Your complete guide to setting up the world's most trusted hardware wallet. Secure your digital assets with military-grade security trusted by over 8 million customers worldwide.
Industry-leading security features designed to protect your digital wealth
Your private keys never leave the device. Certified secure element chip protects against physical and digital attacks.
Keep your private keys completely offline, safe from hackers, malware, and online threats targeting your assets.
Access your wallet seamlessly across Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android with Ledger Live app.
Manage Bitcoin, Ethereum, and thousands of other cryptocurrencies all in one secure location.
Get started in minutes with our intuitive setup wizard and step-by-step guidance through Ledger.com/start.
You own your private keys. Full control over your assets without relying on third-party custodians.
Welcome to the official Ledger initialization guide. If you've recently purchased a Ledger hardware wallet or are considering investing in one, you've taken a crucial step toward securing your cryptocurrency assets. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about setting up your Ledger device, understanding its security features, and managing your digital wealth with confidence.
Ledger hardware wallets represent the gold standard in cryptocurrency security. Unlike software wallets that store your private keys on internet-connected devices, Ledger uses a specialized secure element chip—the same technology used in passports and credit cards—to keep your private keys completely offline. This fundamental difference means that even if your computer is compromised by malware, your cryptocurrency remains safe. The device acts as a physical vault for your digital assets, requiring physical confirmation for every transaction you make.
Beginning your Ledger journey starts at Ledger.com/start, your official gateway to secure cryptocurrency management. First, you'll need to download Ledger Live, the companion application that allows you to interact with your hardware wallet. Ledger Live is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux desktop systems, as well as iOS and Android mobile devices. Visit the official download page and select your operating system. The installation process is straightforward and takes just a few minutes.
Once you've installed Ledger Live, connect your Ledger device to your computer using the provided USB cable. For first-time setup, your device will guide you through creating a new wallet. You'll be asked to choose a PIN code—make this something memorable but secure, as you'll need it every time you access your device. Never share your PIN with anyone, and avoid using obvious combinations like "1234" or your birthday.
The most critical part of the setup process is recording your 24-word recovery phrase. This phrase is generated randomly by your Ledger device and serves as the master key to your cryptocurrency holdings. Write down each word carefully on the recovery sheet provided with your device. Never photograph this phrase, store it digitally, or share it with anyone—not even Ledger support staff. This recovery phrase is the only way to restore access to your funds if your device is lost, stolen, or damaged. Store it in a secure physical location, such as a safe or safety deposit box. Consider creating multiple copies stored in different secure locations for redundancy.
After completing the device setup, you'll explore Ledger Live's intuitive interface. The application serves as your command center for managing all supported cryptocurrencies. You can add accounts for different cryptocurrencies, view your portfolio balance, send and receive transactions, and even stake certain assets directly from the application. The interface is designed to be user-friendly while maintaining the highest security standards. Every transaction initiated through Ledger Live must be physically confirmed on your Ledger device, ensuring that no transaction can occur without your explicit approval.
To maximize your security, always download Ledger Live from the official Ledger.com website. Be wary of phishing attempts—Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase or PIN code. Keep your Ledger Live application updated to benefit from the latest security patches and features. When making transactions, always verify the recipient address on your Ledger device's screen before confirming. This prevents malware from changing the destination address on your computer screen. Consider enabling additional security features such as passphrase protection for advanced users who want an extra layer of security.
Once your device is set up and you've added cryptocurrency accounts in Ledger Live, you're ready to receive your first deposit. Navigate to the "Receive" section, select the cryptocurrency you want to receive, and Ledger Live will generate a receiving address. Always verify this address on your Ledger device screen to ensure it matches what's displayed in Ledger Live. This verification step is crucial for preventing man-in-the-middle attacks. When sending cryptocurrency, the process is equally secure: enter the recipient address and amount in Ledger Live, then physically confirm the transaction details on your Ledger device before approving.
Starting with Ledger represents a commitment to taking control of your financial future. By following this guide and the instructions at Ledger.com/start, you've equipped yourself with institutional-grade security for your cryptocurrency holdings. Remember that your Ledger device is only as secure as your practices—protect your recovery phrase, keep your PIN private, verify all transactions on your device screen, and stay vigilant against phishing attempts. With these foundations in place, you can confidently navigate the cryptocurrency ecosystem knowing your assets are protected by the most trusted name in hardware wallet security.
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Everything you need to know about getting started with Ledger