Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start® — Getting started

What this guide covers

This guide walks you through everything you need to know to go from unboxing a Ledger device to sending and receiving crypto securely. We'll cover:

• Choosing the right Ledger product and where to purchase one safely.
• Initial setup: powering on, creating a wallet, and recording your recovery phrase.
• Installing apps and connecting to Ledger Live.
• Security best practices and common pitfalls to avoid.
• Day-to-day usage: sending, receiving, and managing assets.
• Advanced tips: device backups, firmware updates, and multisig basics.

Unboxing and first impressions

What's in the box

When you open the packaging you should typically find:

• A Ledger hardware device (e.g., Ledger Nano S or Nano X).
• A USB cable (or Bluetooth support for certain models).
• A recovery sheet for writing down your 24-word seed phrase.
• User manual and safety card.
• Seals/stickers showing package tamper status (if applicable).

Quick safety check (H4)

Before connecting the device, visually inspect the box for tamper evidence and ensure the device is in new condition. Ledger and other reputable vendors recommend buying directly from the official store or authorized resellers.

Why the recovery sheet matters (H5)

The recovery sheet contains your seed phrase — the single most important string of words that controls recovery of funds. Keep it offline, written by hand, and stored in a secure location.

Initial setup (step-by-step)

1. Power on and language selection

Power the device using the provided USB cable (or power it on via the built-in method for your model). Follow on-screen prompts to select your preferred language.

2. Create a new wallet vs. restore

Choose Create a new wallet unless you're restoring from an existing recovery phrase. Creating a new wallet generates a unique recovery seed on the device — it never leaves the device.

3. Set a PIN

Choose a 4–8 digit PIN (or longer if your device supports it). Never reuse easily guessable codes. The PIN protects the device from local physical access.

4. Record your recovery phrase

The device will display 24 words (sometimes 12, depending on the configuration) one by one. Write them down in order on the recovery sheet. Confirm the words when prompted by the device. Never photograph or store the phrase digitally.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Typing the seed into a computer or cloud note — never do it.
• Sharing the seed with anyone, even support staff claiming to help.
• Storing the seed in easily destructible places (e.g., fridge, wallet, desk drawer without protection).

Recovery phrase redundancy

Consider a second written copy stored in a geographically separate secure location (e.g., safe deposit box). For very large holdings, consider metal backup plates to withstand fire/flood.

Connecting Ledger to Ledger Live

Install Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the desktop and mobile application for managing your device and accounts. Download Ledger Live from the official source and follow the install instructions. On first launch, choose the correct device type and follow steps to pair it.

Install apps on your Ledger device

Ledger uses application-specific modules for different blockchains. With Ledger Live you can install Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and many other apps. Only install the apps you need — storage on the device is limited.

Adding accounts

In Ledger Live, after installing the relevant app, add accounts for each currency. Ledger Live will derive addresses from your 24-word seed and show balances once the blockchain syncs.

Firmware updates

Regular firmware updates improve security. Only update firmware through Ledger Live and follow prompts carefully. Back up your seed phrase before updating if prompted (the device typically instructs you).

Sending and receiving funds

Receiving

To receive funds, open the account in Ledger Live, click “Receive”, and verify the address shown matches the one on your device. Always confirm the full address on the hardware screen before sharing it.

Sending

When sending, compose the transaction in Ledger Live, and confirm the details on the device. Ledger's secure element signs the transaction while keeping private keys isolated.

Transaction best practices

• Use small test transfers for new addresses or unknown recipients.
• Verify fee estimates and priority levels.
• Check network-specific memos or tags for coins that require them (e.g., certain tokens or exchanges).

Privacy tip

Avoid reusing addresses for public transactions when privacy matters. Use new receiving addresses derived by your wallet when possible.

Security: do's and don'ts

Do:

• Buy devices only from official channels.
• Keep your recovery phrase offline and in multiple physical secure locations if required.
• Use a strong PIN and enable optional passphrase or second-factor protections if available.

Don't:

• Enter your seed into any website, software wallet, or phone.
• Share photos or screenshots of confirmations that reveal addresses or metadata you wish to keep private.
• Respond to unsolicited messages claiming to be Ledger support asking for your seed or PIN.

Passphrase (advanced)

A passphrase is an extra word or phrase combined with your seed to create a separate account (effectively a hidden wallet). It's a powerful privacy/security tool but also increases responsibility: if you forget the passphrase, funds are unrecoverable.

When to use multisig

For high-value storage, consider multisig setups across multiple devices and keys to reduce single-point-of-failure risk. Multisig is advanced — learn thoroughly or consult a trusted specialist.

Maintenance and long-term care

Regular checks

Periodically update Ledger Live, review installed apps, and check device firmware. Confirm your recovery backups remain accessible and intact.

Travel and temporary storage

If you travel, avoid bringing the recovery phrase in plain sight. Consider a travel-only wallet strategy: carry small amounts on a separate hardware wallet and keep main holdings safe at home.

Disaster recovery

Test recovery procedures with small test funds if you plan to rely on third parties (family, executors) to perform recovery in an emergency. Document steps and store clear instructions in a secure place.

End-of-life considerations

When passing custody or selling a device, reset it to factory settings and ensure the new owner cannot access your previous seed or accounts.

Advanced topics

Using Ledger with third-party wallets

Ledger can be used as a secure signing device with many third-party wallets (e.g., MetaMask, Electrum, etc.). Always follow the third-party wallet's official guide to connect a hardware device.

Multichain considerations

Different blockchains have different address formats and signing behaviors. Double-check token contracts, memos, tags, and compatibility before sending funds across chains.

Developer notes (H4)

Developers using Ledger for app integrations should reference the official Ledger developer documentation and test thoroughly on testnets before mainnet usage.

Security audits

Rely on audited tools and reputable services. When in doubt, pause and verify — security is cumulative and conservative choices reduce risk.

Final notes and next steps

Getting started with a Ledger device is straightforward when you follow security-focused procedures: buy authentic hardware, keep your recovery phrase offline, confirm addresses on the device, and keep software updated. For those who prefer more structure, consider writing a step-by-step checklist and performing a dry run with a small amount of funds before moving larger balances.

Tip: Keep a clear, private copy of instructions for trusted next-of-kin explaining how to access funds only in the event of incapacity or death. Consider legal counsel for estate planning involving crypto assets.