The official guide to safely set up and start using your Ledger hardware wallet.
Introduction
Welcome to Ledger Start. Ledger hardware wallets provide the safest way to store and manage your cryptocurrency.
By keeping your private keys offline, Ledger ensures your assets are secure even if your computer or mobile device is compromised.
This guide will walk you through the complete process of initializing your Ledger device, installing Ledger Live, and securing your cryptocurrency.
Throughout this guide, you will find instructions on installation, setup, and best security practices.
Each section contains interlinked references for quick navigation.
Setup Steps
Setting up your Ledger device is simple but requires careful attention. Follow these steps to ensure a secure setup:
Unbox Your Ledger Device: Verify the package is sealed and authentic. Never use a device with broken seals.
Connect to Your Computer: Use the provided USB cable to connect your Ledger device to your PC or Mac.
Install Ledger Live: Visit Ledger Start and download Ledger Live, the official application for managing your assets.
Initialize Your Device: Open Ledger Live and follow the on-screen instructions to create a new wallet or restore an existing one.
Write Down Your Recovery Phrase: During setup, Ledger will provide a 24-word recovery phrase. Store it safely offline; this is the only way to recover your funds.
Set a PIN: Choose a secure PIN to protect your device from unauthorized access.
Verify Device and Recovery Phrase: Ledger will prompt you to confirm your recovery phrase and PIN to ensure everything is properly configured.
Add Accounts: Use Ledger Live to add accounts for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other supported cryptocurrencies.
After completing these steps, your Ledger device is fully operational and ready for secure transactions.
Security Tips
Protecting your Ledger device and recovery phrase is critical. Here are some best practices:
Always download Ledger Live from the official website: ledger.com/start.
Never share your 24-word recovery phrase with anyone. Ledger staff will never ask for it.
Use a strong PIN and keep your device physically secure.
Enable optional passphrase protection for added security.
Keep your firmware and Ledger Live software up to date to prevent vulnerabilities.
Be cautious of phishing websites or emails pretending to be Ledger support.
For further guidance, refer to the Setup Steps section to ensure your device is configured securely.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I recover my wallet if I lose my Ledger?
Yes. Use your 24-word recovery phrase on a new Ledger device to restore all accounts and balances.
Is Ledger Live safe?
Ledger Live is the official application from Ledger. It communicates securely with your device and never exposes private keys.
What should I do if my device is lost or stolen?
Keep your recovery phrase secure. If your device is lost, use the recovery phrase on a new Ledger to restore your wallet immediately.
How do I update my Ledger firmware?
Open Ledger Live, connect your device, and follow the on-screen instructions for firmware updates. Updates are essential for security.