Welcome — why this hub
This Getting Started Hub is designed to take you from unboxing to confidently managing crypto with your Ledger hardware wallet. Whether you are brand new to hardware wallets or migrating from a software wallet, this guide gives clear, secure, and colorful step-by-step instructions, practical tips, and links to resources. The heart of Ledger's security is storing private keys offline — this guide helps you do that without overwhelm.
Estimated reading time: ~8–12 minutes. Time to complete the initial setup: 10–20 minutes depending on your familiarity.
What is a Ledger hardware wallet?
Ledger devices (like the Ledger Nano S Plus and Ledger Nano X) are secure hardware wallets that hold your private keys in a dedicated chip. When you sign a transaction, the private key never leaves the device. Transactions are verified on-device, keeping your crypto safe from malware on your computer or phone.
Who should use Ledger?
- Anyone who holds crypto and wants better security than a software wallet.
- Users moving significant funds offline for long-term storage.
- Active traders who need a secure way to sign transactions without exposing keys.
Before you start — checklist
- Buy a Ledger only from the official store or authorized reseller.
- Have a clean, private workspace and a reliable internet connection.
- Have a pen and the provided recovery sheet (or a secure backup method) ready.
- Write your 24-word recovery phrase by hand — never take a photo or store it digitally.
- Have your computer or mobile device ready to install Ledger Live (ledger.com/start).
Step-by-step: Set up your Ledger
1
Unbox and inspect
Open the package and inspect the device, packaging seal, and accessories. Ledger packages include the device, USB cable, lanyard, keychain, and recovery sheets. If anything looks tampered with, stop and contact support at Ledger’s official help center.
2
Power on and choose a PIN
Power on your Ledger and follow the on-device prompts to choose a PIN. Use a PIN you can remember but that isn’t trivial (avoid birthdays or simple sequences). Your device will ask for a 4–8 digit PIN depending on model.
3
Write down your recovery phrase
This is the most critical step. Your Ledger will display a 24-word recovery phrase — write each word in order on the physical recovery sheet. Store this sheet in a safe place (bank safe deposit box, fireproof home safe, or other secure location). Anyone with access to these words can control your funds — treat them like cash.
4
Install Ledger Live
On your computer or mobile device, go to ledger.com/start and download Ledger Live. Install it, then connect your Ledger device to the computer or pair via Bluetooth (Nano X) and follow the on-screen setup to add your device.
5
Install apps and add accounts
Inside Ledger Live, open the Manager and install the crypto apps you need (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.). Then in the "Accounts" tab, add accounts for each asset you want to manage. Ledger Live uses the device to securely sign transactions while presenting balances and history in the app.
6
Test with a small transaction
Send a small amount of crypto to and from your Ledger to ensure everything works as expected. Confirm addresses on the device’s screen before approving any transaction — this prevents display/man-in-the-middle attacks.
Security best practices
Security is a series of good habits. Here are practical recommendations:
- Never share your recovery phrase. Ledger will never ask for it.
- Keep your recovery sheet offline and never photograph or type it into devices.
- Use a passphrase (optional) for added privacy — understand the trade-offs before enabling it.
- Keep Ledger Live and device firmware up to date; updates include security hardening and new features.
- Use a hardware security module (HSM) or safe for large holdings when available.
- Be cautious of phishing: verify ledger.com URLs, don't click unexpected links, and confirm addresses on-device before approving.
Managing assets: send, receive, stake, and swap
Once accounts are added to Ledger Live you can:
- Receive: Generate a receive address in Ledger Live and verify it on your device. Copy/paste carefully.
- Send: Enter the recipient address in Ledger Live, verify it on the device, and approve the transaction.
- Swap & Convert: Use Ledger Live's built-in exchange partners to swap assets without exposing keys off-device.
- Stake: Participate in staking directly from Ledger Live for supported coins (e.g., Tezos, Polkadot) — rewards are managed while keys remain on-device.
Advanced features
Ledger devices support advanced workflows for power users:
- Passphrase: Adds an additional word to your recovery phrase that creates hidden accounts — powerful but risky if you forget it.
- FIDO2 / Passwordless login: Some Ledger devices can act as a physical security key for two-factor authentication on supported services.
- Third-party integrations: Use Ledger with software wallets (MetaMask, MyCrypto) while keeping keys on-device — always verify addresses on the device screen.
FAQ
- What if I lose my Ledger device?
- If your device is lost but you have your recovery phrase, you can restore your wallet on a new Ledger or compatible wallet using your 24 words. If you lost both device and recovery phrase, funds cannot be recovered.
- Can Ledger hardware be hacked?
- Ledger's secure element isolates private keys; direct remote compromise is highly unlikely. The most common attack vectors are social engineering and phishing. Follow best practices to reduce risk.
- Is it safe to buy used Ledger devices?
- No. Always buy new devices from the official Ledger store or authorized resellers. Used devices may have been tampered with.
- Where do I get official support?
- Visit Ledger’s official support center at ledger.com/support for verified guides and contact options. Avoid unofficial forums for critical recovery steps.
Troubleshooting
Quick fixes for common problems
- Device not recognized: Try a different USB cable, a different USB port, or install required drivers; check Ledger Live is up to date.
- PIN forgotten: If you forget your PIN, you must reset the device and recover using your recovery phrase.
- Recovery words mismatch: During restore, ensure words are spelled exactly as recorded. If unsure, test restoring to a new device with a small balance first.
Further resources
Official resources to learn more:
- Ledger Academy: in-depth articles and tutorials on security and crypto basics.
- Ledger Support Center: step-by-step official troubleshooting guides and firmware update instructions.
- Community & blog: product updates, integrations, and case studies.
Still unsure? Contact support or check the in-app help in Ledger Live — never share your 24-word phrase with anyone claiming to help.