Your step-by-step, security-first guide to unbox, set up, secure and use your Ledger hardware wallet with confidence.
This hub walks you through everything you need to go from opening your Ledger® box to safely managing crypto assets. Whether you're brand new to hardware wallets or refreshing your security mindset, these steps prioritize safety, clarity and speed. Expect clear instructions for:
Quick safety reminder: Never share your recovery phrase. Ledger will never ask for it outside the device itself.
Only buy Ledger products from official sources or authorized retailers. When unboxing, check:
Connect your Ledger device to a trusted computer or smartphone and open Ledger Live. Download Ledger Live only from Ledger’s official site. During first connection Ledger Live will detect your device and present options to initialize it.
Ledger periodically releases firmware updates to improve security and features. Ledger Live will prompt you when an update is available. Apply updates only when connected to Ledger Live and verify the update process completes — do not interrupt.
After initialization and updates, use Ledger Live to add accounts for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other supported assets. Install corresponding apps to your Ledger device through Ledger Live if prompted.
Before moving large sums, send a small test transaction. Confirm addresses on both Ledger Live and the device screen — always verify on-device before approving.
Your recovery phrase is the single most important backup. Store it securely — consider:
Hardware wallets like Ledger provide an isolated environment for keys, but you still control how safe your crypto remains. Follow these core principles:
If you enter the PIN incorrectly too many times the device will reset. Use your recovery phrase to restore the wallet on a new device or the same device after factory reset.
If your recovery phrase is lost and the device is the only access, funds may be irretrievable. Always store multiple secure backups. If phrase is damaged, carefully reconstruct by comparing any remaining fragments and check all possible words — but never submit partial phrases to online services.
Clear Ledger Live cache, ensure sufficient storage in the device app manager, and retry. If issues persist, consult Ledger support for guided diagnostics.
Official Ledger documentation and support are your primary references. For community guides, prefer reputable sources and cross-check with Ledger’s official docs before following advice that involves your seed phrase or firmware changes.
The recovery phrase (typically 24 words for Ledger devices) is a human-readable backup of your private keys. If your device is lost, stolen, or damaged, the recovery phrase is the only way to restore access to your crypto. Keep it offline, private, and secure — anyone with the phrase can control your funds.
Ledger devices isolate private keys inside a secure element — remote hacks are extremely difficult. Most compromises occur through phishing, social engineering, or users sharing their recovery phrase. Practicing on-device verification and safe handling of the recovery phrase mitigates the highest risks.
Treat unsolicited messages with caution. Ledger will not ask for your recovery phrase via email or chat. Verify support channels via the official Ledger website. If approached, do not provide private information and instead open a ticket using official channels.
Initialize the new device and either restore it with your existing recovery phrase or transfer assets by creating new accounts and sending funds. For very large balances, consider moving small test amounts first and, where appropriate, use multisig or cold storage best practices.
Ledger Live is the official companion application and recommended for most users. It provides firmware updates, app management and a clean UX. Advanced users may use compatible third-party wallets that support Ledger devices, but always ensure third-party compatibility and trustworthiness before connecting your device.