Ledger Start®

OFFICIAL LEDGER WALLET™ SETUP GUIDE

Get Started with Your
Ledger Hardware Wallet

Welcome to the most secure way to manage your cryptocurrency. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of setting up your Ledger hardware wallet, from unboxing to advanced security features.

Trusted by 8+ million users
Bank-grade security
Mobile & desktop support

What is a Ledger Hardware Wallet?

A Ledger hardware wallet is a physical device that stores your cryptocurrency private keys offline, providing the highest level of security for your digital assets. Unlike software wallets, your private keys never leave the device, protecting you from online threats.

Your Ledger device works with the Ledger Live app to manage over 5,500 cryptocurrencies and tokens, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and many others. The device features a secure chip and requires physical confirmation for all transactions.

Offline Security

Private keys never touch the internet

Easy Recovery

24-word backup phrase

Ledger

Your Digital Vault

Secure, verify, and manage your crypto with confidence

Setup Progress

Step 1: Download Ledger Live

Install the official Ledger companion app

Choose your platform:

Important Security Note

  • • Only download from the official Ledger website
  • • Verify the download signature if prompted
  • • Never install from third-party sources
  • • Keep your system updated for security

Step 2: Unbox Your Ledger Device

📦 What's in the Box

  • • Ledger hardware wallet
  • • USB cable
  • • Recovery phrase cards
  • • Getting started guide
  • • Stickers (optional)

🔌 Connection

  • • Connect via USB cable
  • • Device will power on automatically
  • • Follow on-screen prompts
  • • Press buttons to navigate

✅ First Boot

  • • Choose "Set up as new device"
  • • Select your language
  • • Device will guide you through setup
  • • Keep recovery cards ready

Step 3: Set Your PIN Code

PIN Requirements:

  • 4 to 8 digits long

    Choose a length you're comfortable with

  • Easy to remember

    But not obvious like 1234 or your birthday

  • Unique to this device

    Don't reuse PINs from other accounts

Critical Security Warning

  • • After 3 incorrect PIN attempts, device resets
  • • You'll need your 24-word phrase to recover
  • • Write down your PIN securely
  • • Never share your PIN with anyone

Step 4: Write Down Your Recovery Phrase

🚨 EXTREMELY IMPORTANT

Your 24-word recovery phrase is the ONLY way to recover your crypto if your device is lost, stolen, or damaged. Treat it like the key to your bank vault.

Step-by-Step Process:

  1. 1
    Your device will display "Write down your recovery phrase"
  2. 2
    Press both buttons to continue
  3. 3
    Write each word on the recovery card in order
  4. 4
    Press right button to see the next word
  5. 5
    Continue until all 24 words are written

Security Best Practices:

  • Use the official recovery cards provided
  • Write in a private, secure location
  • Double-check each word for accuracy
  • Store in a fireproof, waterproof safe
  • Never take photos or store digitally

Step 5: Verify Your Recovery Phrase

Your device will now ask you to confirm some words from your recovery phrase to ensure you wrote them down correctly.

📝 Verification Process

  • • Device displays "Confirm your recovery phrase"
  • • Select word #7, #15, #23 (example)
  • • Use buttons to navigate options
  • • Press both buttons to confirm

✅ If Correct

  • • Device shows "Your device is ready"
  • • Setup is almost complete
  • • You can proceed to install apps
  • • Celebrate - you did it right!

❌ If Incorrect

  • • Device will restart setup process
  • • Double-check your written words
  • • Ensure correct spelling and order
  • • Try the verification again

Step 6: Install Cryptocurrency Apps

In Ledger Live:

  1. 1
    Open Ledger Live and connect your device
  2. 2
    Click "Manager" in the left sidebar
  3. 3
    Enter your PIN on the device
  4. 4
    Browse and install crypto apps you need

Popular Apps to Install:

₿
Bitcoin (BTC)
Essential for BTC transactions
Ξ
Ethereum (ETH)
For ETH and ERC-20 tokens
+
Other Cryptos
Based on your portfolio

💡 Pro Tips

  • • Install only apps for cryptocurrencies you own or plan to buy
  • • You can uninstall and reinstall apps anytime without losing funds
  • • Limited storage space - manage apps based on usage
  • • Always verify app authenticity in Ledger Live

Step 7: Sending and Receiving Cryptocurrency

📥 Receiving Crypto

  1. 1
    Open Ledger Live and go to "Accounts"
  2. 2
    Select the cryptocurrency account
  3. 3
    Click "Receive" button
  4. 4
    Verify address on your device screen
  5. 5
    Copy address and share with sender

✅ Always verify the address matches exactly on both your device and Ledger Live before sharing

📤 Sending Crypto

  1. 1
    Select account and click "Send"
  2. 2
    Enter recipient address (double-check!)
  3. 3
    Enter amount to send
  4. 4
    Set network fee (higher = faster)
  5. 5
    Review and confirm on device

⚠️ Always send a small test amount first, especially to new addresses

Step 8: Enable Advanced Security Features

Essential Security Settings:

Passphrase (25th word)
ADVANCED

Add an extra layer of protection with a secret passphrase

Auto-lock Timer

Set device to lock automatically after inactivity

Firmware Updates

Keep your device secure with latest updates

Security Checklist:

Recovery phrase written down securely
PIN set and memorized
Ledger Live downloaded from official source
Consider backup recovery phrase storage
Enable 2FA on exchanges
Regular firmware updates
🛡️ Pro Security Tips
  • • Never enter recovery phrase on a computer
  • • Verify all transactions on device screen
  • • Keep firmware updated regularly
  • • Use official Ledger accessories only

Troubleshooting Common Issues

🎉 Congratulations!

You've successfully set up your Ledger hardware wallet. Your cryptocurrency is now protected by industry-leading security.

Need help? Visit the official Ledger support center or join our community forums.