01
Check your device
Buy from Ledger.com or an authorized retailer. A Ledger device should arrive without a pre-filled recovery phrase or PIN. If anything seems unusual, stop and contact official support.
YOUR FIRST STEPS, MADE CLEAR
Your crypto.
Your keys.
Your confidence.
A straightforward guide to setting up your Ledger hardware wallet—so you can begin with clarity and keep your recovery phrase yours alone.
Never share your recovery phraseIndependent educational resource
SECURITY STARTS WITH YOU
01 / 05
START WITH THE BASICS
A little preparation
goes a long way.
Setting up a hardware wallet is about creating a secure way to approve transactions. Your recovery phrase is the backup to your wallet—not a password to share or save online.
Learn more in Ledger AcademyTHE SETUP WALKTHROUGH
Five steps to a safer start.
Keep your device nearby and take your time. Follow the instructions on your device screen, and use official Ledger resources whenever anything differs.
02
Install Ledger Wallet
Download Ledger Wallet (formerly Ledger Live) from Ledger’s official website or your device’s official app store. Check the publisher and URL before installing.
03
Initialize on the device
Connect your hardware wallet and follow the instructions shown on its own screen. Choose to set it up as a new device and create your PIN privately.
04
Write down your recovery phrase
Record the words in their exact order on the recovery sheet, offline. Store it somewhere private and secure. Never photograph, type, share, or enter it into a website.
05
Verify, then add an account
Complete the device’s phrase verification. Once ready, connect an account in the app and follow the on-screen prompts. Verify every address on the device display before use.
i
Device names, app features, and setup screens can change. Always follow the latest instructions shown by Ledger and on your specific device.
Official guideTHE GOLDEN RULE
Your 24 words.
Only for you.
Your recovery phrase is the master backup for your wallet. Treat it like the keys to your home: keep it offline, private, and out of photos, cloud storage, and messages.
Explore security basicsKEEP THIS IN MIND
Ledger will never ask you to share your recovery phrase.
- Write it down offline
- Keep it in a private, secure place
- Never type it into a website or app
If someone asks for your words, it’s a scam.
GOOD TO KNOW
Questions, answered.
Take a moment to understand the essentials before moving crypto.
Need device-specific help?
Visit official Ledger Support
Visit official Ledger Support
Where should I download Ledger Wallet?
Start from Ledger’s official website at ledger.com/start, then follow its current download instructions. Avoid sponsored search results, unsolicited links, and third-party download sites.
What is the recovery phrase for?
It is the offline backup that can restore access to your crypto accounts if a device is lost or damaged. Anyone who obtains it may be able to access your assets, so keep it secret and physically protected.
Will Ledger support ever ask for my 24 words?
No legitimate support representative needs your recovery phrase. Never enter it into a computer, mobile app, website, chat, or form. If a prompt asks for it, stop immediately.
What if my device arrives with a recovery phrase?
Do not use that phrase. A genuine setup generates a new phrase on the device itself. Contact Ledger through its official support channels and follow its current guidance.
READY WHEN YOU ARE
Take your next step
with confidence.
For the latest device-specific setup, go straight to Ledger’s official start page.
Continue to Ledger.com/start Always verify the URL before connecting your device.