Ledger Start — A practical, secure guide to set up your hardware wallet

Clear, non-technical steps for safely unboxing, initializing, and using your Ledger device. Designed for first-time hardware wallet users.

Why a hardware wallet matters

Storing private keys offline keeps your cryptocurrency safe from online attacks. A Ledger device isolates the sensitive operations — like signing a transaction or revealing a seed phrase — on the device itself. The device acts like a personal safe: you control it, and only you can authorize transfers.

Before you begin — checklist

Unbox in a well-lit space. Confirm the package is sealed and that there are no extra pieces of paper with suspicious URLs. Ledger devices arrive with a recovery sheet and a USB cable. Do not accept or follow instructions that ask for your recovery words online.

Charge and inspect the device for obvious defects.
Use a personal, secure Wi‑Fi network (avoid public Wi‑Fi during setup).
Have a pen and the recovery sheet ready — write clearly.

Quick 7-step setup

Connect the device: Plug your Ledger into your computer using the supplied cable. Power it on and follow the on-screen prompts.
Create a PIN: Choose a 4–8 digit PIN you can remember. The PIN blocks unauthorized physical access. Never write it on the recovery sheet.
Write down the recovery phrase: The device will generate a 24-word seed phrase. Write these words, in order, on the supplied recovery card. This seed is your ultimate backup — keep it offline and secure.
Verify the seed on the device: The Ledger will ask you to confirm a few words. This ensures the seed was recorded correctly.
Install the Ledger Live app: Visit the official site and download Ledger Live. Use it to manage accounts and install apps for specific coins on the device.
Add an account: Inside Ledger Live, add the crypto accounts you plan to use (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.). Ledger Live reads public addresses; signing still happens on the device.
Perform a small test transaction: Send a small amount to and from your Ledger to confirm everything works. Confirm the details on the device screen before approving.

Security rules that really matter

Never share your 24-word recovery phrase. Anyone with it can control your funds.
Never enter your recovery phrase into a website or app — not even Ledger support will ask for it.
Keep your recovery sheet in a secure physical place (safe, safety deposit box). Consider duplicates in separate secure locations.
Use a strong PIN and enable a passphrase if you know what it does; the passphrase adds a hidden layer of security but must be remembered exactly.

Troubleshooting — quick fixes

Device not recognized: Try a different USB port or cable. Confirm Ledger Live is up to date.
Forgot PIN: After three incorrect attempts your Ledger will reset and you will need your recovery phrase to restore it.
Restoring with seed: Choose the restore option on the device and carefully type each recovery word in order.
Stuck during an update: Do not disconnect the device until the update finishes. If interrupted, follow Ledger Live guidance to recover.

Best practices for everyday use

Use your Ledger for larger holdings and keep small, frequently used amounts in a hot wallet if needed. Regularly check for firmware updates through official Ledger Live releases. Keep your operating system and browser up to date and avoid clicking links promising free crypto or giveaways.

If you lose the device

Your funds are not lost if you have the recovery phrase. Obtain a new Ledger or another compatible hardware wallet and use the recovery phrase to restore your accounts. If you lose both device and recovery phrase, there is no way to recover the funds — that is why secure backup is critical.

Glossary (short)

Seed / Recovery phrase: The list of 24 words that recreate your wallet.
PIN: A device lock code used to access the Ledger.
Ledger Live: Official companion app to manage accounts and firmware.