A Ledger hardware wallet stores your private keys offline to keep your crypto safe from online threats. Setting it up involves initializing the device, creating a recovery phrase, installing coin apps, and connecting to Ledger Live (desktop or mobile) to manage accounts.
Only use Ledger devices purchased from the official store or an authorized reseller. Inspect packaging for tampering. Ledger devices ship sealed; if you suspect tampering, contact Ledger support immediately.
Connect the device to your computer or phone and power it on. Choose Set up as new device unless you’re restoring from an existing recovery phrase (see Restore below).
Choose a 4–8 digit PIN. Never write the PIN on the recovery card. Your device will ask to confirm the PIN by entering it twice.
Your device will display a 24-word recovery phrase (some older models show 12 words). Write every word exactly as shown, in the correct order, on the recovery card provided. Store the card securely — offline and away from prying eyes.
Do not store your recovery phrase digitally (no photos, screenshots, cloud drives, password managers). Anyone with your recovery phrase can control your assets.
Download Ledger Live from Ledger.com (desktop or mobile). Ledger Live communicates with your device and manages installed apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.). Install only the coin apps you intend to use.
In Ledger Live: Manager → Connect and unlock your device → Install
After installing apps, add accounts in Ledger Live for each cryptocurrency. To receive funds, use the address shown in Ledger Live and confirm the address on your device screen before sending.
If you have a Ledger device and a recovery phrase from a previous wallet, select Restore device during setup and enter your phrase using the device buttons. Confirm the restored accounts in Ledger Live afterwards.
Ledger devices are compatible with Ledger Live and many third-party wallets and dApps. For routine operations:
Keep your device firmware and Ledger Live up to date. Ledger Live will notify you when updates are available. Only apply updates when prompted by Ledger Live and confirm on your device.
Try a different cable, USB port, or power source. If the device still doesn’t respond, contact Ledger Support with your device serial number and purchase details.
If your device is lost or damaged, your funds can be recovered using your 24-word recovery phrase on any compatible hardware wallet that supports the same seed standard (BIP39/BIP44/BIP32), or by restoring to a new Ledger device. Keep the recovery phrase safe.
Always verify the address Ledger Live shows by comparing it to the address on your Ledger device screen. If they differ, do not send funds.
No. Ledger cannot access your funds or reverse blockchain transactions. If your recovery phrase, PIN, or device was compromised, move assets to a new wallet immediately after restoring to a secure device and creating a new recovery phrase.
Setting up a Ledger wallet gives you strong, hardware-backed ownership of your crypto. Follow the steps above, protect your recovery phrase, and make small test transactions whenever you try a new flow or dApp. If you need official downloads or firmware, always visit the official Ledger website.
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