This guide is designed for folks who just unboxed their Ledger hardware device and want an approachable, secure setup that minimizes risk. It focuses on the essentials: initializing the device, creating and safeguarding your recovery phrase, connecting to trusted software, and following security best practices. If you follow each step carefully and store your recovery phrase offline, your private keys remain in your device and away from the internet — which is the fundamental protection a hardware wallet provides. Read each step fully before acting, and keep your recovery phrase private and physical. Avoid storing recovery words on cloud services, photos, or unencrypted devices. If you're upgrading from a previous wallet, or recovering from a lost device, this guide includes a recovery section and tips for safely migrating funds. Consider bookmarking this page (or printing relevant parts) before you begin the physical setup so you can refer to instructions while you work.
Get Started with Ledger — Securely, step by step
A simple, practical walkthrough so you can set up your Ledger device with confidence and protect your crypto and digital assets.
Unbox & inspect
Confirm the Ledger device packaging is sealed and the tamper-evidence sticker is intact. Only purchase from the official store or authorized reseller. Familiarize yourself with the included materials (device, USB-C cable or adapter, recovery sheet). If anything looks tampered with, do not proceed — contact the vendor or official support.
Power on & initialize
Power the hardware wallet by connecting it to your computer or phone using the included cable. Follow the device prompts: choose a secure PIN (avoid obvious sequences), confirm the PIN on the device, and write it down ONLY if you must (but do not store it with your recovery phrase). The device will tell you when to write down your recovery phrase.
Create & secure your recovery phrase
Your hardware wallet will display a recovery phrase (commonly 24 words). Write these words in order on the offline recovery sheet supplied — by hand. Do not take photos or type them on a connected device. Store the sheet in a safe place, ideally in a waterproof, fireproof location or split across multiple secure locations. The recovery phrase is the single point of recovery for all assets managed by the device.
Install Ledger Live (trusted app)
Download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website only. Install the application, then connect your device and follow the prompts to pair. Ledger Live manages accounts and facilitates sending/receiving crypto while the device signs transactions offline — a strong security model when used correctly.
Install apps for assets
Within Ledger Live, install the individual apps for the blockchains you plan to use (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum). These apps are small, signed programs that enable compatibility and address generation for specific cryptocurrencies. Only install what you need to minimize the firmware footprint.
Receive a test transaction
Before moving large balances, send a small test amount to an address generated by your device. Confirm the receiving address on the hardware device screen and check transaction details on the blockchain explorer. This reduces the chance of mistakes or misconfigured software.
Regular maintenance & updates
Periodically update Ledger Live and your device firmware using official channels. Firmware updates can improve security and add features. Only apply updates when recommended and directly from Ledger's official app — never update from a third-party file or unknown source.
Recovery & safety best practices
Your recovery phrase must remain private, offline, and immutable. The device itself is designed to hold private keys so they never leave the hardware; the recovery phrase is the safety net if the device is lost or damaged. Create at least one copy of your recovery sheet and store it physically in a secure place. Many users favor two solutions: a primary copy in a safe (home safe or bank deposit box) and a secondary hidden copy stored separately. Consider using durable backups such as metal plates specifically designed for seed phrases — they resist fire, water, and physical decay better than paper. Avoid storing your phrase where it could be linked to your identity or digital accounts. Never reveal your recovery phrase to anyone, and beware of phishing attempts; legitimate support will never ask for your recovery phrase.
Additional security tips
- Use a long and unique PIN; set up PIN retry limits if available.
- Enable passphrase protection (optional advanced feature) only if you understand how it works — a passphrase acts as an extra word appended to your recovery phrase and creates hidden wallets; losing the passphrase can result in permanent loss.
- Never use public charging stations or unknown USB hubs when accessing your wallet — some attacks attempt to push malicious firmware via compromised hardware.
- When selling or disposing of an old device, perform a full factory reset after wiping all keys and removing accounts from the device.
If your device is lost or stolen
If your Ledger device is lost or stolen, it does not automatically give the thief access — the thief still needs your PIN. However, if you believe your seed could be compromised, restore from your recovery phrase to a new device and move funds to a fresh wallet with a new recovery phrase. Treat your recovery phrase like the keys to a safe deposit box: if anyone obtains it, they can control your funds. Monitor your accounts and consider splitting large holdings across multiple devices or custody solutions as part of an overall security strategy.
Using the device with dapps and wallets
Ledger works with many wallets and decentralized applications (dapps). Always confirm addresses on the hardware device screen before approving on-screen transactions. Be cautious granting permissions on dapps: some approvals (like infinite token allowances) can permit contract interactions that risk funds. Use smaller allowances and revoke permissions periodically. If using browser extensions, prefer connecting via Ledger Live Bridge or official integrations that route signatures through the hardware, not the extension.