Set Up Your Ledger Wallet — Ledger.com/Start
This clear, beginner‑friendly guide helps you initialize your Ledger hardware wallet, verify your recovery phrase, and secure your crypto with confidence. We are not affiliated with Ledger SAS. Always verify you are on the legitimate Ledger domain and never share your 24‑word phrase with anyone.
Get Ledger Live
Install the desktop or mobile app directly from Ledger’s official website or app stores.
Firmware Check
Connect your device and update to the latest firmware when prompted.
Set a Strong PIN
Choose 4–8 digits. Don’t reuse PINs from other devices.
Write Your 24 Words
Record on the provided sheets. Store offline, never digitize.
Recovery Check
Use Recovery Check (if available) or carefully verify each word.
Add Accounts
In Ledger Live, add the networks and accounts you plan to use.
Receive a Small Amount
Start with a tiny test transaction to confirm everything works.
Harden Your Setup
Enable password lock, alerts, and consider a passphrase (advanced).
All Set
You’re ready to manage, send, and receive with confidence.
Step‑by‑Step Setup
Follow this practical sequence to initialize, back up, and secure your Ledger wallet. Take your time; security improves most when you move slowly and verify each action. Keep your device in view and never type your recovery words into a computer or phone.
Prepare your environment
- Choose a calm, private space without cameras in view. Avoid public Wi‑Fi.
- Have the supplied recovery sheets and a pen ready. Consider a metal backup later.
- Update your computer and reboot. Close unnecessary apps and browser tabs.
Download Ledger Live from the official source
Navigate directly by typing the address into your browser, or use reputable app stores for mobile. On desktop, verify the download’s signature if you know how; otherwise, rely on the site’s certificate and your OS’s checks. Install and open the app, then follow on‑screen prompts to connect your device via USB (or Bluetooth on Nano X).
Initialize your Ledger and set a PIN
Power on the device. If it asks whether to “Restore from recovery phrase” or “Set up as new,” choose Set up as new unless you are restoring an existing wallet. Create a strong 4–8 digit PIN you can memorize. Do not write the PIN on the device box. The PIN protects the device from casual access; it does not replace your 24‑word recovery phrase.
Write down the 24‑word recovery phrase
Your device will display 24 English words in order. These words are the master key to your assets. Carefully write them down on the provided recovery sheets, checking spelling and order. Never photograph, type, or store the words in cloud notes. Anyone who sees these words can take your funds without your consent—and there is no support team that can reverse it.
Confirm your recovery phrase on‑device
Many models require you to confirm the words by selecting them in order. This step prevents transcription mistakes. If a word seems unfamiliar, pause and re‑check; common words like “spirit,” “vault,” or “token” may appear. If you see duplicates or errors, restart the process and generate a new set until you have a clean, verified backup.
Install apps and add accounts in Ledger Live
Open Ledger Live, go to “My Ledger,” and install the relevant apps for the networks you plan to use (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana). Then add accounts for each network. The app will derive addresses from your seed and display balances once synced with the blockchain. Remember that assets live on the blockchain; the hardware wallet simply safeguards your private keys.
Receive a small test transaction
From Ledger Live, copy a receive address and, if supported, use on‑device address verification to confirm it matches your screen. Send a tiny amount from an exchange or another wallet. Wait for confirmations. This test builds confidence that your setup works and your addresses are correct before moving larger amounts.
Harden your setup
- Enable Ledger Live’s password lock and hide balances on open.
- Turn on device auto‑lock with a short timeout.
- Consider an additional passphrase (advanced). Only proceed if you fully understand how passphrases change your seed—misuse can lock you out.
- Store backups in separate, secure locations. If possible, use a fire‑/water‑resistant metal backup.
Why Use a Hardware Wallet?
Hardware wallets isolate your private keys from everyday malware, trackers, and web exploits. Transactions are reviewed and approved on a trusted display, with critical steps gated behind button presses on the device—reducing the risk of remote takeover. They are not magic shields, but they remove entire classes of threats that plague hot wallets and browsers.
- Keys never leave the secure element.
- On‑device confirmation for sensitive actions.
- Backups you control—no reliance on a company’s server.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Typing your recovery phrase into a website or app—ever.
- Storing the 24 words in cloud notes, screenshots, or email.
- Skipping the test transaction and moving your entire balance at once.
- Leaving the device PIN written on the box or near the wallet.
- Updating firmware from unverified sources or with modified cables.
Advanced Options (Optional)
After you master the basics, consider advanced features intentionally. A passphrase can create a distinct wallet tied to your seed; this provides privacy and plausible deniability but increases the risk of lockout if misused. Multisig setups distribute signing power across multiple devices for added resilience. Only proceed if you keep thorough documentation and routine practice restores.
Download & Verify
- Manually enter the official address in your browser and navigate to the download page.
- Choose your OS (Windows, macOS, Linux) or mobile platform (iOS, Android).
- After installation, open the app and connect your device via the original cable.
- Follow prompts to check firmware and install coin apps. If asked for your 24 words on a computer screen, stop—this is a red flag.
Troubleshooting
Device not recognized
Try a different USB port or cable, avoid hubs, and restart Ledger Live. On Windows, ensure drivers are installed. Close conflicting apps (like other wallet software).
Firmware update failed
Keep the cable steady, ensure battery is charged (on Bluetooth models), and retry from Ledger Live. If the device shows a bootloader screen, follow the recovery steps in the official docs.
Can’t confirm address on device
Update apps on the device via “My Ledger.” Some networks require the latest app versions to display addresses for verification.
Lost or damaged device
Acquire a replacement model and use “Restore from recovery phrase” on the device. Enter your 24 words carefully on‑device only. Your funds remain on the blockchain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the official Ledger website?
No. This is an independent educational page. For purchases, downloads, and support, use the official Ledger channels.
What if someone asks for my 24 words?
It’s a scam. Close the conversation. No legitimate service needs your recovery phrase.
Do I need internet to use the device?
The device signs transactions offline, but Ledger Live requires internet to broadcast and to sync balances.
Can I skip the test transaction?
We strongly recommend doing a small test first to validate addresses and settings.
How do passphrases work?
A passphrase acts like an additional word. It derives a separate wallet from your seed. Use only if you fully understand it and can reproduce it reliably.
What about taxes?
Consult a qualified professional in your country. Ledger Live provides histories you can export to help with reporting.
Privacy & Safety Disclaimers
This page is a community‑style guide created for educational purposes and is not endorsed by, affiliated with, or sponsored by Ledger SAS. All trademarks belong to their respective owners. Crypto assets are volatile and carry risk. You are responsible for safeguarding your keys and verifying all destinations and addresses. Read the documentation that comes with your device and keep your systems updated.
- We do not collect personal data on this page. No analytics or embedded third‑party scripts are required.
- Verify URLs carefully—phishing sites commonly purchase ads on search engines.
- If you ever typed your 24 words into a website or app, move funds to a new, uncompromised seed immediately.
Get Ready to Move Securely
By following the checklist above—downloading from the official source, initializing on‑device, writing and confirming your 24 words, adding accounts, testing with a small transaction, and hardening your setup—you’ve established the foundation of self‑custody. From here, your best allies are patience and routine. Revisit your backup strategy every few months, keep software current, and rehearse a recovery on a spare device if you manage significant value. The habits you build now will compound into durable security over time.