A friendly, step-by-step guide to set up your Ledger hardware wallet, secure your private keys, and start managing crypto safely. Colorful, clear, and built for beginners.
Ledger is a family of hardware devices that store the private keys that secure your cryptocurrency. A hardware wallet keeps keys offline in a secure chip — this makes signing transactions safe even when your computer or phone is compromised. Ledger devices are designed to be simple while following strong security standards.
Open the packaging and check for tamper-evidence. Genuine Ledger packaging should be sealed and include the device, a USB cable, recovery sheets, and quickstart information. If anything looks tampered or missing, contact the seller or Ledger support.
Go to Ledger.com/start on your computer or phone and download Ledger Live. Install the application and open it. Ledger Live is the official companion app for managing accounts, installing apps, and updating firmware.
Connect the device via USB or pair via Bluetooth (Nano X only). Follow on-screen prompts to choose Set up as new device (if new) or Restore from recovery phrase (if you're restoring an existing wallet). Create a PIN code when prompted — choose something memorable but not trivial.
Your device will display a 24-word recovery phrase. Write these words in order on the provided recovery sheet — do not store them digitally. This phrase is the ultimate backup to recover your funds. Keep it offline and in a secure location.
Open Ledger Live, go to Manager, and install the app for the cryptocurrency you want to use (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.). Then add an account in Ledger Live for that currency — Ledger Live will guide you through address discovery and sync.
To receive funds, generate a receive address from Ledger Live while your device is connected and verify the address on the device screen before sharing. Always confirm the address on the hardware device; never rely solely on the computer's display.
When you send funds, the transaction will be shown on both Ledger Live and the device. Check details (amount, fees, destination) and confirm on the device physically to sign the transaction. Hardware confirmation prevents remote malware from silently changing transaction details.
Never share your 24-word recovery phrase. Ledger or any legitimate service will never ask for this. If someone asks for your recovery phrase — it's a scam. Store your recovery phrase offline in a safe or secure location. Consider metal backups for extra durability.
If the device won't connect, try a different cable or USB port. For Bluetooth pairing issues, restart both devices and ensure Bluetooth permissions are granted. If your device asks for a recovery phrase unexpectedly, disconnect and consult official support — do not enter your recovery phrase on any website or app unless you are restoring on a trusted Ledger device.
Restore from recovery phrase during setup.