Before you begin
Unbox your Ledger device and confirm the tamper-evident seal is intact. Use an official Ledger device. Keep your recovery phrase private. Do not share your 24-word recovery phrase with anyone.
Step-by-step setup
Power on & choose a PIN
Turn on your Ledger and follow the on-screen prompts to create a secure PIN. Choose a PIN you can remember without writing it down. This PIN protects your device.
Securely write down your recovery phrase
Your device will display 24 words — the recovery phrase. Write them down in order on the supplied recovery sheet. Store it offline in two safe locations. Never store the phrase on a computer or cloud.
Install Ledger Live
Download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website. Install the app for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android or iOS. Open Ledger Live and follow the 'Get started' flow to pair your device. Ledger Live allows you to add accounts, install apps, and manage assets.
Install apps & add accounts
Use Ledger Live to install blockchain apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) on your device. Add accounts to view balances and receive funds. When sending crypto, confirm transactions on the device screen — never approve unknown operations.
Backup & test
Verify that your recovery phrase is correctly recorded by confirming a few words when prompted. Send a small test amount to and from your wallet to confirm everything works before transferring large funds.
Security best practices
- Never disclose your 24-word recovery phrase.
- Always download Ledger Live from the official site and keep your device firmware up to date.
- Use a strong PIN and enable passphrase features only if you understand them.
- Consider hardware-backed storage and secure physical backups for long-term holds.
Advanced tips
For power users, set up a hidden wallet with a passphrase, use multi-sig setups for higher security, and maintain an offline cold storage copy. Regularly check firmware release notes and community guides for new best practices.