Official Site® — Ledger.com/Start®: Getting Started

1. Before you begin — buy and inspect

Purchase your Ledger device only from the official Ledger store or an authorized reseller. Counterfeit or tampered devices may compromise your funds. When your package arrives, inspect the box and seals for signs of tampering. If anything looks altered, contact the seller and do not initialize the device.

Security reminder: A legitimate Ledger device will prompt you to create a new recovery phrase during setup; never use a device that already contains a seed.

2. Installing Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the official desktop and mobile companion app for Ledger devices. Use it to initialize a new device, manage accounts, install coin apps on the device, update firmware, and create/send/receive transactions.

1. Go to the official Ledger downloads page and get Ledger Live for your platform.
2. Install the app and open it. On first launch, follow the onboarding prompts.
3. Choose whether you are setting up a new device or restoring an existing wallet.

Important: always verify you downloaded Ledger Live from the official source. Avoid links from social media or unknown emails.

3. Device setup — step by step

Follow Ledger Live and your physical device prompts to perform initial setup:

1. Connect: Plug your Ledger into the computer or pair via Bluetooth (if supported by your model).
2. Create a PIN: Enter a secure PIN on the device to protect local access.
3. Write down recovery phrase: The device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase. Write it down on the provided recovery sheet exactly in order and keep it offline.
4. Confirm: The device or Ledger Live will ask you to confirm a few words to ensure you recorded them correctly.

Do NOT photograph, copy to a cloud service, or store the recovery phrase digitally. Anyone with the phrase can control your funds.

4. Understanding the recovery phrase and passphrase

The recovery phrase is the absolute backup of your wallet. Keep it secure, private, and physically durable. Ledger devices also support an optional passphrase — an additional word or phrase that creates a separate hidden wallet derived from the same recovery seed.

If you enable a passphrase, treat it like another secret: losing it means you cannot access that hidden wallet even if you have the recovery phrase.

5. Adding accounts and managing assets

After setup, add accounts in Ledger Live for the blockchains you intend to use (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.). Ledger Live will manage addresses and synchronize balances.

• Install the appropriate app for each blockchain on your device via Ledger Live's Manager.
• Add one or more accounts for each supported coin.
• Use fresh receive addresses when possible to improve privacy.

6. Receiving and sending crypto

Receive

1. Select the account in Ledger Live and click Receive.
2. Verify that the address shown in Ledger Live matches the address displayed on your Ledger device screen.
3. Share the verified address with the sender.

Send

1. Create a transaction in Ledger Live by entering recipient and amount.
2. Select network fee options if available.
3. Confirm transaction details on your Ledger device before approving—only the device's display is the final truth.

Always confirm addresses and amounts on-device. Host computers can be compromised; the device display prevents silent modification.

7. Firmware updates and app management

Keep your device firmware and Ledger Live up to date. Ledger Live will notify you of official firmware releases and app updates. Only apply updates through Ledger Live and avoid installing firmware from unknown sources.

Do not disconnect the device during a firmware update. If an update fails, follow official recovery instructions rather than attempting third-party fixes.

8. Backup strategies and long-term storage

For long-term custody, consider additional physical protections: metal seed backups, fireproof safes, and geographically separated storage for backup copies. Keep at least two secure copies of the recovery phrase in different locations to protect against theft, fire, or loss.

If you suspect your recovery phrase has been exposed, move funds to a new wallet with a freshly generated seed immediately.

9. Troubleshooting common issues

10. Best practices and security checklist

• Buy hardware only from official or authorized channels.
• Write down the recovery phrase physically and store offline.
• Verify all transaction details on the device before approving.
• Keep firmware and Ledger Live updated via official channels.
• Consider multisig or multiple devices for very large holdings.
• Beware phishing: type known URLs or use bookmarks rather than clicking unverified links.