New to self-custody? Start here. This practical guide walks you through setting up your Ledger device, finding your way around Ledger Live, and building safer habits from day one.
Ledger.com/start is your useful starting point for a new device. There’s no rush and no complicated shortcut—just a thoughtful setup, one step at a time.
01Unbox, verify, and initialize your Ledger hardware wallet with confidence.
The setup guide 02Discover the companion app and the basics of managing your portfolio.
Explore the app 03Understand your recovery phrase and how to keep it private and safe.
Build safer habitsSet aside a few quiet minutes. Your device will guide you through the process, and you can pause whenever you need to.
Use a Ledger device you obtained through an authorized retailer. Ledger devices are designed to let you verify authenticity during setup—follow the on-screen instructions rather than relying on a seal or a pre-filled recovery phrase.
A useful rule: Your device should never arrive with a PIN or recovery phrase already set up for you.
Power on your device and follow its prompts to create a PIN. Choose a code you can remember, but avoid birthdays or other details someone could guess. Enter it directly on your Ledger device.
Your device will show a recovery phrase, usually 24 words. Carefully write each word in order on the recovery sheet, then complete the device’s verification prompts. This phrase is the offline backup to your wallet.
Never photograph, email, type, or share your recovery phrase. Ledger support will never ask you for it. Anyone who has it can access your crypto.
Download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website or your device’s official app store. Open the app, select your device, and follow the guided checks. Use the app to add accounts and view balances; approve transactions on your hardware device.
Learn about Ledger LiveSelf-custody gives you control—and makes a few simple precautions especially important.
Store it somewhere private and secure. No legitimate support agent, website, or app needs to see it.
Before approving a transaction, check the details on your Ledger screen—not just on your computer or phone.
Scammers often manufacture urgency. Navigate to official Ledger resources directly rather than tapping unexpected links.
A few common questions from people starting with Ledger.com/start.
Ledger.com/start is a starting point for learning how to set up a Ledger device. This guide explains the main steps and links to official resources so you can get familiar with your device and Ledger Live.
Ledger Live is the companion application for managing accounts and checking device authenticity. Follow the current instructions shown on your device and on Ledger’s official setup pages.
Your recovery phrase is the backup to your wallet. If you still have access to your device, consult Ledger’s official support guidance promptly and carefully. Never share the phrase with anyone offering help.
No. Your recovery phrase is private to you. Support cannot see or restore it, and anyone asking you to reveal it should be treated with suspicion.
Keep this guide close as you set up. Take a breath, follow your device, and remember: your recovery phrase belongs only to you.