Official Site® — Ledger.com/Start®
Welcome — start your Ledger device the right way
This guide provides step-by-step instructions to unbox, initialize, secure, and maintain your Ledger hardware wallet. Follow these official steps to keep your private keys offline and protect your crypto assets.
Quick start — the essentials
Purchase only from ledger.com or authorized resellers. Inspect tamper-evident seals and packaging before use.
Get the official Ledger Live app for desktop or mobile from the Ledger website. Ledger Live manages apps, accounts, and firmware for your device.
Create a new device using the on-device prompts. Ledger will generate a recovery phrase — write it down safely; never store it digitally.
Use Ledger Live to install blockchain apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) on your device. Apps allow the device to derive addresses for each chain.
Add accounts in Ledger Live to monitor balances, send and receive assets, and perform coin-specific operations.
Unboxing & first steps
Open the box and verify the included items: Ledger device, USB cable, recovery sheet, and quick start guide. Check the tamper seal and confirm the product serial number in Ledger Live during the initial connection. If anything appears tampered with, return the product to the seller and contact Ledger support.
Connect & power
Plug your Ledger device into a USB port on a desktop or use the mobile connection method (USB-C or Bluetooth, depending on model). Open Ledger Live and follow the "Initialize as new device" flow to begin.
Initialize & record your recovery phrase
During initialization, the device will display a recovery phrase (commonly 24 words) generated by the secure element. Write these words in order on the provided recovery sheet. Do not store the phrase digitally — avoid photographs, cloud storage, or unencrypted notes. Ledger does not store your recovery phrase and cannot recover your funds if the phrase is lost.
Set a PIN
Choose a strong PIN to protect the device from unauthorized physical access. The PIN is required every time the device is connected and used. If you forget your PIN, you can reset the device and restore from the recovery phrase.
Ledger Live: apps, accounts & transactions
Ledger Live is the official companion app that installs blockchain-specific apps on your device and manages accounts. Install only the apps you need to conserve device memory. To send funds, compose the transaction in Ledger Live and confirm details on the device screen before approving — this prevents tampered hosts from altering transaction data.
Receiving & sending
To receive funds, generate a receiving address in Ledger Live and verify it on the device. When sending, verify the destination and amount on-device before confirming. For additional privacy and security, consider creating new addresses for separate transactions.
Advanced options
Passphrase protection
Ledger supports an optional passphrase that acts as an extension of your seed, creating hidden wallets. Use passphrases carefully — losing the passphrase means losing access to associated funds.
Multisig & enterprise
Ledger devices can be used in multisig wallets and enterprise workflows. Combining multiple hardware keys reduces single points of failure for treasury management and high-value custody.
Firmware & software updates
Ledger periodically releases firmware and Ledger Live updates that include security patches and new features. Always update through Ledger Live and verify firmware release notes. Avoid installing firmware or apps from unofficial sources.
Best practices for secure custody
- Purchase only from ledger.com or authorized resellers to avoid tampered units.
- Keep your recovery phrase offline in a secure, fireproof, and waterproof location.
- Use passphrases and multisig for high-value holdings when appropriate.
- Test small transactions before moving large sums.
- Educate family or team members on recovery procedures to avoid single-person failure modes.
FAQ
What if I lose my recovery phrase?
If you lose your recovery phrase and your device, funds cannot be recovered. Store multiple secure copies in separate locations. Consider Shamir or multisig solutions for enterprise resilience.
Can Ledger be used on any computer?
Yes. Ledger works with most modern operating systems. The device signs transactions on-device, but always avoid using untrusted or compromised systems when possible.
Is Bluetooth safe?
Some Ledger models include Bluetooth for mobile convenience. Use it with care: enable it only when needed, and prefer USB connections for maximum security.