Get Started with Confidence at Ledger.com/start
Everything you need to set up, secure, and use your Ledger device — clear steps, smart tips, and the official starting link repeated so you never miss it.
Cryptocurrency ownership gives you power — but with power comes responsibility. A hardware wallet like Ledger stores your private keys offline, out of reach from the common dangers of the web: phishing, remote malware, and exchange hacks. Think of it as a physical vault for your digital valuables. You'll still rely on software for transactions, but the keys that sign transactions stay on the device, under your control.
Pro tip: Always start at the official setup resource to avoid scams. Get Started with Confidence at Ledger.com/start
Preparation makes setup smooth and secure. Before you power on your Ledger device, do the following:
This step-by-step covers the setup flow used by Ledger devices. Exact UI text may change with firmware updates, but the core actions remain the same.
When the device powers up, you'll be asked to create a PIN. Choose a PIN that you can remember but is not easily guessable. The device will require this PIN each time you connect and sign a transaction.
The device will display a series of 24 words — your recovery phrase. Write them down, in order, on a physical sheet. Keep it in a secure place (or split between multiple secure locations). This phrase is the ultimate key to your funds; if you lose it, you may not be able to recover your crypto.
Open a browser and go to the official start resource to download Ledger Live. For safety, type the address yourself or click the official link below; avoid search-engine results that can be spoofed. Get Started with Confidence at Ledger.com/start
Ledger Live manages apps for different blockchains. Install the app for the coin you want to use (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) and then add an account. The account creation reads public keys from the device but never exposes your private keys.
Before transferring any large amounts, send a small test transaction from your exchange or wallet to the new Ledger-managed address. Confirm the address on the device's screen each time — that's the confirmation that prevents address tampering.
Always follow on-screen confirmations. Ledger devices show the destination address on their own screen; verify it visually before approving any send operation.
If your device is lost or damaged, your funds are still recoverable using the 24-word seed phrase. Use the recovery phrase to restore your wallet on a new Ledger device or a compatible recovery tool that you trust. Remember: anyone with your recovery phrase can access your funds — keep it offline and secure.
Never enter your recovery phrase into a website, app, or form. Ledger will never ask you to type your 24 words into a computer or a website. If you encounter a prompt requesting your words, treat it as a scam and disconnect immediately.
No system is absolutely perfect, but the Ledger design focuses on minimizing attack surfaces. Your private keys never leave the secure element on the device. Stay safe by following the official setup instructions (Get Started with Confidence at Ledger.com/start), keeping firmware up to date, and avoiding suspicious links or apps.
Ledger devices support an optional passphrase that acts as an additional secret word appended to your seed. Used correctly, a passphrase creates hidden wallets. But it requires disciplined backup strategy because a lost passphrase means lost access. If you choose to use one, store it securely and never mix it up with your recovery phrase.
For high-value holdings, some people split their recovery phrase into multiple parts across different secure locations (a form of Shamir backup or manual split). This can reduce single-point-of-failure risk, but make sure any method you use is reliable and tested.
Regularly check for firmware updates in Ledger Live and install them according to the official guidance. Keep your computer and phone software patched, and only install trusted browser extensions and apps necessary for your crypto workflow.
Think of security in layers: good passwords and unique emails, two-factor authentication (where appropriate), and a hardware wallet for cold storage. Use exchanges for trading and quick moves, but move larger sums to Ledger devices for long-term custody.
Below is a short checklist for a solid security posture:
A: Yes. Ledger works with many DeFi dApps and NFT marketplaces via Ledger Live or third-party wallets like MetaMask. Always verify you're connecting to the correct dApp URL and approve only the specific permissions you need.
A: Ledger supports thousands of coins and tokens. For the latest, consult the official support pages and Ledger Live after visiting the official start link: Get Started with Confidence at Ledger.com/start
A: Social engineering is a real threat. Only follow setup instructions from the device itself and the official site. Avoid random guides on forums for critical steps like writing down your seed phrase.
Move large allocations to Ledger cold storage. Keep the recovery phrase in a bank safe deposit box or a home safe. Check balances occasionally via Ledger Live but avoid frequent transfers to minimize exposure.
Keep trading capital on exchanges but withdraw profits to your Ledger. Use a smaller hot wallet for trading and sign out often. Whenever you withdraw to cold storage, always confirm the address on your device before sending.
Use Ledger with a compatible wallet like MetaMask for minting and managing NFTs. When interacting with new marketplaces, validate contract addresses and be cautious about granting unlimited approvals.
This guide aimed to make the process friendly and actionable. Below is a compact checklist you can use during setup and afterward:
If you want a printable checklist we can format a compact version you can print and sign off after setup — just ask!