Secure your first steps in crypto — Ledger Start

Set up your hardware wallet quickly and safely. Learn essential security practices, initialize your device, and complete your first test transaction with confidence.

Beginner-friendly 24-word recovery guidance Firmware & Ledger Live

This hero banner focuses on clarity. It highlights what matters most when you’re starting: authenticity, protection of secrets, and a short path to a successful first transaction. Follow the steps below for a secure setup.

Download Ledger Live Read full setup guide

Need help during setup? Keep your recovery card nearby and work in private. Ledger support will never ask for your recovery words.

How to start — 6 simple steps

Below is a concise, practical sequence you can follow right now. Each step emphasises security and verification so you won’t miss the important parts of setup.

Step-by-step

  1. Unbox & inspect. Work in a private, well-lit place. Confirm the packaging and device match the seller’s listing. If anything looks tampered with, stop and contact official support.
  2. Install Ledger Live. Download the companion app from the official site. Ledger Live manages firmware, installs coin apps, and broadcasts signed transactions from your device.
  3. Create device or restore. Choose Create a new device for a brand-new wallet or Restore to import a previously generated recovery phrase.
  4. Set your PIN. Choose a 6–8+ digit PIN you can remember: do not reuse easily guessed codes and never store the PIN next to your recovery phrase.
  5. Write the recovery phrase. The device will show 24 words (sometimes 12 or 18). Write them in order on the supplied card. Never enter these words into a computer or phone.
  6. Verify, update, test. Confirm the phrase when prompted, update firmware if required, install the apps you need in Ledger Live, and receive a small test payment to verify everything works.

Security essentials

Protect the recovery phrase. Treat the phrase as the master key to your crypto. Keep copies offline in physically separate locations, consider metal backups for fire and water resistance, and never photograph or store the phrase electronically.

Operational habits

  • Verify addresses shown on your device screen before approving transactions.
  • Use the official Ledger Live app and keep it updated.
  • Enable strong security on related accounts (exchanges, emails) with 2FA.

Advanced options

  • Consider a passphrase for a hidden wallet (advanced users only).
  • Explore multisig setups for high-value holdings.
  • Use metal seed storage for long-term resilience.

Receiving and sending — practical tips

Always start with a small test transaction when sending or receiving to a new address. When receiving, use Ledger Live’s Receive flow and confirm the address on the device display before sharing it. When sending, check the destination address and amount on both Ledger Live and your device screen before approving the signature.

Troubleshooting — quick fixes

Device not detected: Try another cable/port, restart your computer, ensure Ledger Live is allowed to access USB devices.

Forgot PIN: A forgotten PIN requires a factory reset; restore from your recovery phrase to regain access.

Firmware update interrupted: Do not disconnect during updates. Follow Ledger Live recovery instructions or restore to a new device using your recovery phrase if needed.

Address mismatch: If the app address differs from the device, reject and reconnect. Never accept mismatched addresses.

Frequently asked questions

Is a recovery phrase the same as a password?

No. The recovery phrase is a cryptographic seed that reconstructs your private keys. A password protects access to an account, while the recovery phrase rebuilds the wallet itself.

Can Ledger retrieve stolen funds?

No. Ledger devices store private keys and sign transactions but cannot reverse blockchain transactions or move funds on your behalf. If theft occurs, secure remaining assets and contact any relevant platforms immediately.

What happens if I lose both device and recovery phrase?

Without your recovery phrase, funds cannot be recovered. Always make multiple secure backups of the phrase in separate physical locations.