Your step-by-step guide to setting up, securing, and using your Ledger hardware wallet.
Ledger hardware wallets are secure devices designed to protect your cryptocurrency offline. The Ledger Start page guides you through initial setup, device registration, and secure management of your digital assets.
By keeping your private keys offline, Ledger wallets minimize exposure to malware, phishing attacks, and online hacks. The setup process integrates Ledger Live, the official companion app for portfolio management, transactions, and device updates.
Open your Ledger device box and inspect for tampering. Verify holographic seals and packaging integrity. Never use a device that appears compromised.
Download and install Ledger Live from the official website. Open the application and select “Initialize a new device” to begin setup.
Create a secure PIN directly on your Ledger device. Your PIN will be required for each login and transaction approval.
Ledger will display a 24-word recovery phrase. Write it down on the provided recovery sheet and store it offline. This seed phrase is the only way to restore your wallet if your device is lost.
Confirm your recovery phrase by selecting the words in order on your Ledger device. This ensures you have backed it up correctly.
Security is the core of Ledger wallet design. Follow these steps to protect your funds:
Ledger Live allows you to monitor multiple accounts, track crypto balances, and view portfolio performance in real-time.
Use Ledger Live to initiate transactions. All approvals must be confirmed on the hardware device to ensure security. The device screen always displays the recipient address and transaction amount.
Ledger devices can safely interact with decentralized applications. Always confirm transaction requests on the device itself to prevent phishing attacks.
Even with secure design, you may encounter occasional issues. Here are solutions:
Yes, you can access the same wallet on different computers via Ledger Live, but the hardware device must be connected for approvals.
It is not recommended. Public computers may have malware or keyloggers. Always use personal, trusted devices.
You can restore your wallet using the 24-word recovery phrase on a new Ledger device. Never share this phrase with anyone.
No. Ledger Live and Ledger Wallet usage are free. Transaction fees are only network-based for crypto transfers.
Yes, always approve transactions on the device screen, never just in the software, to ensure security.