Get Started with Ledger — A clear, secure setup guide

This page walks you step-by-step through unboxing and setting up your Ledger device, protecting your recovery phrase, installing apps, using Ledger Live, and keeping your crypto safe — written plainly for people who just want to get started with confidence.

Before you begin

Set aside 20–30 minutes, a quiet surface, and a pen and paper. Use only the cables and packaging included with your Ledger. Do not plug the device into a computer or phone until the official instructions indicate it. If the device or package looks tampered with, stop and contact support where you purchased it.

Quick checklist

Ledger device (Nano S Plus, Nano X, or equivalent model)
Original USB cable
Computer or smartphone with internet access
Pen and paper to write your recovery phrase

1. Unbox and power on

Open the package and remove the device carefully. Inspect the seal and packaging — everything should look factory-fresh. Connect the device to your computer or phone using the supplied cable and follow the on-screen prompts to power it on. The device will display a welcome message and ask you to choose a PIN.

Choose a PIN you can remember but others won’t guess. A PIN protects the device itself if it is lost or stolen. On devices with a screen and buttons, you’ll confirm digits on the device (not on the computer).

2. Create and secure your recovery phrase

After you create a PIN, the device will generate a recovery phrase — usually 24 words. This is the most important part of your wallet. The recovery phrase is the only way to recover funds if the device is lost, damaged, or stolen.

Write the words down in order on the supplied recovery card or your own paper. Do not take a photo, don’t store it digitally, and don’t share it with anyone. Store the paper somewhere safe and, if you can, in multiple physical locations such as a home safe and a bank deposit box. Consider metal seed storage for long-term durability against fire and water.

Important: Ledger or any legitimate service will never ask for your recovery phrase. If someone asks for it, it is a scam.

3. Install Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the official app for managing accounts, installing device apps, and checking balances. Download Ledger Live only from the official Ledger website or the QR code shown during setup. Install it on your computer or phone and follow the on-screen connection steps to pair your device.

Inside Ledger Live you’ll be able to install apps for specific blockchains (for example, Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.). These apps live on your device and allow it to interact securely with the corresponding blockchain.

4. Add accounts and install apps

In Ledger Live, go to Manager to install the blockchain apps you need. Each app takes some device memory; uninstalling an app does not delete the crypto — the funds remain recoverable with your recovery phrase. After installing an app, return to the Accounts tab and add the corresponding account. Ledger Live will derive your addresses from the device and show your balances.

Tip: start with one or two assets you plan to use often. Keep things simple while you learn.

5. Sending, receiving, and verifying transactions

To receive crypto, open the account in Ledger Live and click Receive. The device will display the receiving address — always verify the address on the device screen before sharing it. For sending, create a transaction in Ledger Live, then confirm the details on the device. The device signs transactions offline, so your private keys never leave the hardware.

Always double-check amounts and addresses. If anything looks wrong, cancel and investigate.

Security best practices

Never store your recovery phrase digitally. No photos, no cloud backups, no notes on your phone or email.
Keep the recovery phrase offline and split if needed. Many people use geographic redundancy or split the phrase across separate secure locations.
Use a strong, unique PIN. If your device supports passphrase features, learn how they work before enabling them — they add a layer of protection but also extra recovery complexity.
Beware phishing. Only use Ledger Live and the official Ledger website. Double-check URLs and keep your device firmware up to date via Ledger Live.
Use a dedicated computer or browser profile. Avoid managing large holdings from a device or browser you use for general web surfing.

Troubleshooting & maintenance

If your device behaves oddly, disconnect it and consult official support resources. Common fixes include updating Ledger Live and device firmware, reinstalling Ledger Live, or restarting your computer. If you ever need to recover an account, use the recovery phrase on a new Ledger device (or other compatible hardware wallet) and then reinstall the needed apps in Ledger Live.

A few dos and don'ts:

Do update firmware when prompted by Ledger Live, after confirming release notes on the official site.
Don't enter your recovery phrase into any website, form, or app.
Do verify transaction details on the device screen, not just in Ledger Live.

Everyday use — balancing convenience and security

Hardware wallets are designed for secure long-term custody. If you plan to use crypto for frequent small transactions, consider keeping a modest on-device or hot-wallet balance for daily spending, while storing the bulk in your Ledger. This strategy minimizes exposure while keeping routine transactions convenient.

For staking, DeFi, or NFTs, research each protocol and check if Ledger supports the required operations natively or through third-party integrations. Always confirm the exact signing requests on your device when interacting with smart contracts.

Common questions

What happens if I lose my Ledger?: If you lose the device but have your recovery phrase, you can recover funds on a new Ledger or compatible wallet. If you lose both the device and the recovery phrase, funds cannot be recovered.
Can I copy my seed to another device?: Yes — the recovery phrase is universal. If you restore it to another Ledger or compatible wallet, the same addresses and funds reappear. Restore only on trusted hardware.
Is Ledger Live required?: Ledger Live is the official management app and recommended for most users. Advanced users may use other wallet front-ends, but the device still secures private keys and must be used to confirm transactions.

Final checklist before you finish setup

PIN created and memorized (but not written down).
Recovery phrase written down, copied correctly in order, stored safely.
Firmware and Ledger Live updated to the latest official releases.
Installed apps for the assets you plan to use and added accounts in Ledger Live.
Tested a small receive and send transaction to confirm everything works.

If you completed the checklist, your Ledger is configured for secure use. Treat your recovery phrase like the master key to your funds — it is both powerful and sensitive.