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Official quick start guide to set up your Ledger hardware wallet and protect your cryptocurrency investments.

Welcome — Secure your crypto the right way

Ledger devices provide a simple, offline method to hold private keys and manage digital assets. This page walks you through essentials: unboxing, initializing, backing up, using Ledger Live, and following best practices that reduce risk. Keep this guide handy the first time you set up your device.

Open ledger.com/start

Before you begin

Make sure you are in a private environment and that your computer is free from suspicious software. Have a pen and secure place to write your recovery phrase. Only use official Ledger apps and the Ledger website. Never reveal your recovery phrase to anyone or enter it on a website, in an app, or on a phone.

Step-by-step setup

  1. Unbox and inspect: Verify packaging and seal. Ensure the device model matches what you ordered. Ledger devices come with tamper-evident packaging — do not use if suspicious.
  2. Power and initialize: Connect your Ledger device to your computer or phone and follow on-screen instructions. Create a new wallet or restore an existing wallet from recovery phrase only if you already own one.
  3. Create a PIN: Choose a PIN code you will remember but is hard to guess. The PIN protects access to your device if it is lost or stolen.
  4. Write down your recovery phrase: Your device will display a 24‑word recovery phrase. Write these words down in order on the provided card, and store them offline in a safe location. Do not take a photo or store digitally.
  5. Install Ledger Live: Download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website and verify the installer. Use Ledger Live to add accounts, install apps on your device, and manage your assets.
  6. Receive funds securely: Use Ledger Live to generate a receiving address and verify the address on the device screen before sharing it. Always confirm on-device that the address matches what Ledger Live shows.

Using Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the companion app that lets you manage multiple blockchains, check balances, send and receive crypto, and install updates to your Ledger device's firmware and applications. Keep Ledger Live up to date and only install apps from the official library inside Ledger Live. Use the built-in portfolio view to monitor assets, and enable optional features such as analytics or staking if you understand the trade-offs.

Security best practices

Protect your recovery phrase like a high-value physical asset: store it in a safe or secure location; consider using fireproof or corrosion-resistant storage. Never reveal it online. If possible, use a metal backup for long-term safety. Beware of phishing websites and impersonators; always check the URL and verify PGP signatures when available. If you lose your device but have your recovery phrase, you can recover it on a new Ledger device or any compatible wallet that supports the same standard.

Frequently asked questions

What if I lose my recovery phrase?

If you lose your recovery phrase and you still have access to your Ledger device, create a new wallet and transfer funds to it, then safely back up the new recovery phrase. If you lose both the device and the phrase, funds are effectively unrecoverable — the recovery phrase is the only way to restore access.

Can I store multiple cryptocurrencies?

Yes. Ledger supports many blockchains. Use Ledger Live to add multiple accounts. Some tokens require third-party companion apps — check compatibility before sending funds.

Is the recovery phrase ever shared with Ledger?

No. The recovery phrase is generated on your device and never transmitted to Ledger or any online service. Ledger cannot help recover funds without the phrase.

Quick checklist