Get started with Ledger — ledger.com/start

A friendly, practical, step-by-step introduction to securing your crypto with a Ledger hardware wallet.

Why use a Ledger hardware wallet?

A hardware wallet stores your private keys offline in a dedicated secure chip, preventing remote attackers from accessing them. With Ledger, the private keys never leave the device — you use Ledger Live (the companion app) to view balances and prepare transactions, while the device itself signs them offline. This separation dramatically reduces the attack surface compared with software-only wallets.

Quick overview — what you’ll need

A Ledger hardware device (e.g., Ledger Nano, Ledger Stax, or Ledger Flex).
A computer or smartphone with the official Ledger Live app installed.
Your 24-word recovery phrase written down and stored securely (never share it).
Time and a calm, private place to set up the device (expect 10–20 minutes).

Step-by-step: from unboxing to crypto control

Buy from the official store. Purchase only from Ledger’s official shop or a trusted reseller to avoid tampered devices. Check the package seal before opening.
Download Ledger Live. Install Ledger Live from the official Ledger site and follow the "Get started" flow in the app.
Set up your device. Choose “Create a new device” (or “Restore” if you already have a recovery phrase). The device will display a PIN and then generate your recovery phrase.
Write down the recovery phrase. Use the provided recovery sheet (or a metal backup product) and store it offline, in a secure, separate location. Never take a photo or copy into cloud storage.
Verify backup using Recovery Check. Use Ledger’s Recovery Check feature to verify your backup without revealing it to the internet or untrusted devices.
Install apps and add accounts in Ledger Live. Use the Manager/My Ledger feature to install the coin-specific apps and add the accounts you want to manage.
Receive a small test transfer. Send a small amount first to confirm everything works before transferring larger balances.

Important security rules (read carefully)

Never share your 24-word recovery phrase with anyone. Ledger will never ask for it. Beware of impostor websites, fake apps, and any interface that prompts you to enter your recovery phrase — it’s a scam.

Always download Ledger Live from the official Ledger site.
Enable device PIN and update device firmware only via Ledger Live.
Use hardware backups (e.g., Ledger Recovery Key or metal backup) for long-term safety.

Common tasks

Restore an account: Use your recovery phrase in the device’s restore flow to recover accounts on a new Ledger device.
Update device OS: Ledger releases firmware and OS updates; apply them through Ledger Live to keep protections current.
Use with third-party apps: Ledger works with many wallets and dApps — always follow official integration instructions.

Official resources & quick links

Ten official Ledger pages you may need. Click any to open the official resource.

Get started (ledger.com/start) Download Ledger Live Ledger Live overview Ledger Support Ledger Shop Ledger Recovery Key (white paper) Ledger blog: Recovery Key Restore with your recovery phrase (support) Recovery Check (support) Device OS update guide (support)

Final checklist before you finish setup

PIN set and memorized (not written where others can find it).
Recovery phrase written down on durable medium and stored offline.
Ledger Live installed from official site and linked to your device.
Small test transaction completed successfully.

If anything unusual asks for your recovery phrase or promises to “help restore your funds” by requesting those words, treat it as a scam and contact official support immediately.