Ledger hardware wallets keep your private keys offline in a secure hardware element — separate from your phone or computer. Using a Ledger device with Ledger Live gives you a private, user-controlled way to store, send, and receive cryptocurrency while protecting against remote hacks, malware and phishing.
Before you start — what you'll need
A Ledger device (Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, or similar)
A desktop or mobile device and an internet connection
The USB cable that came with your Ledger
A pen and the recovery sheet included in the box (do not store the recovery phrase digitally)
Important: Only the recovery phrase can restore access to your crypto if your Ledger is lost, damaged, or stolen. Never share it with anyone and never enter it on a website.
Unboxing & authenticity check
Open the box and verify contents: device, USB cable, recovery sheets, and quick start guide.
Check the packaging seal — it should not be tampered with. If anything looks suspicious, contact support.
Keep the packaging and order receipt until setup is complete, in case of issues.
Step 1 — Install Ledger Live
Ledger Live is the official app that manages accounts, transactions, and firmware updates. Download Ledger Live from the official source and install it on your computer or mobile device.
Visit the official Ledger website and download Ledger Live for your OS.
Install and open Ledger Live, then follow on-screen prompts to create a new profile.
When asked, accept the Terms and create a secure password for Ledger Live (this password only protects the app on that device).
Tip: Always download Ledger Live from the official site—do not trust third-party downloads or links in emails or chats.
Step 2 — Initialize your Ledger device
Turn on your Ledger and choose whether to create a new wallet or restore from an existing recovery phrase.
Connect your Ledger to the computer using the USB cable and power it on.
Choose Set up as new device unless you are restoring from a previous seed.
Choose a PIN code directly on the device (4–8 digits); confirm it. This PIN protects access to the device.
The device will display a 24-word recovery phrase (most Ledger models use 24 words). Write each word exactly in order on the recovery sheet provided.
Confirm the words when prompted to verify you recorded them correctly.
Never enter your recovery phrase into a computer, phone, or website — it's only supposed to be written on paper and stored offline.
Step 3 — Update firmware (if prompted)
After initializing, Ledger Live may prompt you to install a firmware update. Firmware updates often include security improvements — follow Ledger Live's instructions carefully.
Open Ledger Live and navigate to the Manager tab.
Connect and unlock your Ledger device.
If a firmware update is available, follow the on-screen steps in Ledger Live to complete the update.
Firmware updates require you to confirm actions on the device itself. Do not disconnect until the update finishes.
Step 4 — Install apps and add accounts
Ledger devices use app packages for each cryptocurrency. Install apps through Ledger Live and add accounts to manage balances.
In Ledger Live, open Manager and install the apps you need (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana).
After installation, go to the Accounts tab and choose Add account.
Follow the steps to add each account — Ledger Live will synchronize and show balances and transaction history.
Step 5 — Receive and send crypto
To receive funds, always use the receive flow in Ledger Live to generate and verify an address on your device.
Select the account, click Receive, and connect/unlock your device.
Verify the address shown in Ledger Live matches the address displayed on your Ledger device — confirm on the device.
To send, click Send, enter the recipient address and amount, then confirm the transaction on your device.
Always verify addresses manually on the device screen to protect against malware that may change clipboard data.
Restoring a Ledger from a recovery phrase
If you ever need to restore a wallet (lost device, new device), choose Restore from recovery phrase when initializing and enter the 24 words in order.
On the new Ledger device, choose Restore from recovery phrase.
Enter each word accurately in order using the device controls.
Set a new PIN after the restoration completes.
If you have a hardware backup (e.g., a secondary Ledger), keep it in a different secure location to reduce risk of loss.
Security best practices
Never share your 24-word recovery phrase. Ledger support will NEVER ask for it.
Store recovery sheets in a secure, offline location (safe, safety deposit box). Consider multiple copies in separate secure places.
Use a strong device PIN and never write the PIN on the same paper as the recovery phrase.
Enable passphrase (advanced) only if you understand the implications — it creates an extra hidden wallet but must be remembered or funds are lost.
Be cautious of phishing websites and emails. Always verify you are on the official Ledger domain before downloading software or entering sensitive info.
Common troubleshooting
Device not recognized: try a different USB port or cable and ensure the device is unlocked.
Ledger Live shows no accounts: make sure the correct apps are installed and the device is unlocked; re-add accounts.
Forgot PIN: the only recovery option is to reset the device and restore from the recovery phrase.
Lost recovery phrase: funds cannot be recovered — treat the phrase like the only key to your crypto.
FAQ
Can I use Ledger with mobile? Yes — Ledger Live Mobile (iOS/Android) supports Ledger Nano X via Bluetooth and other devices via cable adapters.
Is Ledger custody a thing? No — Ledger devices are non-custodial: you control the private keys through your recovery phrase.