Ledger Start: Begin Your Secure Cryptocurrency Journey
Welcome to Ledger. You are about to take an important step toward secure, independent cryptocurrency ownership. Ledger hardware wallets are designed to help you protect your digital assets by keeping your private keys offline, away from online threats such as hacking, phishing, and malware.
Whether you are new to cryptocurrency or transitioning from an exchange or software wallet, Ledger provides the tools and guidance you need to manage your crypto confidently. This page will walk you through the essential steps to get started, explain how Ledger works, and share best practices to keep your assets safe.
Why Ledger Matters in Crypto Security
Cryptocurrency ownership is different from traditional banking. Instead of relying on a bank or institution, control over your funds is determined by private keys. Whoever holds the private keys controls the assets.
Ledger hardware wallets are built to ensure that you control your private keys. They generate and store keys inside a secure physical device, not on your computer or phone. This significantly reduces the risk of theft caused by viruses, fake websites, or compromised software.
Key benefits of using Ledger include:
Private keys are stored offline at all times
Protection against malware and phishing attacks
Secure confirmation of every transaction on the device
Support for hundreds of cryptocurrencies and tokens
Full ownership without relying on third-party custodians
Ledger helps you take control of your crypto while maintaining a high standard of security.
What You Need Before You Start
Before beginning the setup process, make sure you have:
A Ledger hardware wallet (Ledger Nano S Plus or Ledger Nano X)
A computer or smartphone with internet access
The USB cable included with your device
A private, quiet environment
Pen and paper to write down your recovery phrase
Important: Never set up your Ledger device in public places or while sharing your screen. Privacy during setup is essential to protect your assets.
Step 1: Check Your Ledger Package
When you receive your Ledger device, inspect the packaging carefully.
Make sure that:
The box is sealed
The device shows no signs of tampering
All included materials are present
Inside the box, you should find:
The Ledger hardware wallet
A USB cable
Recovery sheets
Basic instructions
If anything appears suspicious, do not use the device.
Step 2: Download Ledger Live
Ledger Live is the official application used to manage your Ledger hardware wallet. It allows you to view balances, send and receive crypto, install apps, and track your portfolio securely.
To download Ledger Live safely:
Visit the official Ledger website
Go to the Ledger Start or download section
Choose the correct version for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, or iOS)
Install the application and follow the on-screen instructions
⚠️ Only download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website. Never trust links from emails, ads, or social media claiming to be Ledger support.
Step 3: Connect Your Ledger Device
Once Ledger Live is installed:
Connect your Ledger device to your computer or phone using the USB cable
Turn on the device
Open Ledger Live
Follow the instructions to begin setup
Ledger Live will automatically detect your device and guide you through the process.
Step 4: Set Up as a New Device
If this is your first Ledger wallet, choose Set up as new device.
Create a PIN Code
You will be asked to choose a PIN code directly on the Ledger device.
The PIN protects your wallet if the device is lost or stolen. Each incorrect attempt increases the waiting time before another try, making brute-force attacks extremely difficult.
Choose a PIN that is:
Easy for you to remember
Hard for others to guess
Never share your PIN with anyone.
Step 5: Write Down Your Recovery Phrase
After setting your PIN, your Ledger device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase.
This recovery phrase is the most important part of your wallet.
Key facts about the recovery phrase:
It is the only way to restore your wallet if the device is lost or damaged
Anyone with the phrase can access your crypto
Ledger does not store or know your recovery phrase
Write the words down in order, exactly as shown on the device.
Never:
Take photos of the phrase
Store it digitally
Share it with anyone
Store it offline in a secure location.
Step 6: Confirm Your Recovery Phrase
To ensure you wrote the phrase correctly, Ledger will ask you to confirm it by selecting the words in the correct order.
This step helps prevent mistakes that could result in permanent loss of access to your funds.
Once confirmed, your Ledger wallet setup is complete.
Step 7: Access Ledger Live Dashboard
After setup, Ledger Live becomes your main control center.
From the dashboard, you can:
Add cryptocurrency accounts
View balances and portfolio value
Send and receive crypto
Install and manage apps
Check transaction history
Your private keys never leave the Ledger device. Ledger Live only sends requests that must be approved physically on the hardware wallet.
Step 8: Install Cryptocurrency Apps
Ledger wallets use apps to interact with different blockchains.
To install apps:
Open Ledger Live
Go to the Manager section
Choose the cryptocurrency app you want
Install it and confirm on the device
Installing an app does not store crypto on the device—it simply allows Ledger Live to manage that asset securely.
Step 9: Add Accounts
Once an app is installed, you can add an account.
Go to Accounts in Ledger Live
Click Add account
Select the cryptocurrency
Follow the prompts
You can add multiple accounts for the same asset to organize funds for different purposes.
Step 10: Receive Cryptocurrency
To receive crypto:
Select the account
Click Receive
Verify the receiving address on your Ledger device
Share the verified address with the sender
Always confirm the address on the device screen, not just on your computer or phone.
Step 11: Send Cryptocurrency
To send crypto:
Select the account
Click Send
Enter the recipient address and amount
Review transaction details on your Ledger device
Confirm the transaction
Nothing is sent without your physical approval on the hardware wallet.
Portfolio Tracking and Insights
Ledger Live allows you to monitor your crypto holdings in one place.
You can:
View balances across multiple assets
Track transaction history
Monitor portfolio value over time
Organize assets clearly
These tools help you stay informed while maintaining strong security.
Advanced Security Options
Ledger offers additional security features for advanced users.
Passphrase Protection
A passphrase adds an extra word to your recovery phrase, creating a hidden wallet.
Each passphrase opens a different wallet
Without the correct passphrase, funds remain inaccessible
Useful for enhanced privacy and security
Firmware Updates
Ledger regularly releases firmware updates to improve security and performance.
Always update firmware using Ledger Live and official instructions.
Best Practices for Staying Secure
To keep your crypto safe long-term:
Store your recovery phrase offline
Verify addresses on the Ledger device
Use only official Ledger software
Ignore emails claiming your wallet is “at risk”
Never enter your recovery phrase on websites
Keep Ledger Live and firmware up to date
Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Device not detected:
Try another USB port, cable, or restart Ledger Live.
Forgot PIN:
Reset the device and restore using your recovery phrase.
Missing balances:
Ensure the correct app, account, and network are selected.
For unresolved issues, consult official Ledger documentation.
Learning More with Ledger
Ledger provides educational resources to help users understand:
Cryptocurrency fundamentals
Blockchain technology
Self-custody best practices
Security awareness
Learning how crypto works empowers you to make safer decisions.
Take Control of Your Crypto
Starting with Ledger means choosing security, independence, and responsibility.
With a Ledger hardware wallet and Ledger Live, you can:
Store crypto securely offline
Manage multiple assets with confidence
Protect yourself from common online threats
Maintain full ownership of your funds
Your crypto journey begins here—with control, transparency, and strong security.