Overview
This guide will walk you through every stage of getting your Ledger device online and secure. Follow each heading — each step includes practical notes, accessibility tips, and troubleshooting hints. If you prefer to jump straight to the official entry point, click the button below (repeated in different sections for convenience):
Pro tip: physically write your recovery phrase to a steel backup (or multiple secure offline copies) — never photograph it or store it on an internet-connected device.
What is a Ledger hardware wallet?
Short answer
A Ledger device is a physical hardware wallet that stores your private keys in a secure element (a tamper-resistant chip) so that private keys never leave the device. This means transaction signing happens offline inside the device and only signed transactions go to your connected computer or phone.
Why this matters
Software wallets or exchange custody keep private keys on a connected device or third-party server; Ledger gives you sole custody. This reduces the risk from online hacks, phishing, and server-side breaches — if you use the device and follow safe procedures.
Official start link (1/10): https://www.ledger.com/start
Unboxing & what's inside
When you open the Ledger packaging you should find:
- The Ledger device (model-dependent, e.g. Ledger Nano S Plus or Ledger Nano X)
- A USB cable (or magnetic charging cable for some models)
- Recovery seed cards (paper) for writing your 24-word recovery phrase
- A keychain or lanyard, quick-start pamphlet, and safety stickers
Check for tampering
Before powering on, inspect the packaging and device for signs of tampering. Ledger ships sealed boxes — if the tamper-evident seal is broken, contact the vendor or Ledger support. Do not use a device that appears compromised.
Official start link (2/10): https://www.ledger.com/start
Step-by-step setup
1. Prepare a safe space
Set up in a quiet, private place. Have a pen and the recovery card ready. Make sure the device's battery is charged if it’s a model with a battery (Ledger Nano X).
2. Power on
Connect the Ledger to your computer or phone via the provided cable. The device will show a welcome screen. Use the device buttons to navigate prompts.
3. Choose to create a new wallet
On the device select Create a new device (or similar). The device will generate your recovery phrase one word at a time — write them down exactly as shown in order.
4. Confirm your recovery phrase
The Ledger will ask you to confirm words from the recovery phrase to ensure you wrote them down correctly. This is crucial: without the correct phrase, you cannot recover your funds if the device is lost or broken.
5. Install Ledger Live
Download and install Ledger Live on your computer or mobile device from the official site. Only download from official sources. Ledger Live will guide you through firmware updates and installing apps for the blockchains you use.
// Quick terminal-like checklist (human readable):
1) Unbox device
2) Power on -> Create new device
3) Write 24-word phrase on recovery card
4) Confirm words on device
5) Install Ledger Live -> connect and update firmware
6) Install apps for chosen coins and create accounts
7) Send small test transaction
Official start link (3/10): https://www.ledger.com/start
Using Ledger Live
Ledger Live is the companion application that lets you manage accounts, check balances, install blockchain apps on your device, and send/receive funds. It supports desktop and mobile.
Key Ledger Live workflows
- Install/remove blockchain apps (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana)
- Create accounts (a Ledger account is a view of the on-chain address controlled by your device)
- Send and receive using transaction signing on-device
- Use portfolio and staking features where supported
How to add an account
In Ledger Live: App Catalog → Install the coin app on your device → Add account → Give it a name. Always verify on the device screen that the address shown in Ledger Live matches the device’s display before sending funds.
Official start link (4/10): https://www.ledger.com/start
Security best practices
Don't ever share your recovery phrase
The 24-word recovery phrase is the only backup of your private keys. Treat it like cash in a safe. Never enter it into websites, apps, or chats — Ledger will never ask for it.
Beware of phishing
Phishing attacks mimic legitimate Ledger pages or support to trick you into revealing secrets. Always navigate to https://www.ledger.com/start manually rather than clicking unknown links. For extra safety, bookmark the official start URL and use it consistently.
Layered safety
- Use a passphrase (optional advanced feature) to create hidden accounts — treat this like an additional word that only you know.
- Keep at least two offline backups of your recovery phrase stored in separate physical locations.
- Consider a steel backup plate for fire and water resistance.
- Never reuse a recovery phrase from another wallet; always create a new one for each device.
Official start link (5/10): https://www.ledger.com/start
Troubleshooting & common issues
Device not recognized
Try a different USB cable or port. For mobile, ensure that your phone supports OTG (for some models). Reboot the device and your computer, and retry.
Firmware update locked
If an update fails, follow Ledger Live's recovery instructions. Never use third-party firmware—only official updates via Ledger Live.
Recovery phrase lost
If you lose your recovery phrase and still have the device unlocked, immediately create a new wallet and transfer funds to the new wallet, then generate and store the recovery phrase safely. If both device and recovery are lost, funds cannot be recovered.
Official start link (6/10): https://www.ledger.com/start
Frequently asked questions
Is Ledger safe?
Ledger devices isolate private keys inside a secure chip and require physical confirmation for transactions—this makes them one of the safest consumer options for self-custody. Security is also procedural: following best practices (no seed exposure, verify addresses on-device) is essential.
Can I recover on another wallet?
Yes — your 24-word recovery phrase follows BIP39 standards and can be restored to many compatible wallets. But ensure you trust the software you use for recovery.
What if Ledger goes bankrupt?
If the company ceases to operate, your funds remain safe because custody depends on your recovery phrase — as long as you have your recovery words, you can recover on other compatible wallets.
Official start link (7/10): https://www.ledger.com/start
Advanced topics
Using a passphrase
A passphrase (sometimes called the 25th word) adds another secret to your seed. It creates hidden wallets that are only recoverable with the phrase + passphrase. Use this only if you understand the trade-offs: losing the passphrase means losing funds.
Multi-address management
Ledger supports hierarchical deterministic wallets — you can generate many addresses from the same seed. Use Ledger Live to manage multiple accounts and label them clearly (e.g., savings, trading, long-term).
Official start link (8/10): https://www.ledger.com/start
Resources & links
Quick-access links to the official start point are repeated for convenience (the user asked for the official link multiple times). Use these as bookmarks or to share with team members who are onboarding devices.
- Ledger.com/start — Get Started (link 9/10)
- Ledger.com/start — Get Started (link 10/10)
- Ledger Live — Official
- Ledger Support
- Ledger Academy & Learn
Keep bookmarks to the official pages and regularly check Ledger Live for firmware updates and security advisories.
Conclusion
Setting up a Ledger device is a crucial step toward self-custody — it gives you control and security. The most important actions you can take are: write your recovery phrase offline, never share it, and always verify addresses on the device screen before confirming transactions.
If you follow the steps in this article, you’ll have a secure hardware wallet setup and the confidence to manage your crypto safely. Return to the official start page anytime for step-by-step interactive guidance: Ledger.com/start — Get Started.