A short, practical 900-word guide to set up your Ledger hardware wallet safely and confidently.
Overview — what you'll do
This guide walks you through the essential steps to get your Ledger device up and running: download and install Ledger Live (the official companion app), initialize your device, create and protect your recovery phrase, add accounts, and perform your first transaction. Follow each step carefully — hardware wallets protect your crypto by keeping private keys offline, so small setup mistakes can have big consequences.
Before you start
Work from a trusted computer and a secured internet connection.
Only download Ledger Live from ledger.com/start or the official Ledger site—avoid search ads and unofficial mirrors.
Have a pen and the supplied recovery sheet (or a secure, offline method) ready for writing down your recovery phrase.
1. Download & install Ledger Live
Go to ledger.com/start, choose your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux), and download Ledger Live. Install the app following the platform prompts. Ledger Live is the official app for device setup, app management, account management, and features like staking, swapping, and portfolio tracking.
After installing, open Ledger Live and follow the initial onboarding prompts. If you’re asked to update Ledger Live, approve the update from the official source only.
2. Initialize your Ledger device
Connect the Ledger device to your computer with the included cable and power it on.
Choose Create a new device if the device is new, or Restore device if you already have a recovery phrase.
Set a secure PIN on the device — this prevents unauthorized local use.
The device will display a 24-word recovery phrase (or the number of words specified by your model) one word at a time. Write each word clearly on the recovery sheet you received.
Confirm the words on the device when prompted to ensure your backup is correct.
Never store your recovery phrase digitally (screenshots, cloud, notes). Treat it like cash: physical, offline, and stored securely.
3. Add accounts in Ledger Live
With your device initialized, use Ledger Live to install cryptocurrency apps on the device (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum). Then add accounts for the coins you want to manage. Ledger Live will sync balances and transaction history — private keys remain on the device and signing happens there.
4. Send & receive — first transaction
To receive funds, open an account in Ledger Live and click Receive. Always verify the receiving address on the device screen before sharing it.
To send funds, compose a transaction in Ledger Live. When asked to sign, check the full details (amount and destination) on your Ledger device and approve using the physical buttons.
Verifying addresses and amounts on the device display is the single most important habit to avoid theft from malware or phishing.
Security best practices
Only download Ledger Live from ledger.com/start and verify checksums if provided.
Never share your 24-word recovery phrase — Ledger support will never ask for it.
Keep your recovery phrase offline and consider a fireproof or secure storage solution.
Use a strong PIN and consider enabling optional passphrase features for extra segmentation of funds.
Keep your computer OS and antivirus updated; avoid using public or untrusted devices for managing large funds.
Troubleshooting — common issues
Device not detected: try a different USB cable/port, restart Ledger Live, and ensure the device is unlocked.
Sync problems: update Ledger Live to the latest version and check your internet connection.
Restore issues: verify you entered the recovery words in the exact order and with correct spelling.
If problems persist, consult official Ledger support documentation and community resources. Never share your recovery phrase during support interactions.
FAQ — short answers
Can I use Ledger Live without a device? Yes — you can install the app and explore its interface, but signing transactions requires the physical Ledger device.
What if I lose my device? Your funds are recoverable using your 24-word recovery phrase on a new Ledger device or compatible wallet — provided your seed is secure.