Introduction
Welcome to your new Ledger device! If you've landed on Ledger.com/start or opened a recent package, this guide will walk you — step by step — from unboxing to sending your first transaction. Whether you're a complete beginner or just want a polished checklist, this article is designed to be visual, practical, and secure-first.
Why use a Ledger hardware wallet?
Hardware wallets like Ledger keep your private keys offline in a secure chip. Compared to software wallets, they significantly reduce risk from online attackers, phishing sites, or malware. That said, security depends on both your device and your habits. We'll cover both.
Unboxing and first look
When you receive your Ledger device, inspect the packaging and contents carefully. Ledger devices typically come with:
- The Ledger hardware device (e.g., Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X).
- A USB or USB-C cable.
- A recovery card or sheets (to write your recovery phrase).
- Instruction leaflet and stickers.
What to check immediately
1. Packaging integrity
Make sure the tamper-evident seals are intact (where applicable). If the packaging looks opened or damaged, contact the vendor before powering the device.
2. Included accessories
Verify the cable type and ensure you have what you need to connect to your computer or phone. Some Ledger models pair via Bluetooth (Ledger Nano X) while others are USB-only.
Pro tip
Keep original packaging for warranty and resale value (if you plan on selling later).
Step-by-step setup
This section walks you through powering on, initializing, and securing your device. Follow these steps exactly for the best security posture.
Step 1 — Power on the device
Connect the Ledger to your computer or phone with the provided cable. Follow the on-device prompts to begin. Ledger devices have simple button navigation: left, right, and both to confirm.
Step 2 — Choose a PIN
You'll be asked to choose a PIN code. Pick a PIN you can remember, but that's not trivial. Avoid birthdates or repeated digits. The PIN protects the device if physically stolen.
PIN best practices
- Use 4–8 digits (depending on device model).
- Don't write the PIN on the recovery sheet.
- If you forget the PIN, you'll need your recovery phrase to restore funds.
Step 3 — Write down your recovery phrase
The device will generate a recovery phrase (usually 24 words). This is the single most important thing to protect — it controls your funds if the device is lost.
Handling the recovery phrase
- Write it on the provided card or on a durable metal backup plate (recommended).
- Store the backup in a safe, offline location (e.g., safe deposit box or home safe).
- Never take a photo or store it in cloud storage.
Do not share this phrase
Ledger support will never ask for your recovery phrase. Any request to provide it is a scam.
Step 4 — Confirm words on the device
The device will ask you to confirm several words to ensure you wrote the phrase correctly. Complete this step carefully.
Step 5 — Install Ledger Live
On your computer or mobile device, install Ledger Live — the official companion app to manage accounts, apps, and transactions.
Security essentials
Securing a hardware wallet is more about your habits than the device alone. Here are security layers to adopt.
Keep your recovery phrase offline
Never store the phrase digitally. Prefer metal backups resistant to fire, water, and time.
Beware of phishing
Phishing is the most common attack. Always verify domains, avoid clicking email links that prompt for wallet access, and use bookmarks for Ledger Live URLs.
How to verify
- Type addresses manually or use Ledger Live's built-in features.
- When receiving transaction requests, verify the address on your device's screen.
Firmware updates
Ledger periodically releases firmware updates. Keep firmware up to date but only update via official Ledger Live prompts. Updating helps patch vulnerabilities and add new coin support.
Warning
If you see unsolicited firmware prompts or are instructed by someone over chat to update outside Ledger Live, stop — it may be malicious.
Using Ledger Live
Ledger Live is the control center. From it you can install/uninstall apps on your device, create accounts, check balances, and send/receive funds.
Installing apps on the device
Ledger devices use small "apps" to support different blockchains (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.). Install only the apps you need to avoid filling device storage.
Creating accounts
In Ledger Live, click Add account, choose the blockchain, and follow prompts. The device verifies each account when used.
Receiving funds
Always generate a receiving address from Ledger Live and verify it on the physical device before sharing it.
Sending funds
Initiate the transaction in Ledger Live, then confirm the full amount and destination address on the device screen. Only approve a TX if it matches exactly.
Mobile vs Desktop
Ledger Live is available on mobile and desktop. Mobile is convenient for on-the-go, but for complex operations you might prefer desktop due to screen size and file management.
Troubleshooting common issues
Even with a smooth setup, you might hit snags. Here are common problems and clear fixes.
Device not detected
Try a different USB cable or port. Ensure you used the cable provided. On phones, verify OTG support or Bluetooth pairing depending on model.
Forgot PIN
If you forget the PIN, factory-reset the device and restore from your recovery phrase in Ledger Live. This is why the recovery phrase is crucial.
Missing account balance
Make sure the correct account type is added (e.g., derivation path for specific tokens). You can resync accounts in Ledger Live.
When to contact support
If you suspect a defective device, tampered packaging, or fraudulent activity, contact official Ledger support immediately. Never share your recovery phrase with support.
Best practices for long-term safety
Think long-term: if you plan to hold crypto for years, build habits and backups that survive time, moves, and memory lapses.
Make multiple backups (safely)
A single physical backup is a single point of failure (fire, theft). Split backups across geographically separate secure locations, and consider using a metal backup.
Consider passphrase protection
Advanced users may enable a passphrase (25th word). This adds a layer but must be managed carefully — forgetting it means losing access to funds on that derived wallet.
Estate planning
Document a recovery plan in a secure legal document explaining where instructions and backups are stored — without revealing the actual words. Consult a lawyer if needed.
Periodic checks
Every 6–12 months, verify backups, check device firmware, and review account addresses to ensure nothing changed unexpectedly.
FAQ — Quick answers
Can Ledger be hacked?
Physical attacks on the device and social-engineering remain the main threats. A properly kept hardware wallet with safe recovery storage is extremely resilient.
What if I lose my device?
Use your recovery phrase to restore on a new Ledger or compatible wallet. If you also lose your recovery phrase, there is no way to recover funds.
Are all tokens supported?
Most popular tokens are supported directly or through third-party apps integrated with Ledger Live. Check the official app list before expecting support for niche tokens.
Does Ledger charge fees?
Ledger charges for devices and optional services; blockchain transaction fees are set by the network (miners/validators) and shown in Ledger Live.
Helpful resources & 10 official links
Below are useful official resources to bookmark and revisit as you get comfortable.
Bookmark these and use official links rather than third-party guidance when performing sensitive actions like firmware updates or recovery operations.