Get Started With Your Ledger Wallet
Get Started With Your Ledger Wallet
Set up your Ledger hardware wallet securely and start managing your digital assets with confidence. Follow the official setup process to initialize your Ledger device, install the required software, and learn the essential security steps for protecting your crypto.
Getting started with a Ledger hardware wallet is designed to be simple and secure. Your Ledger device keeps your private keys protected while allowing you to manage supported crypto assets through Ledger's software ecosystem.
Before beginning setup, make sure you have your Ledger hardware wallet, the required accessories, and a secure environment where you can complete the initialization process.
Check Your Ledger Package
If your device was purchased from an unauthorized source, carefully review the packaging and device before proceeding. Never use a Ledger device if you suspect it has been modified or compromised.
Use Ledger's official software to connect your Ledger device and manage your accounts and supported digital assets.
During setup, follow the instructions displayed by the official Ledger software and on your Ledger device.
Use Official Ledger Sources
For your security, download Ledger software only from official Ledger sources. Be cautious of websites, applications, emails, and messages that imitate Ledger or request sensitive wallet information.
Follow the on-screen instructions to initialize your Ledger device. Depending on your device and setup, you may create a new wallet or restore an existing wallet using the appropriate official process.
Protect Your PIN
Your PIN helps protect access to your Ledger device. Choose it carefully and never share it with anyone.
During the setup of a new wallet, your Ledger device generates a recovery phrase.
Write the recovery phrase down exactly as instructed and store it securely offline.
Never Share Your Recovery Phrase
Your recovery phrase is extremely sensitive. Ledger support will never ask you to provide your recovery phrase, PIN, or private keys.
Never enter your recovery phrase into a website, form, email, chat, or messaging application.
After your Ledger device is initialized, use the official Ledger software to install the appropriate blockchain applications and add accounts for supported assets.
You can then use your Ledger device to securely approve transactions.
A hardware wallet provides an additional layer of security by keeping your private keys protected within a dedicated physical device.
Your private keys are used to authorize transactions. A Ledger hardware wallet is designed to keep these keys isolated from your computer or smartphone while transactions are reviewed and approved on the device.
When approving a transaction, carefully review the information displayed on your Ledger device before confirming it.
Check the Transaction Details
Always verify important transaction details, including the destination address and amount, directly on your Ledger device.
Security is an essential part of managing digital assets. Follow these best practices whenever you use your Ledger wallet.
Store your recovery phrase in a secure physical location. Avoid storing it in screenshots, cloud storage, email, notes apps, or other internet-connected services.
Never share your Ledger PIN with another person. If someone obtains access to your device and PIN, they may be able to access wallet functions.
Scammers may create fake Ledger websites, applications, emails, or support accounts designed to steal sensitive wallet information.
How to Identify Suspicious Requests
Be especially cautious if someone asks you to:
Provide your recovery phrase
Share your PIN
Reveal private keys
Install unknown software
Transfer funds to a new address for "verification"
Connect your wallet to an unfamiliar website
Disable security features
Legitimate Ledger support will not ask for your recovery phrase or PIN.
If you experience problems during setup, start by checking that you are using the official Ledger software and following the instructions provided for your specific Ledger device.
Check the USB connection, try another compatible cable or port if appropriate, and make sure the official Ledger software is up to date.
Restart the application and reconnect your Ledger device. If the problem continues, consult official Ledger support resources for device-specific troubleshooting.
Do not attempt to guess your PIN repeatedly. Follow the official Ledger recovery and device-reset instructions for your specific device.
Ledger.com/start is the starting point for setting up and learning how to use a Ledger hardware wallet. It can direct users toward official Ledger setup resources and information.
Start by obtaining a genuine Ledger device, accessing official Ledger setup resources, installing the required official software, and following the instructions shown by your device and software.
The software required can depend on your Ledger device and the assets or services you want to use. Follow the official Ledger documentation for the current requirements for your device.
No. Never enter your recovery phrase into a website or share it with anyone. A legitimate Ledger representative will not ask you for your recovery phrase.
Stop immediately and do not provide it. Close the website and use official Ledger support resources to determine whether the request is legitimate.
Your Ledger device is designed to give you greater control over your digital assets while helping protect your private keys. Take time to complete setup carefully, secure your recovery phrase offline, and verify every transaction directly on your Ledger device.