten, you can restore accounts using your recovery phrase — but the phrase is the ultimate key.

✍️

Best PIN practices

Avoid obvious sequences (1234), birthdays, or repeated digits. Treat the PIN as an access layer — the recovery phrase is the critical backup.

🧾

4. Write your Recovery Phrase

Your device will display your recovery phrase (24 words). Write the words in order EXACTLY as shown on the recovery card — do this offline, with no cameras or phones nearby.

🔒

Storage & safety

Store copies in geographically separate, secure locations (not in a single safe deposit box if that creates a single point of failure). Consider fireproof and waterproof options.

✅

5. Confirm the Phrase

The Ledger will prompt you to confirm random words. Only after correct verification will setup continue. This step ensures you recorded the phrase accurately.

🧭

Do not share

Ledger support will never request your recovery phrase. Scammers may pose as support — treat any request for your phrase as fraudulent.

💻

6. Install Ledger Live

Download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website. Install the app on your computer, follow the install steps, then connect and pair your device following on-screen prompts.

🔁

Firmware & app installs

Ledger Live will detect firmware updates and install official apps for supported cryptocurrencies. Always follow the official prompts and check signatures where presented.

🔎

7. Receive & Verify

To receive funds, create an account in Ledger Live, generate a receive address, and always verify the address on your Ledger device screen before sending funds to it.

🧾

Small test transfer

Send a small test amount to confirm everything works. Once confirmed, you can send larger amounts gradually as you gain confidence.

🛡️

8. Ongoing Security & Best Practices

Keep firmware up to date, avoid phishing links, and consider multi-location backups for your recovery phrase. Use hardware wallets for long-term custody when possible.

💡

Extra protections

Some users split their recovery phrase across multiple secure locations or use metal backup tools for additional durability. Evaluate trade-offs carefully.

You're all set! Remember: the recovery phrase is your last resort.