Get Started with Ledger — Ledger.com/start

Why choose a Ledger hardware wallet?

Hardware wallets store your private keys offline on a dedicated device. This protects you from common online threats such as phishing, malware and remote attacks. Ledger devices combine secure hardware with a simple user interface so you can sign transactions safely.

Key benefits

• Offline key storage: Your private keys never leave the device.
• Seed phrase backup: Recover your wallet using a 24‑word recovery phrase.
• Wide crypto support: Bitcoin, Ethereum, many ERC‑20 tokens and thousands of other assets.
• Ledger Live app: A desktop & mobile app to manage accounts, swap and stake.

Before you begin

• Buy an official Ledger device (Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X) from a trusted source.
• Have a clean computer and a secure, private place to write your recovery phrase.
• Do not share your recovery phrase with anyone and never type it into a website or app.

Step 1 — Unbox and power on

Open the box and ensure the tamper‑evident seal is intact. Connect the Ledger device to your computer (or pair via Bluetooth for Nano X). The device will boot and show a welcome screen.

Step 2 — Install Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the official companion app used to set up the device, manage assets, and install apps on the device.

1. Visit the official Ledger site and download Ledger Live for your OS.
2. Install and open Ledger Live, then choose "Get started".
3. Follow the on‑screen steps to create a new device or restore an existing one.

Quick tip:

Only download Ledger Live from the official website and verify the URL in your browser address bar.

Step 3 — Initialize your Ledger device

Follow the prompts on the device and in Ledger Live. You will be asked whether this is a new device or if you want to restore a wallet with an existing recovery phrase.

• If new device: choose a PIN (keep it memorable but not trivial), confirm it on the device, and write down the recovery phrase on the supplied recovery sheet.
• If restoring: enter your existing 24‑word recovery phrase using the device controls.

Important: Ledger support will never ask for your recovery phrase. Keep it offline and secure.

Step 4 — Install crypto apps

Ledger devices use small apps (one per currency) to handle different blockchains. Use Ledger Live’s Manager to install apps like Bitcoin and Ethereum onto the device.

1. Connect and unlock your device.
2. Open Manager in Ledger Live and allow the connection when prompted.
3. Search for the currency app and click Install.

Step 5 — Add accounts

After installing apps, add accounts in Ledger Live to view balances and manage transactions.

1. Open Accounts > Add account.
2. Select the currency, follow prompts and open the corresponding app on your device.
3. Ledger Live will detect the account and display balances.

How to receive crypto

1. In Ledger Live, click Receive, choose the account and click Continue.
2. Connect your device and verify the address shown on the device screen matches Ledger Live.
3. Use that verified address to send funds from an exchange or another wallet.

How to send crypto

1. Click Send in Ledger Live, paste the recipient address and set an amount and fees.
2. Confirm details in Ledger Live and physically approve the transaction on your Ledger device.

Security best practices

• Never share your 24‑word recovery phrase. Store it offline in a safe place.
• Use a strong PIN and enable a passphrase (advanced) if you want an additional hidden wallet layer.
• Keep firmware and Ledger Live up to date — updates include security improvements.
• Beware of phishing websites and always check the URL before entering sensitive info.
• Consider a hardware backup such as a steel seed backup for long‑term storage.

Lost device or stolen?

If your Ledger is lost or stolen, your funds are safe as long as your recovery phrase remains secret. Use a new Ledger (or compatible device) and restore your wallet using your recovery phrase.