Unbox & check
Use a device purchased from Ledger or an authorized seller. Check the packaging and device for anything unusual before continuing.
Read the device check ↗ YOUR FIRST STEPS, MADE CLEAR
Your crypto.
Your keys.
Your move.
Welcome to a more considered way to manage digital assets. Set up your Ledger device, learn the essentials, and take control at your own pace.
Start setupA little preparation goes a long way.
YOUR DEVICE, YOUR CONTROL
✓
LEDGER
PRIVATE BY DESIGN
✳✦ LEDGER.COM / STARTSELF-CUSTODY, STEP BY STEP ↓
01 Take your time02 Keep your phrase private03 Verify every action
01 / GETTING STARTED
A simple start.
A stronger foundation.
A Ledger hardware wallet helps you keep control of your private keys while you use supported blockchain networks and services. Your device is designed to approve transactions securely; the Ledger Live app gives you a place to manage accounts, check balances, and discover supported features.
This guide walks through the setup in a calm, practical order. Exact screens can differ slightly by device model, app version, and region, so follow the prompts shown on your own device and use Ledger’s official support resources whenever something does not look right.
Install Ledger Live
Get Ledger Live only from the official Ledger website or the official app store listing for your platform.
See installation tips ↗Set up your device
Choose a new setup on the device and create your own PIN and recovery phrase privately.
Learn about recovery ↗02 / BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Begin with a
clean setup.
A secure start begins with trusted software and a device that you configure yourself.
01
Use a trusted source
Download Ledger Live directly from Ledger’s official website, ledger.com, or use the verified listing in your device’s official app store. Avoid sponsored search results and links in unsolicited messages.
02
Set it up yourself
A genuine new device should allow you to create a PIN and generate a recovery phrase during setup. Never use a device that arrives with a PIN already configured or a recovery phrase supplied on paper.
03
Slow down when unsure
Do not connect a device, sign a message, or approve a transaction just because a screen, email, or support chat tells you to. Pause and verify through official channels.
03 / INSTALL THE APP
Meet Ledger Live.
Your companion for exploring supported assets and managing your Ledger experience.
Download the version that matches your computer or mobile device from Ledger’s official source. Before installing, check the website address carefully and make sure you have not followed an ad, a shortened link, or a message from an unknown account. Ledger will not ask you to type your secret recovery phrase into a website, chat, or app.
Open Ledger Live and follow its onboarding instructions. Depending on your device and platform, you may be invited to check your device’s authenticity, connect or pair your device, and install available updates. Read each instruction on both screens. Use only the cable or connection method supported by your model, and keep the device nearby while you work.
Ledger Live is a management interface, not a place to reveal your private keys. Your device confirms sensitive actions. If the details on the device do not match what you intended in the app, reject the request and investigate before trying again.
05 / SECURITY BASICS
Make every
approval count.
Good security is a habit, not a one-time checkbox.
Use a PIN that is difficult for others to guess and do not share it. Keep your device and recovery phrase in separate, secure places. Install software updates only through official tools, and be wary of urgent requests that pressure you to act immediately. Scammers may imitate familiar brands, support agents, giveaways, or account alerts.
Before approving a transaction, review the address, network, and amount on the Ledger device itself. Blockchain transfers are generally difficult or impossible to reverse once confirmed. If a transaction is unexpected, unclear, or different from the details you intended, reject it. Do not approve a request simply to “synchronize,” “unlock,” or “validate” an account.
Only connect to applications and services you have independently verified. A connected app may request permissions or ask you to sign messages; read what is being requested and understand the consequences. A hardware wallet helps protect keys, but it cannot determine whether a destination, token, website, or investment is trustworthy. Research first, and never risk more than you can afford to lose.
06 / YOUR FIRST ACCOUNT
Ready when
you are.
Move forward one careful step at a time. You do not need to rush into a transaction to finish setup.
Add a supported account
In Ledger Live, choose a supported asset or network and follow the on-screen steps to add an account. Availability can vary by asset, device, and region.
Verify before receiving
When generating a receive address, confirm the address shown in Ledger Live matches the address displayed on your hardware device. Share it only after checking every character as instructed.
Test, then take your time
For a new destination or network, consider whether a small test transfer is appropriate. Confirm the asset and network are compatible before sending; the wrong network can result in permanent loss.
07 / QUICK ANSWERS
Common questions,
straight answers.
Does Ledger store my recovery phrase?
In a standard self-custody setup, your secret recovery phrase is generated and displayed on your Ledger device. You are responsible for recording it and keeping it private. Never share it or enter it into an online form.
What if I forget my PIN?
Follow the official instructions for your specific Ledger model. Resetting a device may require restoring access with your recovery phrase. Do not guess repeatedly or use instructions from unofficial sources.
Can I use Ledger without making a transaction?
Yes. You can complete setup, learn how the interface works, and wait until you are ready to use supported features. There is no need to send funds to finish reading this guide.
How do I know a support message is real?
Be cautious with unsolicited calls, direct messages, pop-ups, and email. Never provide your recovery phrase. Navigate to Ledger’s official website yourself and start from its published support pages.
ONE LAST THING
When in doubt,
verify first.
Product steps can change as software evolves. For model-specific instructions, troubleshooting, and current security guidance, visit Ledger’s official Help Center by entering ledger.com/support directly in your browser.