Official Site® — Ledger.com/Start®

1. Unbox with care

When your Ledger device arrives, inspect the outer packaging. Ledger ships with tamper-evident seals — if you notice broken seals or anything suspicious, do not use the device and contact support. Inside the box you’ll typically find the hardware device, a recovery sheet, a USB cable, and quick-start documentation. Keep the box and documentation until setup is complete and you’ve verified the device works and the serial numbers match the packaging.

2. Download Ledger Live from Ledger.com/Start®

Always download Ledger Live from the official Ledger.com domain. Ledger Live is the secure companion app for managing accounts, installing apps on your device, and sending/receiving assets. Install the desktop or mobile version depending on your workflow. Never download Ledger Live from third-party websites — malicious versions exist that can steal credentials or lead you to expose your recovery phrase.

3. Initialize your device

Boot the device and follow the on-screen instructions. You will be asked to pick a PIN — choose something uniquely memorable and not used elsewhere. Next, the device will display a recovery phrase (typically 24 words). This phrase is the master key to your funds. Write it down on the supplied recovery sheet exactly as shown, in the correct order. Verify the words carefully; many mistakes occur because words were written incorrectly or out of order.

Never store your recovery phrase in a photo, a cloud-synced note, or on any electronic device. Doing so exposes your funds to theft. Consider durable steel backups to protect against fire, water, and time.

4. Securing your recovery

Your recovery phrase must be protected physically and operationally. Recommended practices include:

• Store multiple physical copies in separate secure locations (e.g., a safe, a safety deposit box).
• Use a metal backup for long-term protection against environmental damage.
• Test a recovery only with a spare device and small funds so you do not risk full exposure.

5. Install apps & add accounts

In Ledger Live, open the Manager and install the blockchain apps you need (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum). Each app acts as a bridge between your device and that blockchain. After installing apps, add accounts in Ledger Live to view addresses, balances, and transaction history. Ledger devices hold private keys — confirmations must always be done on-device for security.

6. Receive and verify addresses

To receive funds, request a receive address from Ledger Live and always verify the address on your device screen before sharing it. Malware on a computer or phone can attempt to replace a legitimate address with an attacker-controlled address. On-device verification ensures the address truly belongs to your wallet.

7. Sending funds safely

When sending funds, enter the recipient address in Ledger Live and review the transaction summary carefully. The device will display the destination address and amount — confirm these on the hardware itself. Use recommended fees when possible; low fees can lead to long confirmation times while excessively high fees waste funds.

8. Protection from phishing and scams

Phishing attempts are the most common cause of lost funds. Common red flags include unsolicited emails or messages asking for your recovery phrase, fake Ledger websites, or unexpected pop-ups. Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase. If you receive suspicious communication, verify URLs, and go directly to Ledger.com/Start® or the support center to confirm authenticity.

9. Firmware, app, and software updates

Keep your device firmware and Ledger Live app up to date. Ledger periodically releases firmware updates that fix bugs, improve compatibility, and add features. Always follow the official update flow in Ledger Live and confirm updates on the device screen. Do not accept firmware updates initiated outside the official Ledger Live workflow.

10. Advanced features: passphrase & hidden wallets

Advanced users may enable a passphrase (also called a 25th word) to create hidden wallets. A passphrase is powerful but also risky: if you forget the passphrase, the hidden wallet becomes permanently inaccessible. Use passphrases only if you fully understand the tradeoffs and maintain secure records of the passphrase itself. Consider using separate, clearly labeled backups for standard and passphrase-protected wallets.

11. Third-party integrations

Ledger devices are compatible with many third-party wallets and services that support hardware wallets. When using third-party integrations, verify support for Ledger protocol and review their security reputation. Approve every transaction on-device — never rely exclusively on third-party confirmations.

12. Troubleshooting checklist

If your device is not recognized, try a different USB cable or port and restart Ledger Live. Ensure your operating system permissions allow the app to access connected devices. For firmware or update problems, follow the official recovery steps provided on Ledger.com/Start®. If you lose access to your device, you can restore funds with your recovery phrase on a compatible wallet.

13. Everyday operational security

Operational security reduces risk. Keep software up to date, avoid public Wi‑Fi while managing funds, and maintain physical control of your device. Limit sharing of any information about your holdings. If you use multiple devices, segregate funds by purpose (savings vs spending) and consider multi-signature setups for larger sums.

14. What to do if something goes wrong

If you suspect compromise — unusual transactions, unexpected prompts for recovery, or device behavior — disconnect the device, do not enter your recovery phrase anywhere, and contact Ledger support through the official site. For lost devices, restore from your recovery phrase on a new device. For suspected phishing, change related passwords and review recent activity carefully.

15. Final checklist before you start

1. Confirm device packaging is intact and serial numbers match.
2. Download Ledger Live from Ledger.com/Start® only.
3. Set a secure PIN and write your recovery phrase on the recovery sheet.
4. Store backups in multiple physical, secure locations.
5. Practice address verification and approve transactions on-device.