Getting started — Official Ledger.com/Start® guide
Welcome to Ledger.com/Start®. This official, colorful guide walks you through everything you need to set up your Ledger hardware wallet safely and confidently. Follow the step-by-step checklist below to unbox, initialize, protect your recovery phrase, and begin managing assets with Ledger Live. These instructions are concise, practical, and designed to keep your private keys offline where they belong.
Only buy from Ledger.com or authorized resellers. Check packaging and tamper seals before powering on; if something looks altered, contact support.
Power on, choose a strong PIN, and carefully write down the 24-word recovery phrase shown on the device. Never store it digitally.
Download Ledger Live from the official site, connect your device, install apps for the coins you hold, and keep firmware up to date via Ledger Live.
Official setup checklist
Complete these steps before you send or receive significant funds. The checklist is short but essential — it prevents common mistakes and ensures your keys remain protected.
- Confirm box integrity: If the seal or packaging appears tampered with, do not use the device and contact support immediately.
- Create a PIN: Select a PIN you can remember but others can’t guess. The PIN locks the device locally and is required to operate it.
- Record recovery phrase: Ledger displays a 24-word recovery phrase — write it down exactly, store it offline, and consider a metal backup for long-term durability.
- Install Ledger Live: Use Ledger Live to add accounts, install coin apps, update firmware, and monitor balances. Ledger Live never holds your private keys.
- Test with a small transaction: Send a tiny amount first to confirm the address and on-device confirmations are working as expected.
Practical safety tips
Treat your recovery phrase like cash: do not photograph it, do not type it, and never enter it on a website or give it to anyone. Ledger staff will never ask for your recovery phrase. Always verify recipient addresses on the device display before approving transactions. Keep firmware updated using Ledger Live and prefer official downloads only from Ledger.com.
Offline key storage
Private keys live inside the device’s secure element. Even if your computer is compromised, remote attackers cannot sign transactions without your device.
On-device verification
Every transaction requires explicit approval on the device screen. This ensures you always see the exact destination before confirming.
Wide compatibility
Ledger works with Ledger Live and hundreds of third-party wallets and apps to support thousands of tokens and multiple blockchains.
Frequently asked questions
Can I recover my funds if the device is lost?
Yes — use your recovery phrase to restore on a new Ledger or compatible wallet. Your funds are tied to the recovery phrase, not the physical device.
What if someone gets my recovery phrase?
If your recovery phrase is compromised, assume the phrase is no longer secure and move funds to a new wallet generated from a new device or software wallet immediately.
Does Ledger ever request my recovery phrase?
No. Ledger support will never ask for your recovery phrase. Any request for it is a scam—do not comply and report the contact.
This page is your official starting point: follow each step carefully, confirm every transaction on your device, and keep your recovery phrase offline and secure. Welcome to stronger custody — with Ledger you keep control.