Ledger.com/Start® | Getting started with Ledger Wallet

jeraldna

— 4 min read

Getting Started With Your Ledger Device

Welcome to your all-in-one guide for setting up your Ledger hardware wallet and securing your digital assets with confidence. Whether you’re entirely new to crypto or transitioning from another wallet, this step-by-step onboarding page will walk you through everything you need to begin safely managing, storing, and growing your digital assets.

A Ledger device is more than a wallet — it is a personal security tool designed to protect your private keys, authenticate transactions, and ensure you alone remain in control of your digital wealth. Let’s begin your journey toward stronger self-custody and long-term crypto security.

1. Unboxing Your Ledger Device

When you receive your Ledger hardware wallet, take a moment to ensure everything in the package appears sealed and untouched. Your box should contain:

  • The Ledger hardware device
  • A USB cable
  • A recovery sheet (blank)
  • A keychain or additional accessories depending on your model
  • Basic setup documentation

If anything looks suspicious — such as a pre-written recovery phrase — do not use the device. A recovery phrase should never be provided to you in advance.
Once everything looks correct, you’re ready to start.

2. Download Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the companion application that lets you manage your crypto assets, install apps on your device, verify transactions securely, and monitor your portfolio. To install:

  1. Visit the official Ledger website using your browser.
  2. Choose Ledger Live for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, or Android).
  3. Download and install the application following your device’s prompts.

Make sure you download the app only from the official site. Fake apps are one of the most common attack vectors against crypto users.

Once installed, open the application and select “Get Started” to begin the guided setup.

3. Initialize Your Device

When you power on your Ledger hardware device for the first time, it will guide you through a secure initialization process:

Choose “Set Up as New Device”

If this is your first Ledger, select “Set up as new device.” This ensures your private keys are generated directly on the device itself — never online.

Create a PIN Code

Your PIN code is your first layer of security.

  • Choose 4 to 8 digits
  • Avoid simple patterns (0000, 1234, birthdates, etc.)
  • Never share this PIN with anyone

You will confirm your PIN once more before moving on.

4. Generate and Secure Your Recovery Phrase

Your recovery phrase — also called a seed phrase — is the master key to all your crypto assets. During setup, your Ledger device will display 24 unique words in a specific order.

This phrase:

  • Is generated offline by the hardware device
  • Restores all your accounts if your device is lost or damaged
  • Must never be typed into a phone, computer, email, or cloud storage
  • Should be written down by hand on your recovery sheet

Important Rules

✔ Write down the 24 words exactly as shown
✔ Store the sheet in a secure, offline location
✔ Consider a fireproof or waterproof backup
✔ Never take pictures of it

Your device will ask you to confirm several words from the list to ensure you have recorded them correctly.

5. Pair Your Device With Ledger Live

Once your device is initialized, connect it to Ledger Live:

  1. Plug in your device using the USB cable or Bluetooth (if your model supports it).
  2. Follow the on-screen instructions to pair your device.
  3. Ledger Live will verify the device’s authenticity using internal cryptographic checks.

This process ensures that the device is genuine and has not been tampered with.

6. Install Apps for the Assets You Want to Manage

Each cryptocurrency requires a specific app installed on your Ledger device so Ledger Live can create an account for it.

To install apps:

  1. Go to the My Ledger section.
  2. Browse available apps for various blockchains.
  3. Click “Install” for each asset you want to manage.

Examples include apps for Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and many others. Your Ledger device can store multiple apps at once, depending on available memory.

7. Add Crypto Accounts in Ledger Live

After installing the needed apps, create accounts for each cryptocurrency:

  1. Navigate to the Accounts tab in Ledger Live.
  2. Select “Add Account.”
  3. Choose a crypto asset and confirm on your device.

Ledger Live will generate a public address associated with your private keys stored only in the hardware device.

You can now:

  • Receive crypto
  • Send crypto
  • View your balances
  • Track your portfolio performance

—all while keeping your private keys offline.

8. Receiving Crypto Into Your Ledger Wallet

To receive funds:

  1. Select the account you want to receive crypto into.
  2. Click “Receive.”
  3. Ledger Live will show you a receiving address.
  4. Verify the address on the device screen, not just the app.
  5. Share the confirmed address with the sender or use it to transfer from another wallet.

This verification step ensures that the displayed address hasn’t been altered by malware.

9. Sending Crypto Securely

When sending funds:

  1. Choose the relevant account.
  2. Click “Send.”
  3. Enter the recipient's address and amount.
  4. Ledger Live will ask you to confirm the transaction on your hardware device.
  5. Approve or reject using the device’s buttons.

Your private keys never leave the device during this process, making it significantly safer than software-only wallets.

10. Explore Additional Features

Ledger Live also includes powerful features such as:

  • Portfolio Overview: Track all your assets in one place.
  • Swap Services: Exchange one crypto asset for another through integrated partners.
  • Buy & Sell Options: Purchase crypto through trusted providers.
  • Staking Tools: Earn rewards by staking supported assets.
  • NFT Support: Manage NFTs on supported blockchains.

All sensitive operations must be confirmed on your device, maintaining your security at all times.

11. Keep Your Device and Software Updated

Ledger regularly releases firmware updates and app improvements. Keeping your device and Ledger Live updated ensures:

  • Stronger security
  • Compatibility with new assets
  • Performance improvements
  • Bug fixes

Ledger Live will notify you when updates are available.

12. Best Practices for Long-Term Security

To keep your digital assets safe:

  • Never share your recovery phrase with anyone — not even “support staff.”
  • Beware of phishing attempts via email, social media, or direct messages.
  • Always double-check URLs before downloading software.
  • Consider using multiple backups for your recovery phrase stored in different locations.
  • Lock your device when not in use.

The most secure crypto user is an informed one.

Start Your Journey Toward True Crypto Ownership

Your Ledger device gives you control, autonomy, and peace of mind. By combining offline key storage with an intuitive management application, it forms one of the highest standards of security for digital assets.

Take your next step with confidence — your crypto future is protected in your hands.

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