Unbox thoughtfully
Get your device from Ledger or an authorized retailer. A genuine device should be set up by you—not arrive with a recovery phrase already written down.
YOUR FIRST STEPS, MADE CLEAR
Welcome to a more
hands-on kind of ownership.
A Ledger signer helps you keep control of your crypto assets. This guide walks you through the essentials—from first setup to your first transaction—at your own pace.
↓01 / 06START WITH THE BASICSABOUT 8 MIN READ
START HERE — 01
Self-custody, in a nutshell.
A hardware wallet is a personal signer: it keeps your private keys offline and lets you approve transactions on the device. You stay in control, which also means you are responsible for safeguarding your recovery phrase. Take a few minutes to understand each prompt before approving it.
i
A quick reality check. Crypto assets can be volatile, and transactions are generally irreversible. This page is an educational starting point, not financial advice. Never invest more than you can afford to lose.
Install the companion app
Download Ledger Live only from the official Ledger website or your device’s verified app store. Check the publisher before installing.
Initialize on-device
Follow the prompts on your device to create a new wallet and choose a PIN. Confirm setup steps on the signer itself, not just on a computer screen.
Write down your phrase
Record the recovery words privately, in order, on the supplied recovery sheet. Check every word and keep the paper somewhere secure and offline.
YOUR DEVICE — 02
Set up with confidence.
Connect your Ledger signer to a trusted computer or phone and open Ledger Live. Follow the in-app setup flow for your model. The app may guide you through a device authenticity check; complete it before adding accounts. If the device displays a recovery phrase before you have initialized it, stop and contact official support.
Choose a PIN that is hard to guess and keep it private. You will use it to unlock the device. Anyone who can access your unlocked signer may be able to approve actions, so lock it when you step away. If you forget the PIN and reset the device, you will need your recovery phrase to restore access.
Use the official source
Find Ledger Live downloads, supported devices, and current setup instructions at ledger.com/ledger-live ↗.
YOUR ACCOUNTS — 03
Understand what you’re adding.
In Ledger Live, add an account for an asset you want to manage. Your signer holds the keys; the account is a way to view balances and prepare transactions. Different assets use different networks, and an address on one network may not work on another. Check network compatibility before moving anything.
Keep your app, browser, and operating system up to date, and install only the apps you need. When a setup screen asks you to confirm something, compare the details with the device display. The signer’s screen is the final place to verify what you are authorizing.
KEYSStay on your signer
APPHelps you manage accounts
APPROVALHappens on-device
FIRST TRANSACTION — 04
Slow down before you send.
To receive an asset, choose the correct account and generate a receive address. Compare the full address shown in Ledger Live with the address displayed on your device, character by character, before sharing it. For a large transfer, consider sending a small test amount first, while accounting for network fees.
To send, select the correct account, enter the recipient and amount, then carefully review the transaction details on the signer. Check the destination address, asset, network, and fee. Only approve if everything matches what you intended. A transaction cannot usually be reversed once it is confirmed, so take your time.
BEFORE YOU APPROVE
✓ Recipient matches your intended destination
✓ Asset and network are correct
✓ Amount and fee are understood
SECURITY BASICS — 05
Your recovery phrase is the key.
The recovery phrase can restore your wallet if your device is lost, damaged, or reset. Anyone who sees the phrase may be able to take your assets. Keep it offline, private, and protected from theft, fire, and water. Never photograph it, store it in cloud notes, email it, or type it into a website or computer. Ledger Support will never need your phrase.
There is no legitimate reason to share the words with a support agent, a “verification” site, or someone offering to help. Do not enter them into an app, link, QR code, or form. If a person or page asks for your phrase, stop interacting. Find support by typing the official Ledger address into your browser rather than following unsolicited messages.
Never share your 24 words. Not with anyone.
Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase, PIN, or device to be sent away. Treat every request for them as a scam.
Be cautious with unexpected messages, giveaway claims, fake support accounts, and urgent warnings that pressure you to act. Bookmark official resources, verify website addresses, and remember: a connection or message that looks familiar is not proof of authenticity.
A LITTLE HELP — 06
If something doesn’t look right.
Pause before approving anything you do not recognize. Disconnect if you are unsure, close suspicious pages, and use the official support center to look up your device and app. Never let someone remotely control your computer while your signer is connected. Support can help troubleshoot without seeing your recovery phrase.
OFFICIAL SUPPORT
↗Find answers, not strangers.
Browse setup articles and troubleshooting from Ledger’s help center.
GOOD TO KNOW — FAQ
Common first questions.
Does a Ledger device store my coins?
Crypto assets are recorded on their networks. The device protects the private keys used to manage them and approve transactions; Ledger Live provides an interface to view and manage accounts.
What if I lose my device?
A replacement device can be restored using your recovery phrase. Keep that phrase secure and private: whoever has it may gain control of the assets associated with it. If the phrase may have been exposed, seek official guidance promptly.
Can I skip checking the device screen?
No. Confirm the important transaction details on the signer every time. The device display is the trusted confirmation step, especially when a computer or phone could be compromised.
Where should I go for current instructions?
Use Ledger’s official website and support center. Device features and supported assets can change, so check current official guidance rather than relying on an old tutorial.
YOU’RE READY TO TAKE IT ONE STEP AT A TIMEOwnership starts
Explore Ledger Support ↗