What is Ledger?
Ledger hardware wallets provide secure, offline storage for your private keys. Transactions are signed on the device itself, keeping your keys isolated from internet‑connected devices. Ledger’s devices are paired with Ledger Live, the companion application for device setup, firmware updates, and portfolio management.
Before you begin — checklist
- Your Ledger device and its USB cable.
- A desktop or laptop (Windows, macOS, Linux) with internet to download Ledger Live.
- Paper and pen (do not use photos or cloud notes for your recovery phrase).
- A safe place to record and store your recovery phrase offline.
Step‑by‑step setup
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Unbox & inspect
Check that the packaging is intact and the security seal (if present) looks untouched. If anything seems off, contact the retailer or official support before proceeding.
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Install Ledger Live
Download Ledger Live from
ledger.com/start
or the official app stores. Ledger Live will guide you through setup, app installation, and firmware updates. Always verify you are on the official site. -
Initialize your device
Power on the Ledger device and follow the prompts in Ledger Live. Choose to create a new wallet (recommended for new users) or restore from an existing recovery phrase.
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Secure your PIN
Set a device PIN when prompted. This PIN protects the device if it is lost or stolen. Avoid simple sequences and do not share it.
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Write your recovery phrase
Ledger generates a 24‑word recovery phrase. Record these words on the supplied recovery sheet exactly and in order. Store this sheet offline and never photograph or back it up digitally.
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Confirm & finish
Confirm a few of the recovery words when prompted. After confirmation your device is ready—install coin apps via Ledger Live and add accounts.
Security fundamentals
- Never share your recovery phrase: No person or service will ask for these words. If asked, stop and verify—it's a scam.
- Avoid digital backups: No cloud storage, email, or photos. Consider durable, tamper‑resistant backups (metal plates) for long‑term storage.
- Keep firmware updated: Use Ledger Live to apply verified firmware updates and confirm prompts on your device.
- Use passphrase with caution: A passphrase adds another layer but if lost it can permanently lock access to funds. Understand the tradeoffs before enabling.
Using Ledger Live
Ledger Live is your secure interface to manage accounts, install coin apps onto your device, check portfolio balances, and send or receive assets. When sending funds always verify the destination address on your Ledger device screen before confirming the transaction in the app—this prevents address tampering by malware.
Troubleshooting common issues
Device not detected
Try a different USB cable or port. Ensure Ledger Live is updated. On Linux you may need udev rules—refer to the official help pages.
Forgot PIN
If you forget your PIN, the device must be reset to factory settings and restored with your recovery phrase. Make sure your recovery phrase is accessible before resetting.
Suspicious prompts
If Ledger Live or your device shows unexpected prompts, disconnect and verify you downloaded the app from the official site. Contact official support if unsure.
Advanced workflows
- Passphrase-protected wallets: Use passphrases to create hidden wallets derived from your recovery phrase for plausible deniability or additional segregation.
- Multi‑signature: Implement multisig setups for enterprise or high-value holdings to distribute signing responsibility across multiple devices or parties.
- Third‑party integrations: Ledger supports many integrations (e.g., DeFi interfaces, exchanges). Only connect to trusted services and always verify on-device prompts.
Best practices before moving large funds
- Confirm firmware is the latest verified release.
- Send a small test transaction first to confirm addresses and workflow.
- Keep multiple secure, offline backups of your recovery phrase in geographically separated locations.
- Consider multi‑sig or custodial arrangements for very large portfolios if needed.