Why Ledger?
Ledger hardware wallets are built to keep your private keys offline and inaccessible to online attackers. They combine a secure element chip with a user-friendly interface so you can sign transactions with confidence. This hub walks you through what to expect from unboxing, initial firmware checks, step-by-step setup, and best practices to reduce risk. Whether you are completely new to crypto or moving from a software wallet, these instructions will help you complete the essentials quickly and deliberately. Ready to begin? Start the official setup.
What you'll need
- Your Ledger hardware device (Nano S, Nano X, or compatible model)
- A computer or smartphone with the Ledger Live app
- A secure, private space to write your recovery phrase
Quick setup overview
- Inspect the package for tampering and check the holographic seals.
- Open Ledger Live and follow the "Initialize as new device" flow.
- Write down your recovery phrase on the provided card. Keep it offline.
- Install apps for the coins you want to hold and verify addresses before sending funds.
This guide contains links to the official onboarding path so you can compare steps. If you prefer the Ledger start wizard, click here: Ledger Getting Started.
Step-by-step: Unbox and prepare
Unboxing is your first security checkpoint. Confirm the package seal and that accessories match what is listed. Power on the device and choose a PIN code you won't forget but which isn't trivial (avoid birthdates or repeat digits). The device will display a randomly generated recovery phrase — this is the single most important piece of information. Write it down in order, double-check each word, and never store it digitally or photograph it. Treat the recovery phrase like cash: if someone obtains it, they control your funds.
After writing your phrase, the device will prompt you to confirm a few words. This ensures you've copied the phrase correctly. Now connect to Ledger Live: the app will check for firmware updates and guide you through installing the apps for the blockchains you plan to use. For step-by-step wallet setup, many users prefer to follow Ledger's official start path: Begin with Ledger Start.
Safety tips and best practices
Keep your recovery phrase offline, never share it, and avoid entering it into websites or apps. Use a trusted physical wallet case or metal seed plate if you want redundancy against fire or water damage. Be mindful of phishing: Ledger will never ask you for your full recovery phrase via email or social media. If you receive messages claiming otherwise, treat them as scams.
Use a unique PIN and enable a passphrase feature if you want an additional hidden wallet layer — but note that passphrases are powerful and can be lost if not managed carefully. Always verify transaction details on your device screen before approving. The device's secure chip ensures signatures are created offline, but visual confirmation is your last line of defense.
When you're ready to receive assets, open the corresponding account in Ledger Live and copy the receive address. Verify that the address matches on your hardware device display before sharing it with others. If you need to move large amounts, consider sending a small test transaction first.
Managing accounts and apps
Ledger Live lets you install coin-specific apps onto the device to manage different cryptocurrencies. Each app is isolated inside the device and cannot access your recovery phrase directly. Add accounts in Ledger Live for the coins you care about and sync balances. For NFTs and multi-chain interactions, pay attention to which address type the app uses (Ethereum vs. other EVM chains) and confirm compatibility before signing complex transactions.
If you ever need to recover on a new device, choose "Restore from recovery phrase" in the setup and enter the words in order. This will recreate your private keys and accounts. Always verify that the restored accounts show correct balances and addresses. For an official walkthrough, follow the Ledger start hub here: Ledger Getting Started Hub.
Common troubleshooting
If your device doesn't power on, confirm battery level (for models with rechargeable batteries) or try a different USB cable. Firmware updates sometimes require a stable connection; follow Ledger Live prompts carefully. If Ledger Live can't detect your device, ensure your browser or OS allows USB device access, and that no other wallet software is blocking the connection. Contact official Ledger support only via their website if you suspect hardware issues or tampering.
Never attempt to recover your phrase on a website or share it with anyone claiming to provide support. Use official channels and double-check URLs. Start here if you need the official guidance: Official Ledger Start.