Official Setup Guide

Ledger Start®

Get Started with Your Ledger Hardware Wallet

Your complete guide to setting up the world's most trusted hardware wallet and securing your cryptocurrency investments

Welcome to Ledger

Welcome to your journey toward ultimate cryptocurrency security! A Ledger hardware wallet is a physical device designed to keep your digital assets safe from online threats, hacks, and unauthorized access.

Unlike software wallets that store your private keys on internet-connected devices, Ledger hardware wallets keep your keys completely offline in a secure chip. This means your cryptocurrency remains protected even if your computer or phone is compromised.

Why Choose Ledger? With over 6 million devices sold worldwide, Ledger is the industry leader in hardware wallet security. Your private keys never leave the device, and every transaction requires physical confirmation on the device itself.

Quick Navigation

Step 1: Unbox and Initialize Your DeviceStep 2: Set Up Your Secure PINStep 3: Download Ledger LiveStep 4: Record Your Recovery PhraseStep 5: Add Cryptocurrency AccountsStep 6: Send and Receive CryptoSecurity Best PracticesTroubleshooting Common Issues
1

Unbox and Initialize Your Device

Get your Ledger hardware wallet ready for first-time setup

Security First!

Only purchase your Ledger from the official Ledger website or authorized retailers. Never buy second-hand devices or from unofficial sources.

What's in the Box:

  • Ledger hardware wallet device (Nano S, Nano X, or Nano S Plus)
  • USB cable for connecting to your computer
  • Recovery phrase card sheets (for writing your 24-word backup)
  • Keychain strap (varies by model)
  • Getting started guide

Initialize Your Device:

  1. Remove the Ledger device from its packaging
  2. Connect your Ledger to your computer using the provided USB cable
  3. Press the button(s) on the device to power it on
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions - select "Set up as new device"
  5. Press both buttons simultaneously when prompted to begin setup
Pro Tip:

Make sure you're in a private, secure location during setup. Never let anyone see your screen during the recovery phrase display step.

2

Set Up Your Secure PIN

Create a strong PIN to protect your device from unauthorized access

Your PIN code is the first line of defense. It protects your device from physical theft and unauthorized use.

Creating Your PIN:

  1. When prompted, the device will ask you to choose a PIN (4-8 digits)
  2. Use the device buttons to scroll through numbers 0-9
  3. Press both buttons to select each digit
  4. After entering your desired PIN, select the checkmark icon
  5. Confirm your PIN by entering it again exactly as before
PIN Security Guidelines:
  • • Avoid obvious combinations (1234, 0000, your birthday)
  • • Use at least 6-8 digits for maximum security
  • • Never share your PIN with anyone
  • • Don't write it down in an obvious location
  • • After 3 incorrect attempts, your device will reset
Remember:

You'll need to enter this PIN every time you connect your Ledger device. Choose something memorable but secure!

3

Download and Install Ledger Live

Get the official companion app to manage your crypto assets

Ledger Live is the official desktop and mobile application that lets you manage your cryptocurrency accounts, check balances, and make transactions securely.

Download Ledger Live:

  1. Visit the official Ledger website: ledger.com/start
  2. Click "Download Ledger Live" for your operating system (Windows, Mac, or Linux)
  3. Wait for the download to complete
  4. Open the installer file and follow the installation wizard
  5. Launch Ledger Live after installation completes
Official Sources Only!

Never download Ledger Live from third-party websites, app stores (except official iOS/Android stores), or email links. Always go directly to ledger.com.

First-Time Setup in Ledger Live:

  1. Open Ledger Live and click "Get started"
  2. Select your device model (Nano S, Nano X, or Nano S Plus)
  3. Choose "Set up as new device" (you've already done this on the device)
  4. Connect your Ledger device to your computer
  5. Enter your PIN on the Ledger device
  6. Ledger Live will verify your device is genuine
  7. Follow any additional prompts to complete the connection
Mobile App Available:

Ledger Live is also available for iOS and Android. You can use Bluetooth (Nano X only) or USB OTG adapter to connect your device to your phone.

4

Record Your Recovery Phrase

This is the MOST IMPORTANT step - your backup to access funds

CRITICAL: This Step Cannot Be Skipped!

Your 24-word recovery phrase is the ONLY way to restore your accounts if your device is lost, stolen, or damaged. Without it, your cryptocurrency will be permanently lost.

Writing Down Your Recovery Phrase:

  1. Your Ledger device will display 24 words, one at a time
  2. Use the recovery phrase sheets provided in the box
  3. Write down each word in the EXACT order shown (Word 1, Word 2, etc.)
  4. Double-check each word for spelling accuracy
  5. Navigate through all 24 words using the device buttons
  6. Your device will quiz you on random words to verify you wrote them correctly
  7. Select the correct words when prompted
Recovery Phrase Security Rules:
  • ✗NEVER take a photo or screenshot of your recovery phrase
  • ✗NEVER store it on your computer, phone, or cloud
  • ✗NEVER share it with anyone, including Ledger support
  • ✗NEVER enter it on any website or app
  • ✓DO write it on the provided recovery sheets with pen
  • ✓DO store it in a secure, fireproof location
  • ✓DO consider keeping a second copy in a separate secure location
Advanced Security:

Consider using metal backup plates (sold separately) to protect your recovery phrase from fire and water damage. Some users also split storage between two secure locations.

5

Add Cryptocurrency Accounts

Set up accounts for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other digital assets

Now that your device is set up, you can add cryptocurrency accounts to manage different digital assets.

Adding Your First Account:

  1. In Ledger Live, click the "Accounts" tab on the left sidebar
  2. Click the "+ Add account" button
  3. Select the cryptocurrency you want to add (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum)
  4. Connect and unlock your Ledger device
  5. Install the required app on your device when prompted (e.g., "Bitcoin app")
  6. Open the corresponding app on your Ledger device
  7. Ledger Live will synchronize and create your account
  8. Give your account a name (optional) and click "Add account"

Supported Cryptocurrencies

Ledger supports over 5,500 digital assets, including:

Bitcoin (BTC)
Ethereum (ETH)
Ripple (XRP)
Litecoin (LTC)
Cardano (ADA)
Polkadot (DOT)
ERC-20 Tokens
+ 5,500 more
Managing Multiple Assets:

You can add unlimited accounts for different cryptocurrencies. Each one is secured by your device. The apps are stored on your Ledger, and you can uninstall/reinstall them anytime without losing your funds.

6

Send and Receive Cryptocurrency

Learn how to safely transfer digital assets to and from your wallet

Receiving Cryptocurrency

  1. Open Ledger Live and select the account you want to receive funds to
  2. Click the "Receive" button
  3. Connect and unlock your Ledger device
  4. Open the corresponding crypto app on your device
  5. Your receive address will appear in Ledger Live
  6. IMPORTANT: Verify the address matches on your Ledger device screen
  7. Confirm the address on your device by pressing both buttons
  8. Copy the address or use the QR code to receive funds
  9. Share this address with the sender or exchange
✓ Security Check:

Always verify the receive address on your Ledger device screen before sharing it. This protects against malware that might change addresses on your computer.

Sending Cryptocurrency

  1. Open Ledger Live and select the account you want to send from
  2. Click the "Send" button
  3. Enter the recipient's address (or scan their QR code)
  4. Enter the amount you want to send
  5. Review the network fee (you can adjust the speed/cost)
  6. Click "Continue"
  7. Connect and unlock your Ledger device
  8. Open the corresponding crypto app on your device
  9. Carefully verify the transaction details on your Ledger screen:
    • Recipient address
    • Amount being sent
    • Network fees
  10. If everything matches, confirm the transaction on your device
  11. Wait for blockchain confirmation (time varies by cryptocurrency)
Critical Reminders:
  • • Cryptocurrency transactions are irreversible
  • • Always double-check the recipient address
  • • Start with a small test transaction if sending large amounts
  • • Make sure you're sending to the correct blockchain (ETH to ETH address, BTC to BTC address, etc.)

Security Best Practices

Essential tips to keep your cryptocurrency safe

Recovery Phrase Protection

  • ✓ Store offline in a secure location
  • ✓ Consider fireproof and waterproof storage
  • ✓ Never share with anyone
  • ✓ Keep multiple backups in different locations
  • ✓ Use metal backup plates for durability

Device Security

  • ✓ Keep firmware updated regularly
  • ✓ Use a strong, unique PIN code
  • ✓ Enable auto-lock features
  • ✓ Only connect to trusted computers
  • ✓ Never leave device unattended

Phishing Protection

  • ✓ Only use official Ledger website
  • ✓ Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase
  • ✓ Be wary of urgent security emails
  • ✓ Verify website URLs carefully
  • ✓ Don't click suspicious links

Transaction Safety

  • ✓ Always verify addresses on device screen
  • ✓ Double-check recipient addresses
  • ✓ Test with small amounts first
  • ✓ Understand network fees before sending
  • ✓ Be patient during network congestion

Common Scams to Avoid:

  • • Fake Ledger support contacting you asking for your recovery phrase
  • • Phishing websites that look like Ledger.com
  • • Fake Ledger Live apps on unofficial app stores
  • • "Urgent" security update emails with suspicious links
  • • Anyone asking you to "validate" or "synchronize" your wallet
  • • Investment opportunities that require connecting your wallet

Keeping Your Device Updated

Regular firmware updates provide new features, security improvements, and support for additional cryptocurrencies.

How to Update Firmware:

  1. Open Ledger Live and go to "My Ledger" in the left sidebar
  2. Connect and unlock your Ledger device
  3. If an update is available, you'll see a notification
  4. Click "Update firmware"
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions carefully
  6. Confirm the update on your Ledger device
  7. Wait for the update to complete (do not disconnect)
  8. Your device will restart automatically
Important Notes:
  • • Never interrupt a firmware update in progress
  • • Your accounts and funds remain safe during updates
  • • Apps may need to be reinstalled after major updates
  • • Always update through Ledger Live, never through email links

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Problem: Device Not Connecting

Solutions:

  • Try a different USB cable or port
  • Restart Ledger Live
  • Update USB drivers on your computer
  • Try connecting to a different computer
  • Make sure your device is unlocked

Problem: Forgot PIN Code

Solutions:

  • After 3 incorrect attempts, your device resets
  • You'll need to restore using your 24-word recovery phrase
  • Choose 'Restore from recovery phrase' during setup
  • All your accounts and funds will be restored
  • Set a new PIN code

Problem: Missing or Incorrect Balance

Solutions:

  • Make sure you're opening the correct app on your device
  • Click the refresh button in Ledger Live
  • Check your internet connection
  • Clear cache in Ledger Live settings
  • Try synchronizing your account again

Problem: Transaction Stuck Pending

Solutions:

  • Check blockchain explorer for transaction status
  • Network congestion can delay confirmations
  • Bitcoin/Ethereum may take longer during high traffic
  • Transaction fee too low? It may take extra time
  • Contact Ledger support if stuck for over 24 hours

Problem: Can't Install Apps

Solutions:

  • Uninstall unused apps to free up storage
  • Update your device firmware
  • Restart Ledger Live
  • Make sure device is unlocked during installation
  • Try disconnecting and reconnecting the device

Need More Help?

If you're still experiencing issues:

  • • Visit the Ledger Support Center: support.ledger.com
  • • Check the comprehensive FAQ section
  • • Submit a support ticket through your Ledger Live app
  • • Join the Ledger community forums
  • • Remember: Ledger support will NEVER ask for your recovery phrase

You're All Set!

Congratulations! Your Ledger hardware wallet is now configured and ready to secure your cryptocurrency investments. Remember to keep your recovery phrase safe and never share it with anyone.

Device Initialized
Recovery Phrase Secured
Ledger Live Connected