About this guide
This official getting started guide walks new users through the essential steps to set up a Ledger hardware wallet safely. It covers unboxing, installing Ledger Live on desktop or mobile, initializing the device, backing up your recovery phrase, and best practices for everyday use. Read carefully — protecting your recovery phrase is critical.
Unboxing & verifying
Confirm the package is sealed and undamaged. Inside, you should find your Ledger device (Nano family or similar), a USB cable, recovery sheets, and a quick start card. If anything looks tampered with or unexpected, stop and contact Ledger support immediately.
- Check the tamper-evident seal.
- Verify that only official accessories are present.
- Never use a device received from a third-party seller without verification.
Install Ledger Live
Ledger Live is the official application to manage your Ledger device and crypto accounts. Download Ledger Live only from ledger.com or official app stores.
Download & install
- Visit ledger.com/Start and choose your platform (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android).
- Install the application and open it. On first run choose Get started.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to set up a new device or restore from an existing recovery phrase.
Init your device — PIN & recovery phrase
When you power on the device, you’ll be guided to set a PIN and to write down a recovery phrase. These two items are essential:
- PIN: A numeric code used to unlock the device. Choose a PIN that is not easily guessable; keep it private.
- Recovery phrase: A sequence of words (usually 24) that can restore your wallet on any compatible device. Write these words down in order on the provided recovery sheet. Store copies in secure, separate locations.
Never share your recovery phrase. Ledger support will never ask for it.
Security best practices
Follow these rules to reduce risk:
- Keep recovery phrase offline — no photos or digital copies.
- Use a hardware backup like metal plates for long-term durability.
- Update device firmware through Ledger Live when prompted.
- Verify addresses on the device screen before approving transactions.
- Consider using an optional passphrase only if you understand how it affects backup and recovery.
Using Ledger for transactions
After installing apps for specific currencies in Ledger Live and adding accounts, you can send and receive crypto as follows:
Receive
In Ledger Live, choose an account and click Receive. Confirm the address displayed in the app by checking the exact same address on your Ledger device screen.
Send
To send, enter the recipient address and amount in Ledger Live. The final confirmation must be done on the device — double-check the address and amount before approving.
Tip: For new recipients, send a small test amount first.
Troubleshooting quick fixes
- Device not recognized: Try another USB cable/port, restart Ledger Live, and ensure you have the latest software.
- Forgot PIN: Reset the device and restore from your recovery phrase.
- Recovery restore problems: Check the exact spelling and order of words; use the official BIP39 wordlist if needed.