Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start® | Getting Started

Start protecting your crypto the right way

Ledger hardware wallets give you the cryptographic keys to your digital assets — offline, private, and in your control. This page walks you through setup, safety tips, and best practices so you can begin with confidence.

1

Unbox & check

Open the package and verify the tamper-evident seal. Verify the model and serial number match the order information before connecting anything to your computer.

2

Connect & power

Use the included USB cable to connect the device. Follow the on-screen prompts to initialize. Never allow unknown apps to access your device during setup.

3

Create your PIN

Choose a PIN you can remember but others won’t guess. The PIN protects device access — not your backup phrase.

4

Write down your recovery phrase

Write the 24-word recovery phrase exactly as shown, in order. Store it offline in a secure, fireproof place. Never photograph or store it digitally.

5

Install Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the companion app that helps you manage accounts, install apps, and monitor balances — while keeping your keys offline on the device.

Choose your deviceModels available for different needs: simple daily use, advanced security, or enterprise deployments.Ledger Device
Secure element insideSet up a new device Restore from recoveryNeed help? Visit support for guided tutorials and videos.

Why use a hardware wallet?

Unlike software wallets that keep keys on a connected device, hardware wallets isolate private keys in secure hardware. That means even if your computer is compromised, attackers cannot extract your keys by remote software alone. This approach drastically reduces the attack surface and gives you provable ownership over your digital assets.

Offline key storage

Private keys never leave the device. Transactions are signed internally and only signed payloads are shared externally.

Secure element

Dedicated secure hardware protects against physical and logical attacks; the firmware is audited and updated regularly.

Easy recovery

Recover access to your funds with the recovery phrase if your device is lost, damaged, or stolen.

Security best practices

  • Buy only from official channels to avoid tampered devices.
  • Never share your recovery phrase with anyone — not Ledger, not support, not friends.
  • Keep firmware up to date and verify the app signatures in Ledger Live.
  • Use a passphrase for added privacy and extra protection against physical loss.

Download Ledger Live Setup video guide Support center

Frequently asked questions

How do I recover my wallet if my device is lost?

Can Ledger access my funds?

What if my device shows an unexpected message?

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