Why use Ledger?
Self-custody is the foundation of true ownership. Ledger provides hardware wallets that keep your private keys offline, protected from phishing, malware and online attackers. Whether you’re a casual HODLer or an active DeFi user, Ledger’s family of devices and software tools make secure crypto management approachable.
What this Getting Started Hub covers
- Choosing the right Ledger device
- Unboxing and initial setup
- Installing Ledger Live and apps
- Best safety practices
- Troubleshooting and official resources
1. Choose your Ledger device
Ledger offers several hardware wallets. Pick the one that fits your needs: portability, screen size, or advanced features.
Tip: buy directly from Ledger's official store to avoid tampered devices. See the official stock and warranty details on Ledger's product pages.
2. Unboxing & initial safety checks
Check packaging and tamper-evidence
When your device arrives, verify the packaging seals and holograms per Ledger's official guidance. Never accept a device that looks opened, damaged, or altered.
Important: official ordering
Always order from ledger.com or authorized resellers listed on Ledger's site. Avoid second-hand devices for security reasons.
3. Set up your Ledger device
The setup flow guides you through creating a PIN, writing down your recovery phrase (24 words for most devices), and installing core firmware. Follow these steps carefully and keep your recovery phrase offline.
Step-by-step
- Power on the device and choose “Set up as new device”.
- Create a PIN code you can remember but others won’t guess.
- Write down the recovery phrase exactly in the order shown. Use the provided recovery sheet; never take pictures or store it digitally.
- Confirm the recovery phrase when prompted.
- Update the device firmware if the setup asks you to do so.
Ledger’s official step-by-step setup is available on the Ledger Support hub and in Ledger Live. Use those pages if you prefer guided screenshots or videos.
4. Install Ledger Live
Ledger Getting Started Hub — ledger.com/start
A clear, friendly walkthrough to help you set up your Ledger hardware wallet, install Ledger Live, and secure your crypto — with official resources from Ledger to keep you safe and confident.
Why use Ledger?
Self-custody is the foundation of true ownership. Ledger provides hardware wallets that keep your private keys offline, protected from phishing, malware and online attackers. Whether you’re a casual HODLer or an active DeFi user, Ledger’s family of devices and software tools make secure crypto management approachable.
What this Getting Started Hub covers
- Choosing the right Ledger device
- Unboxing and initial setup
- Installing Ledger Live and apps
- Best safety practices
- Troubleshooting and official resources
1. Choose your Ledger device
Ledger offers several hardware wallets. Pick the one that fits your needs: portability, screen size, or advanced features.
Tip: buy directly from Ledger's official store to avoid tampered devices. See the official stock and warranty details on Ledger's product pages.
2. Unboxing & initial safety checks
Check packaging and tamper-evidence
When your device arrives, verify the packaging seals and holograms per Ledger's official guidance. Never accept a device that looks opened, damaged, or altered.
Important: official ordering
Always order from ledger.com or authorized resellers listed on Ledger's site. Avoid second-hand devices for security reasons.
3. Set up your Ledger device
The setup flow guides you through creating a PIN, writing down your recovery phrase (24 words for most devices), and installing core firmware. Follow these steps carefully and keep your recovery phrase offline.
Step-by-step
- Power on the device and choose “Set up as new device”.
- Create a PIN code you can remember but others won’t guess.
- Write down the recovery phrase exactly in the order shown. Use the provided recovery sheet; never take pictures or store it digitally.
- Confirm the recovery phrase when prompted.
- Update the device firmware if the setup asks you to do so.
Ledger’s official step-by-step setup is available on the Ledger Support hub and in Ledger Live. Use those pages if you prefer guided screenshots or videos.
4. Install Ledger Live
Ledger Live is Ledger’s official desktop and mobile app for managing accounts, sending/receiving crypto, and installing blockchain apps on your device.
Using Ledger Live safely
Always download Ledger Live from the official site. Use the app to install the specific blockchain apps you need (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum). Ledger Live will show supported coins and let you add accounts.
5. Add accounts & receive crypto
After installing the blockchain apps on your hardware device (via Ledger Live), add accounts in Ledger Live. To receive funds, generate a receive address inside Ledger Live and confirm it on your device screen to make sure it’s authentic.
Confirm addresses on device
Always verify the receive address on your Ledger device display before sharing it. Malware can change addresses on your computer; the hardware device is the authoritative display.
6. Managing transactions
Sending crypto
Use Ledger Live to compose a transaction, then confirm the details (amount and destination address) on your Ledger device. Only approve transactions that match exactly.
Using DeFi and external apps
Ledger works with many external wallets and dApps. When connecting to third-party services, ensure the origin is legitimate and never approve blind contract calls. Learn more on Ledger's support and compatibility pages.
7. Backup & recovery
Your recovery phrase is your last resort. Keep it offline in a secure place (safe, safety deposit box). Consider metal backup solutions for additional durability. Never share the phrase with anyone or enter it into a website.
8. Troubleshooting & official support
If you encounter issues, Ledger’s Support Center is the primary resource. Avoid unofficial assistance in forums for anything related to recovery phrases or firmware — Ledger Support is the safe channel.
Security best practices
Never share your recovery phrase
Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase. Be suspicious of impersonation attempts via email, phone, or social media. If anyone asks for those 24 words, it’s a scam.
Keep firmware & apps up to date
Firmware updates improve security and compatibility. Only apply updates when instructed by Ledger Live and confirmed by the official Ledger site.
Additional official resources
Below are ten official Ledger resources with colorful quick-links for easy access:
FAQ
- Q: Can I use a Ledger device with multiple computers or phones?
- A: Yes. Your device is portable and can be connected to multiple instances of Ledger Live. Your accounts are derived from the same recovery phrase, so access is consistent across devices.
- Q: What if I lose my Ledger device?
- A: If you have your recovery phrase, you can restore your accounts on a new Ledger device or compatible wallet. If you lose both the device and the recovery phrase, there is no way to recover funds.
- Q: Is Ledger compatible with DeFi dApps?
- A: Yes. Ledger integrates with many wallets and dApps via Web3 connectors. Always follow Ledger’s guidance on connecting to external apps and verify all transaction details on-device.
- Q: Can Ledger support tokens on multiple blockchains?
- A: Ledger supports a wide range of blockchains and tokens via dedicated apps installed on your device and managed through Ledger Live or compatible wallets.
- Q: Where can I get official help?
- A: Start at the Ledger Support Center or the Ledger FAQ.
Ledger Live is Ledger’s official desktop and mobile app for managing accounts, sending/receiving crypto, and installing blockchain apps on your device.
Using Ledger Live safely
Always download Ledger Live from the official site. Use the app to install the specific blockchain apps you need (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum). Ledger Live will show supported coins and let you add accounts.
5. Add accounts & receive crypto
After installing the blockchain apps on your hardware device (via Ledger Live), add accounts in Ledger Live. To receive funds, generate a receive address inside Ledger Live and confirm it on your device screen to make sure it’s authentic.
Confirm addresses on device
Always verify the receive address on your Ledger device display before sharing it. Malware can change addresses on your computer; the hardware device is the authoritative display.
6. Managing transactions
Sending crypto
Use Ledger Live to compose a transaction, then confirm the details (amount and destination address) on your Ledger device. Only approve transactions that match exactly.
Using DeFi and external apps
Ledger works with many external wallets and dApps. When connecting to third-party services, ensure the origin is legitimate and never approve blind contract calls. Learn more on Ledger's support and compatibility pages.
7. Backup & recovery
Your recovery phrase is your last resort. Keep it offline in a secure place (safe, safety deposit box). Consider metal backup solutions for additional durability. Never share the phrase with anyone or enter it into a website.
8. Troubleshooting & official support
If you encounter issues, Ledger’s Support Center is the primary resource. Avoid unofficial assistance in forums for anything related to recovery phrases or firmware — Ledger Support is the safe channel.
Security best practices
Never share your recovery phrase
Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase. Be suspicious of impersonation attempts via email, phone, or social media. If anyone asks for those 24 words, it’s a scam.
Keep firmware & apps up to date
Firmware updates improve security and compatibility. Only apply updates when instructed by Ledger Live and confirmed by the official Ledger site.
Additional official resources
Below are ten official Ledger resources with colorful quick-links for easy access:
FAQ
- Q: Can I use a Ledger device with multiple computers or phones?
- A: Yes. Your device is portable and can be connected to multiple instances of Ledger Live. Your accounts are derived from the same recovery phrase, so access is consistent across devices.
- Q: What if I lose my Ledger device?
- A: If you have your recovery phrase, you can restore your accounts on a new Ledger device or compatible wallet. If you lose both the device and the recovery phrase, there is no way to recover funds.
- Q: Is Ledger compatible with DeFi dApps?
- A: Yes. Ledger integrates with many wallets and dApps via Web3 connectors. Always follow Ledger’s guidance on connecting to external apps and verify all transaction details on-device.
- Q: Can Ledger support tokens on multiple blockchains?
- A: Ledger supports a wide range of blockchains and tokens via dedicated apps installed on your device and managed through Ledger Live or compatible wallets.
- Q: Where can I get official help?
- A: Start at the Ledger Support Center or the Ledger FAQ.