Ledger's hardware wallets are designed to keep your private keys offline and protected. This guide walks you through the essentials — unboxing, initializing your Ledger device, installing Ledger Live, and basic security hygiene. Use the official links below for downloads, support, and purchases to ensure authenticity.
Inspect packaging and tamper-evident seals. Only use devices purchased from official or vetted resellers. Ledger publishes verification steps on their site — always follow them.
Turn on the Ledger device and follow the on-screen prompts to set a PIN. Write down the recovery phrase (24 words for most Ledger models) on the provided recovery sheet. Store this phrase offline — never photograph or store it digitally.
Download Ledger Live from the official page, install, then follow the app's guided flow to pair your device, create or restore accounts, and install apps for specific blockchains (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum).
Security is about layers: PIN, recovery phrase, device firmware, and safe buying channels. Avoid sharing private keys, use official software, and enable passphrase features only if you understand them. Keep firmware up to date via Ledger Live.
Ledger Live is the bridge between your hardware device and your accounts. From Ledger Live you can send/receive crypto, check balances, manage apps, and update firmware. For certain DeFi or dApp interactions you may need to connect via a web3 wallet bridge — always confirm transaction details on the device screen before approving.
If you encounter problems, consult official support resources first. Do NOT enter your recovery phrase on websites or enter it into software other than Ledger's validated restore flow. If your device is lost or stolen, use your recovery phrase on a new Ledger device or compatible wallet to recover funds.