Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start®

Why a Ledger hardware wallet?

Hardware wallets place your private keys in a secure element that stays offline, drastically reducing exposure to malware, phishing, or browser exploits. Transactions are confirmed on the device screen, adding a physical verification step that prevents silent approvals by compromised computers. For authoritative setup guidance and device specifics, always begin with Ledger.com/Start.

Self-custody in practical terms

Self-custody means you—not an exchange—hold the keys to your funds. If you control the keys, you control the assets. A Ledger device helps you practice self-custody without sacrificing usability.

What a hardware wallet does (and doesn’t) do

Does: generate and protect keys, sign transactions securely, verify on-device.
Doesn’t: store coins “inside” the device; assets live on-chain and the device secures your keys.

Unboxing & authenticity checks

Inspect packaging for tampering and ensure you’re purchasing from legitimate channels. Avoid using any third-party “setup services.” If anything looks suspicious, stop immediately and consult the official start page: https://www.ledger.com/start.

What’s typically in the box

Ledger device (e.g., Nano series)
USB cable and/or adapter
Recovery sheets for your 24-word phrase
Quick-start leaflet

Authenticity reminder

Your device will be initialized by you during setup. If you ever receive a device with a prefilled recovery phrase, do not use it. Reset it and follow the steps from the official guide.

Initial setup & PIN

Power on your device and follow on-screen prompts to create a new wallet. Choose a strong PIN you can reliably remember. The PIN protects day-to-day access; the recovery phrase protects ownership.

Choosing a good PIN

Use a non-obvious sequence. Avoid birthdays, repeats, or simple patterns. If you suspect your PIN is compromised, change it promptly from device settings.

Confirming on-device

Ledger devices require button presses to confirm important actions, a safeguard against remote approvals. Always read the device screen carefully before confirming anything.

Need step-by-step visuals?

The official tutorial includes screenshots and videos. Keep it open: Ledger Start Guide.

Recovery phrase fundamentals

Your 24-word recovery phrase (also called a seed phrase) is the master key to your wallet. Anyone with it can control your funds. Write it down on the supplied sheets and store it in a safe, private location. Never type it into a website, camera app, or cloud notes.

Golden rules

Never share your recovery phrase with anyone—support will never ask.
Back up clearly and legibly; check spelling and order twice.
Consider distributed storage (e.g., two secure places) to reduce single-point risk.

Testing your backup

Many users periodically restore to a spare device or a test wallet to validate their backups. If you do this, take precautions to avoid exposing the phrase and **always** follow official steps.

Warning

Entering your phrase on a computer or phone can expose it to malware. If in doubt, consult official guidance first.

Install & verify Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the companion app used to manage accounts, install apps on your device, and sign transactions. Download it only from the official source linked on Ledger.com/Start.

Verifying the app

After download, run integrity checks offered by your operating system and keep firmware and Ledger Live updated. Avoid look-alike apps in search results or mobile app stores.

Adding accounts

Use Ledger Live to add accounts for the networks you want to manage. The app will prompt you to open the corresponding app on your hardware device before you receive or send funds.

Tip

Before receiving, always verify the address on your device screen. If it matches the app, it’s safe to proceed.

Managing crypto & NFTs

With accounts added, you can receive, hold, stake (where supported), and send assets. For NFTs, ensure Ledger Live or your connected dApp supports the standard on your network.

Receiving safely

Generate a receive address in Ledger Live and confirm it on your device. Share addresses cautiously and avoid QR codes from untrusted sources.

Final check

Address confirmations should be performed on the device screen, not just the computer display.

Sending with confidence

When sending, verify the destination address, amount, and network fees on the device. If any detail differs, cancel and investigate.

Network selection

Always choose the intended network. Sending tokens to the wrong network can be difficult or impossible to recover.

For supported networks, app installation, and compatibility, consult the up-to-date list at Ledger.com/Start.

Security hygiene & best practices

Treat your hardware wallet like a vault. Combine physical security, careful online behavior, and routine checks to maintain long-term safety.

Phishing resistance

Bookmark the official page and use it—avoid ads and sponsored links.
Be skeptical of unsolicited DMs, emails, or “support” chats asking you to “verify” your phrase.
Check URLs character by character before entering any information.

Device & environment

Keep firmware and Ledger Live updated from the official source.
Use a dedicated, clean computer profile for crypto activity where possible.
Disable browser extensions you don’t need when interacting with dApps.

Physical protection

Store the device and your recovery sheets separately. Consider a safe or lockbox, and avoid obvious labels that could reveal the contents.

Backups, resets, and recovery

If your device is lost or damaged, your funds remain safe on the blockchain as long as you have your recovery phrase. You can restore on a new Ledger device and regain access.

When to reset

Reset if you suspect your PIN is known, if you have entered the PIN incorrectly too many times, or if you intend to transfer the device to someone else.

Documenting your setup

Keep a private note of the date you created the wallet, which accounts you use, and any passphrase settings (without writing the actual passphrase). Good documentation speeds recovery.

Emergency checklist

Confirm you have the complete 24-word phrase, in order.
Acquire a replacement device from a trusted seller.
Restore following the steps at the official guide.

Troubleshooting tips

If Ledger Live doesn’t recognize your device, try a different USB cable or port, ensure the device is unlocked and the relevant app is open, and check that any security software isn’t blocking it.

Common issues

Firmware update stalled: keep the cable connected, avoid hubs, and retry with a direct port.
Address mismatch: verify on-device; if it doesn’t match, cancel and restart the flow.
Confusing fees: networks vary; consult docs for the specific chain before sending large amounts.

Where to get help safely

Start with the official knowledge base and the step-by-step start page: open the official start guide.

Last resort

If something feels off, stop and verify each step at the official site before proceeding.

Quick FAQ

Is this page affiliated with Ledger?

This is an educational overview to help you follow best practices. For the authoritative, up-to-date instructions, always use the official start page linked above.

What if I already have a recovery phrase?

You can restore an existing wallet on a Ledger device during setup. Ensure the phrase has not been exposed or stored digitally.

Can I use third-party wallets with Ledger?

Many wallets and dApps integrate with Ledger for secure signing. Always verify compatibility and never approve transactions you don’t understand.

Next steps

Bookmark the official guide, keep your recovery phrase private, and proceed deliberately. A few extra minutes spent on verification can prevent costly mistakes.