Get started with Ledger™

Before you begin: what you’ll need

• A Ledger hardware wallet (for example, Ledger Nano S Plus or Ledger Nano X).
• A computer or smartphone with an up-to-date operating system and web browser.
• The USB cable included with your device — or Bluetooth for Ledger Nano X when pairing to mobile.
• An internet connection to download Ledger Live from the official site.

1. Unbox and verify

Inspect the device and packaging. Ledger packages include tamper-evident seals and official documentation. If anything appears tampered with or missing, contact Ledger Support and do not use the device.

1. Confirm the model printed on the box matches the device inside.
2. Locate the recovery card, USB cable, and quick start guide.
3. Keep the box and packaging until setup is complete and you’re confident everything is working.

2. Install Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the official app to manage accounts, check balances, and install apps on your device.

1. Open a browser and go to ledger.com/start. Select your device model.
2. Download Ledger Live for Windows, macOS, or Linux — or get the mobile app from Google Play / App Store.
3. Run the installer and open Ledger Live. Allow the app to check for updates when prompted.

If Ledger Live asks to update device firmware during setup, follow the instructions. Firmware updates are signed and distributed via Ledger Live.

3. Initialize your Ledger device

When you power on your Ledger for the first time, you will either set it up as a new device or restore from an existing recovery phrase.

1. Connect the device to your computer or pair via Bluetooth (Nano X) and enter the recommended setup flow.
2. Create a PIN code on the device — choose something memorable but not easily guessable.
3. The device will display a 24-word recovery phrase. Write each word in order on the supplied recovery card. Do not photograph or save this phrase digitally.
4. Confirm the phrase on the device when asked to ensure it was recorded correctly.

4. Add accounts and install apps

Ledger devices use small blockchain-specific apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) which you install from Ledger Live. Each app allows the device to generate keys and sign transactions for that network.

1. Open Ledger Live, go to Manager, and connect and unlock your device.
2. In Manager, find the app for the cryptocurrency you want (for example, Bitcoin) and click Install.
3. After installation, go to Accounts → Add account, select the currency, and follow the prompts to synchronize addresses from your device.

Repeat the process to add multiple cryptocurrencies. You can also connect Ledger to compatible third-party wallets while keeping keys on-device.

5. Receive and send crypto — safe first steps

Always verify addresses directly on your Ledger device screen before sending funds; never trust copy-paste alone.

1. To receive: In Ledger Live choose the account and click Receive. Verify the address on your device and approve it before sharing.
2. To send: Click Send, enter the amount and destination address, and confirm the transaction details in Ledger Live. Approve the transaction on the device to sign it.
3. Start with a small test transaction when sending from an exchange or another wallet to confirm everything is correct.

Security: extra precautions

• Never disclose your 24-word recovery phrase — not to Ledger support, not to anyone.
• Store the recovery phrase physically: on paper, metal backup, or a safe. Consider redundancy (two secure locations).
• Enable a passphrase only if you understand how it changes recovery (it effectively creates a different wallet). Losing a passphrase means losing access.
• Use strong, unique PINs and avoid obvious choices. Do not reuse device PINs across multiple devices if applicable.
• Beware of phishing: always check URLs, and do not click links from unknown emails or messages requesting your keys.

Troubleshooting & common issues

If Ledger Live does not recognize your device:

• Try a different USB cable or port — some cables are charge-only and won’t transmit data.
• Unlock the device (enter PIN) and retry the connection.
• Reboot your computer or smartphone and try again. Reinstall Ledger Live if problems persist.
• On mobile, ensure Bluetooth is enabled and that Ledger Live has permission to pair (for Nano X).

If you have lost your recovery phrase and your device PIN, recovery isn’t possible. That is the intended security model: keys are private and recoverable only with the seed.

Advanced tips

• Consider using a steel backup for your seed phrase to protect from fire and water damage.
• For large holdings, think about splitting funds across multiple wallets to reduce single-point risk.
• Use the Ledger Live Portfolio and Manager views to monitor holdings and keep apps up to date.
• When interacting with dApps, always review transaction details on the device screen before approving.

Glossary

Ledger Live

The official app for managing your Ledger device, accounts, and firmware.

Recovery phrase (seed)

A 24-word phrase that is the master backup for your wallet keys.

App (on-device)

Small, blockchain-specific software installed on the Ledger device to support a network.