Protect your cryptocurrency with industry-leading hardware wallet security.
Step-by-step instructions to set up and secure your digital assets.
Select your Ledger model to begin the setup process
Follow these steps carefully to secure your cryptocurrency
When you receive your Ledger device, carefully inspect the packaging for any signs of tampering. The box should be sealed with Ledger security tape. Inside, you'll find your Ledger device, a USB cable, a recovery sheet, and a keychain lanyard. Never use a device if the packaging appears compromised or if you purchased it from an unofficial source. Ledger devices come directly from the manufacturer and should never arrive with pre-configured PINs or recovery phrases.
Only purchase from official Ledger website or authorized retailers
Ledger Live is the official companion app for your hardware wallet. Visit ledger.com and download the latest version for Windows, macOS, or Linux. The app allows you to manage your crypto assets, install apps for different cryptocurrencies, and update your device firmware. Always download from the official website - never from third-party sources or app stores. After installation, launch the app and follow the on-screen prompts to begin the setup wizard.
Verify the download URL is exactly ledger.com before downloading
Connect your Ledger to your computer using the provided USB cable. On first use, you'll be prompted to choose 'Set up as new device' or 'Restore from recovery phrase'. For a new device, select 'Set up as new device'. The device will generate a unique recovery phrase for you. You'll be asked to choose a PIN code between 4-8 digits. This PIN protects your device from unauthorized physical access. Choose a PIN that's memorable but not easily guessable. Avoid simple patterns like 1234 or repeating numbers.
Never use a recovery phrase provided by anyone else
Your Ledger will display a 24-word recovery phrase, one word at a time. This phrase is the master key to all your cryptocurrency. Write each word in order on the provided recovery sheet using a pen. Never take a photo, screenshot, or store it digitally. The recovery phrase allows complete access to your funds, so anyone who has it can steal your crypto. After writing all 24 words, your device will ask you to confirm several words from the list to ensure you wrote them correctly. Store your recovery sheet in a secure location like a safe or safety deposit box.
This is the MOST CRITICAL step - your recovery phrase is irreplaceable
Through Ledger Live, you can install apps for different cryptocurrencies. The Ledger device has limited storage, so you can only have a certain number of apps installed at once (varies by device model). Start by installing apps for the cryptocurrencies you own or plan to use. For example, if you have Bitcoin and Ethereum, install the Bitcoin and Ethereum apps. You can uninstall and reinstall apps anytime without losing your crypto - your actual holdings are stored on the blockchain, not on the device itself.
Start with Bitcoin and Ethereum apps as they're the most commonly used
After installing cryptocurrency apps, you can add accounts in Ledger Live. Click 'Add account' and select the cryptocurrency. Your Ledger device will generate a receiving address for that cryptocurrency. This address is where you'll receive funds. Each cryptocurrency type has its own unique address format. You can create multiple accounts for the same cryptocurrency if you want to organize your holdings. For example, you might have one Bitcoin account for savings and another for spending.
Test with a small amount first before transferring large sums
To receive cryptocurrency, click on the account in Ledger Live and select 'Receive'. Connect your Ledger device and open the corresponding app (e.g., Bitcoin app for Bitcoin). The app will display a receiving address both in Ledger Live and on your device screen. Always verify that the address shown on your Ledger device matches the one in Ledger Live before sharing it. This ensures the address hasn't been compromised by malware. Copy the address and send it to whoever is sending you crypto, or use it to withdraw from an exchange.
Always verify the receiving address on your Ledger device screen
When sending crypto, open Ledger Live and select the account you want to send from. Click 'Send', enter the recipient's address and amount, then review the transaction fee. Connect your Ledger device and open the appropriate app. You'll need to physically confirm the transaction on your device by reviewing the details on screen and pressing both buttons. This two-factor confirmation ensures that even if your computer is compromised, transactions can't be sent without your physical approval. Always double-check addresses before confirming - cryptocurrency transactions are irreversible.
Cryptocurrency transactions are irreversible - always verify addresses carefully
Essential tips to keep your crypto safe
Your 24-word recovery phrase is the key to all your crypto. Never share it with anyone, including Ledger support. No legitimate service will ever ask for it. Store it offline in a secure location. Consider using multiple secure locations for redundancy.
Always confirm addresses on your Ledger's screen, not just in Ledger Live. Malware can change addresses in software, but your device screen shows the true address. Make this a habit for every transaction, no matter how small.
Ledger regularly releases firmware updates that include security improvements and new features. Always update through Ledger Live only. The device will never ask for your recovery phrase during an update. Updates help protect against newly discovered vulnerabilities.
Your PIN protects your device from physical access. Use 8 digits if possible, and avoid obvious patterns or dates. After three incorrect PIN attempts, your device will reset. While this protects against theft, you can always restore with your recovery phrase.
Scammers may impersonate Ledger support or send fake emails asking you to verify your wallet or update your device through a link. Always go directly to ledger.com and never click links in unsolicited emails. Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase or PIN.
Before transferring large amounts, test your setup with a small transaction. This helps you become familiar with the process and ensures everything works correctly. It's worth the small transaction fee for peace of mind when dealing with significant holdings.
Store your recovery sheet in a fireproof and waterproof safe, or use a safety deposit box. Consider creating a backup and storing it in a separate secure location. Some users engrave their phrase on metal plates for extra protection against physical damage.
Use antivirus software and keep your operating system updated. Avoid downloading suspicious files or visiting untrusted websites while managing crypto. Consider using a dedicated computer for large transactions. Your Ledger protects your keys, but a clean system prevents other attacks.
Common issues and solutions
Try a different USB cable or USB port. Ensure Ledger Live is up to date. On Windows, you may need to install device drivers. Try restarting both your device and computer. If using a USB hub, connect directly to your computer instead.
After three incorrect PIN attempts, your device will reset. This is a security feature. You'll need to restore your device using your 24-word recovery phrase. This is why keeping your recovery phrase secure and accessible is crucial.
Network congestion can delay transactions. Check the blockchain explorer for your cryptocurrency to see transaction status. For Bitcoin and Ethereum, you may be able to speed up the transaction by increasing the fee. Be patient - most transactions confirm within a few hours.
Your device has limited storage. Uninstall apps you're not currently using to make space. You can safely uninstall apps without losing your crypto - it's stored on the blockchain. Reinstall apps whenever you need them.
Ensure you're connected to the internet and the blockchain is synchronized. Try refreshing the account or clearing cache in Ledger Live settings. Verify that you have the correct account selected and the cryptocurrency app is installed on your device.
If someone sent you the wrong crypto, your funds may still be recoverable. For example, if you received ETH to a Bitcoin address, the funds aren't lost but require special recovery steps. Contact Ledger support for guidance. This is why verifying addresses and cryptocurrency types before transactions is important.
Get answers to common questions