Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start®

Getting started — Wallet setup & best practices

A clear, step-by-step HTML presentation to walk new users through setting up a Ledger hardware wallet, pairing it with Ledger Live, and keeping your crypto secure.

Overview

Ledger hardware wallets provide a secure, offline way to store your private keys while interacting with the blockchain. This presentation covers: what you need before you start, how to set up your device, pairing with Ledger Live (desktop and mobile), creating or restoring a recovery phrase, and critical security practices you must follow.

Before you begin (Checklist)

  • Buy from the official Ledger shop and verify packaging. Counterfeits exist—always buy from shop.ledger.com.
  • Have a computer or phone ready with a supported OS (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS or Android).
  • Do not enter your recovery phrase into any website or app—ledger devices never ask for it.
  • Use a private, offline space to write down your 24-word recovery phrase.

Step-by-step setup

1

Unbox & power your device

Open the box and follow the quickstart card. Power your Ledger device and choose Set up as new device when prompted. If the device shows a pre-filled recovery phrase or asks you to use a computer-supplied phrase, return it—this is suspicious.

2

Create a PIN

Choose a PIN you will remember but that isn't obvious. The PIN protects the device if it is lost or stolen. Avoid simple sequences or repeated digits.

3

Write down your Recovery Phrase

Your device will generate a 24-word Secret Recovery Phrase (SRP). Write it down on the supplied recovery sheet or a metal backup like the Ledger Recovery Key. Store it offline and in multiple secure places. Never share it or type it into any device.

4

Install and open Ledger Live

Download Ledger Live only from the official site and install the desktop or mobile app. Ledger Live is the interface to add accounts, install apps on your device, and manage your portfolio.

5

Pair and add accounts

Connect your Ledger to Ledger Live and follow the prompts to add cryptocurrency accounts. Ledger Live will guide you to install the necessary apps for each coin on your device safely via Ledger OS.

Security & best practices

Important: Ledger and security researchers warn about phishing and fake apps that mimic Ledger Live. Always download official software and never enter your recovery phrase anywhere.

  • Verify downloads at ledger.com and never open attachments or links from unknown emails.
  • Enable a strong PIN and optional passphrase for extra security, understanding that a passphrase lost is unrecoverable.
  • Back up your recovery phrase on durable material—consider the Ledger Recovery Key or stainless backups for long-term resilience.
  • Keep your firmware and Ledger Live up to date to receive security patches.

Troubleshooting

If you can’t access accounts, consult the official support articles to restore accounts using your 24-word recovery phrase on a genuine Ledger device, or contact Ledger Support for assistance.

Never disclose your seed to anyone—even if they claim to be support.

Wrap-up

Setting up a Ledger device is designed to be straightforward, but security vigilance is essential. Follow official guides, secure your recovery phrase offline, and always verify downloads and sellers. This will keep your crypto safe while enabling you to interact with DeFi, NFTs, and other Web3 services.