Get started safely with your Ledger

Whether this is your first hardware wallet or you are restoring an existing wallet, this guide walks you step-by-step through unboxing, setup, secure backup and daily use of your Ledger device. We’ve reorganized the flow so actions appear on the right and contextual help on the left—an intentionally mirrored layout for a different perspective.

Step-by-step

1. Unbox & Inspect

Open your package and confirm the tamper-evident seal is intact. Verify the device model and packaging against the official images provided by the manufacturer. Do not use a device with unknown provenance.

2. Initialize the Device

Power on the Ledger and follow the on-screen instructions to create a new wallet or restore an existing one. Choose a secure PIN that you can remember but others cannot guess.

3. Write Down Recovery Phrase

Write your 24-word recovery phrase on the provided recovery sheet. Store it in at least two secure locations and never photograph or store it digitally. This phrase is the ultimate key to your crypto—treat it like a physical asset.

4. Install Ledger Live

On your computer or phone, install Ledger Live from the official source. Use Ledger Live to add accounts, install apps on your Ledger device, and manage transactions with a clear audit trail.

5. Install Apps & Add Accounts

Through Ledger Live, install only the apps for the blockchains you use (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.). Adding accounts ties those blockchain addresses to your device so you can send and receive safely.

6. Test with a Small Transfer

Before moving significant funds, send a small amount to an address generated by your Ledger to validate the flow—from address verification to confirmation on-chain.

7. Ongoing Maintenance

Keep firmware and Ledger Live updated. Periodically review installed apps and remove anything you no longer need. Be wary of unsolicited messages, phishing sites, and fake apps.

Security checklist

Always keep your recovery phrase offline and physically secure.
Never share your PIN, recovery phrase, or passphrase with anyone.
Use official Ledger downloads only; check signatures when available.
Consider a metal backup to guard against fire and water damage.

Common troubleshooting

Device not recognized

Try a different USB cable, reboot your system, update Ledger Live, and ensure the device is unlocked when connecting.

Forgot PIN

A forgotten PIN requires device reset. Restore using your recovery phrase—do not enter random PINs repeatedly.