Ledger/START GUIDE Visit Ledger.com/start
THE ESSENTIALS, MADE SIMPLE

Your first steps
with Ledger.

A clear, security-first guide to setting up your hardware wallet, protecting your recovery phrase, and making your first move with confidence.

Start the setup guide Go to Ledger.com/start
Never share your 24-word recovery phrase.
Not with anyone. Not even support.
Hardware wallet on a clean desk beside a laptop, ready for setup
YOUR KEYS. YOUR CONTROL.
Security begins
before your first transaction.
AN INDEPENDENT SETUP GUIDESCROLL TO EXPLORE

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Take a breath.
Start with the basics.

A hardware wallet gives you a way to keep your private keys offline and approve transactions on the device. Setup is straightforward when you take it one step at a time.

01Your Ledger deviceUse the device you purchased from a trusted source.
02A secure place to writeKeep your recovery phrase off cameras and connected devices.
03A little uninterrupted timeGo slowly and read each instruction on the device screen.

Quick note: This is an independent educational guide, not an official Ledger support channel. For device-specific directions, use Ledger’s official setup page.

A STEP-BY-STEP WALKTHROUGH

Set up safely,
from the start.

Follow the official instructions for your specific device model. These essentials help you understand each step and spot the most important security checks.

01

Install Ledger Live

Download Ledger Live only from ledger.com/start or the official Ledger website. Check the address carefully, then follow the on-screen installation steps for your computer or phone.

Never install wallet software from an ad, message, or third-party download site.
02

Connect and check your device

Connect your Ledger with the supplied cable or pair it using the supported method for your model. Follow the prompts in Ledger Live and on the device itself to confirm it is genuine and up to date.

Your device should arrive unused. If it comes with a recovery phrase already written down, stop and contact official support.
03

Create a PIN on the device

Choose a PIN directly on the hardware wallet and confirm it on the device. Keep it private and memorable; never share it with anyone claiming to provide support.

The PIN protects access to the device. Ledger will never ask you to send it online.
04

Write down your recovery phrase

Your device generates a recovery phrase during setup. Write each word down in the exact order on the recovery sheet, then verify the words when your device asks you to.

This phrase is the master backup to your assets. Keep it offline, private, and physically secure.
05

Add accounts and verify

When setup is complete, use Ledger Live to add the accounts you need. Start with a small test transfer and verify every address and transaction detail on your hardware wallet screen before approving.

Your private keys stay on the device; the on-device screen is the trusted place to confirm what you sign.
DEVICE-SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS

Continue with Ledger’s official guide.

Open Ledger.com/start

KEEP YOUR KEYS YOURS

Four rules that
are always true.

Most wallet scams rely on urgency or trust. These simple habits help you pause, verify, and stay in control.

01 / PRIVATE

Your recovery phrase stays offline.

Write it on paper or a suitable offline backup. Never photograph it, store it in cloud notes, or type it into a website or app.

02 / VERIFY

Check the screen you trust.

Confirm addresses and transaction details on your hardware wallet display before approving. Reject anything you did not initiate.

03 / SLOW DOWN

Ignore pressure and surprise links.

Scammers create urgency. Type official Ledger addresses yourself and never follow unsolicited recovery or security instructions.

04 / NO EXCEPTIONS

No one needs your 24 words.

Not Ledger, not a support agent, not a friend. Anyone who asks for your recovery phrase or PIN should not be trusted.

Stop if something feels wrong. Never approve an unexpected transaction or follow instructions to “validate,” “synchronize,” or “secure” your wallet by entering your recovery phrase.

Go to official support

YOUR FIRST TRANSACTION

Make the
details count.

When you’re ready, start small. Use the same deliberate checklist every time you receive or send digital assets.

Explore Ledger Academy
01
Confirm the network

Sending and receiving networks must match.

✓
02
Compare the full address

Verify it from a trusted source, not a message preview.

✓
03
Review on your device

Check the on-device destination and amount.

✓
04
Test with a small amount

Confirm receipt before sending more.

✓
Only approve what you recognize and understand.

GOOD QUESTIONS

Before you
power on.

Simple answers to common Ledger setup and wallet security questions.

Visit Ledger Support
Where should I download Ledger Live?

Use the official Ledger download page at ledger.com/start, reached by typing the address yourself. Avoid sponsored search results, links sent in direct messages, and unofficial app stores or download mirrors.

Should I enter my recovery phrase in Ledger Live or on a website?

No. Your recovery phrase should remain offline and should never be typed into a website, app, computer, phone, or shared with anyone. Only enter recovery words directly on a genuine hardware wallet when the device itself requires them during recovery.

What if I lose my hardware wallet?

If you still have your recovery phrase, you can restore access using a compatible replacement device by following the official recovery instructions. If your recovery phrase is lost, do not reset or discard a device that still has access to your accounts; consult Ledger’s official support guidance.

How do I know a transaction is correct?

Read the address, network, and amount on the hardware wallet’s own display before approving. If anything differs from what you intended, reject the transaction. A computer or phone screen alone is not enough to verify what you sign.

Does Ledger Support ever ask for my 24 words?

No legitimate support agent needs your recovery phrase, PIN, or private keys. Anyone asking for them is attempting to take control of your assets. Stop the conversation and go to support.ledger.com by typing the address yourself.

THE NEXT STEP IS YOURS

Get going.
Stay in control.

For the current, model-specific setup instructions and official software, head to Ledger.com/start. Bookmark the address and type it yourself next time.

Continue to Ledger.com/start This guide will never ask for your PIN or recovery phrase.