Welcome to the comprehensive setup guide for your Ledger hardware wallet. This page will walk you through everything you need to know about initializing and securing your cryptocurrency assets using Ledger's industry-leading technology.
Your Ledger hardware wallet represents the pinnacle of cryptocurrency security technology. By storing your private keys offline in a secure element chip, your Ledger device ensures that your digital assets remain protected from online threats, hackers, and malicious software. The device acts as a physical vault for your cryptocurrencies, requiring physical confirmation for every transaction you make.
When you visit ledger.com/start, you're taking the first step toward complete financial sovereignty. The setup process has been designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, guiding you through each critical step to ensure your device is properly configured. Whether you're a cryptocurrency novice or an experienced trader, following the official setup instructions at ledger.com/start is essential for maintaining the highest security standards.
The first phase of your Ledger journey begins with unboxing your device. Ensure that the packaging is intact and shows no signs of tampering. Inside, you'll find your Ledger device, a USB cable, a recovery sheet, and instruction materials. Never use a device if the packaging appears compromised, and always purchase directly from the official Ledger store or authorized resellers.
Once you've verified the package integrity, connect your Ledger device to your computer using the provided USB cable. The device will power on automatically and guide you through the initial configuration. You'll be prompted to choose a PIN code, which serves as your first line of defense against unauthorized access. Select a PIN that's memorable to you but difficult for others to guess. Remember, you'll need to enter this PIN every time you want to use your device, so make it something you can remember without writing it down.
The most critical aspect of setting up your Ledger device is properly securing your recovery phrase. This 24-word phrase is generated by your device and represents the master key to all your cryptocurrency holdings. When your device displays these words, write them down carefully on the provided recovery sheet in the exact order shown. This process happens entirely offline, ensuring that your recovery phrase never touches an internet-connected device.
Store your recovery sheet in a secure location, preferably in a fireproof safe or safety deposit box. Consider creating multiple copies stored in different secure locations. Never take a photograph of your recovery phrase, never store it digitally, and never share it with anyone. The recovery phrase is the only way to restore access to your funds if your device is lost, stolen, or damaged. Anyone with access to these 24 words has complete control over your cryptocurrency assets. For additional guidance, visit the recovery phrase best practices page.
Ledger Live is the companion application that allows you to manage your cryptocurrency portfolio, install apps on your device, and perform transactions. Download Ledger Live exclusively from the official Ledger website to avoid counterfeit software that could compromise your security. The application is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems, as well as mobile versions for iOS and Android devices.
After installing Ledger Live, open the application and follow the on-screen instructions to pair it with your Ledger device. The software will automatically check for firmware updates and guide you through the installation process if updates are available. Always keep your firmware up to date to benefit from the latest security enhancements and feature improvements. You can learn more about firmware updates at the firmware update guide.
With your device set up and Ledger Live installed, you're ready to add cryptocurrency accounts. Navigate to the Accounts section in Ledger Live and click "Add Account." The application will display a list of supported cryptocurrencies. Select the cryptocurrency you want to manage, and Ledger Live will communicate with your hardware wallet to create a new account. This process may require you to install the corresponding app on your Ledger device if it's not already present.
Each cryptocurrency requires its own dedicated app on your Ledger device. Due to limited storage space, you can only install a certain number of apps at once. However, you can easily uninstall and reinstall apps as needed without affecting your funds. Your cryptocurrency holdings are tied to your recovery phrase, not to the apps installed on your device. For a complete list of supported cryptocurrencies, check the supported crypto assets page.
Maintaining security goes beyond the initial setup. Never enter your recovery phrase into any website, application, or software wallet. Ledger will never ask you for your recovery phrase via email, phone, or support ticket. Beware of phishing attempts that mimic official Ledger communications. Always verify URLs carefully and bookmark ledger.com/start and other official Ledger pages to avoid fraudulent websites.
Enable additional security features within Ledger Live, such as password protection for the application itself. Regularly review your transaction history and account balances to detect any unauthorized activity quickly. When making transactions, always verify the receiving address on your Ledger device's screen before confirming. The device display is the only trustworthy source of information, as it cannot be compromised by malware on your computer. For more security tips, visit the security checklist.
If you encounter any issues during setup or while using your Ledger device, comprehensive support resources are available. The Ledger Support Center contains detailed guides, troubleshooting steps, and answers to frequently asked questions. You can also contact the official Ledger support team through verified channels. Remember that legitimate Ledger support staff will never ask for your recovery phrase, PIN code, or request remote access to your computer. Stay vigilant and protect your assets by following official guidance from ledger.com/start and other verified Ledger resources.