Official Site® | Ledger Wallet® | Getting started

Why Ledger?

Ledger Wallet® devices provide hardware-enforced key isolation: private keys are generated and used only inside the device, preventing remote theft even if your computer is compromised. The Ledger ecosystem — Ledger Live, device firmware, and companion apps — is designed to balance usability with strong security controls for individuals and institutions alike.

What’s in the box

• Your Ledger device (Nano S Plus, Nano X, or another supported model).
• USB cable (and Bluetooth support for compatible models).
• Recovery sheets to write down your recovery phrase.
• Quick start guide and warranty information.

Inspect packaging for tamper evidence before setting up. If anything looks altered or suspicious, contact official support.

Download Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the official companion application to initialize devices, install apps, manage accounts, and perform firmware updates. Always download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website and verify file integrity when a checksum or signature is provided. Use the desktop app for firmware management and the mobile app for on-the-go portfolio viewing and transactions.

Initial device setup

Follow these steps to set up a new Ledger device securely:

1. Open Ledger Live and choose "Set up a new device". Connect the device to your computer and power it on.
2. On the device, select a PIN and confirm it. Choose a PIN that is memorable but not trivial; avoid common sequences.
3. The device will display your recovery phrase (typically 24 words) — write them down in order on the recovery sheet supplied. Do not store the seed digitally or photograph it.
4. Confirm the recovery phrase on the device when prompted. This step ensures your backup was recorded correctly.
5. Ledger Live may prompt you to update firmware — only accept updates through Ledger Live and ensure the process completes without interruption.

After setup, install the apps for the currencies you plan to use (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) via Ledger Live's Manager tab and add accounts to the app to view balances.

Restoring an existing wallet

If you are migrating from another device or restoring from a seed, select the "Restore device" option in Ledger Live and enter your recovery phrase exactly as recorded. After restoring, verify addresses and balances before moving large amounts.

Installing coin apps & adding accounts

Ledger devices use modular apps to support blockchains. In Ledger Live's Manager tab you can install apps for different coins. After installing an app, add the corresponding account in Ledger Live to display addresses and transaction history derived from your seed.

• Install only the apps you need — some devices have limited storage.
• Accounts can be labeled for easier organization (e.g., Savings, Trading, Vault).

Sending and receiving funds

Security during transactions is paramount:

• To receive funds, click Receive in Ledger Live and verify the address on your device screen before sharing it.
• To send funds, construct the transaction in Ledger Live and confirm the details displayed on your Ledger device. The device’s screen is the definitive source for what you are signing.
• Prefer manual entry or QR scanning over copy-paste when possible. If you copy an address, always confirm on-device that it matches to detect clipboard hijacking.

Passphrase & hidden accounts

Ledger supports optional passphrases that derive additional, hidden wallets from the same seed. A passphrase offers plausible deniability and extra protection for high-value holdings. Important: if you lose the passphrase, the derived hidden accounts cannot be recovered even with the seed.

Backup strategies

Your recovery phrase is the most important backup. Recommended practices:

• Record your recovery phrase on paper and consider duplicating it on metal for disaster resilience.
• Store copies in separate secure locations — a safe at home and a safe deposit box, for example.
• Test a restore on a spare device in a secure environment to ensure your backup is correct.

Firmware updates & device integrity

Firmware updates can include security patches and new features. Apply firmware updates only via Ledger Live and verify that the device confirms update signatures. Avoid updating the firmware based on unsolicited instructions from third parties. Periodically inspect the device for physical tampering and keep your Ledger Live installation up to date.

Privacy & telemetry

Ledger may use minimal telemetry to improve product quality, but private keys and recovery material never leave the device. If privacy is a priority, opt out of telemetry, use your own node or trusted RPC endpoints, and consider privacy-enhancing wallets for sensitive transactions.

Troubleshooting common issues

Advanced uses: multisig & integrations

For higher levels of protection, integrate Ledger devices into multisig wallets or enterprise custody solutions. Ledger devices can act as keyholders in multi-party signing setups. When connecting to third-party services, ensure the integration is reputable and always approve transactions on-device.

Security checklist

• Never disclose your recovery phrase. Ledger support will never ask for it.
• Keep Ledger Live and device firmware updated via official channels only.
• Verify addresses and amounts on-device before approving transactions.
• Consider hardware backups and multisig for large holdings.

Getting help

Visit the official Ledger support pages for documentation, guides, and contact options. When contacting support, provide only non-sensitive details; never share your recovery phrase or private keys.

Conclusion

Ledger Wallet® offers a secure foundation for self-custody. By following this getting started guide — using official Ledger Live downloads, securing your recovery phrase, and confirming transactions on-device — you adopt strong practices that protect your crypto assets while retaining full control.