Ledger.com/Start® | Starting Up Your Device® - Ledger™

A clear, secure, step-by-step HTML presentation for first-time setup and best practices.

Welcome — why setup matters

Your Ledger hardware wallet stores your private keys offline — it’s the safest way to control crypto assets. Follow a proper setup sequence to create a strong PIN, secure a recovery phrase, and connect safely to Ledger Live. This guide condenses the official steps into a visual, practical checklist so you can start with confidence.

Quick overview (what you will do)

1. Unbox & connect

Verify packaging is sealed, connect the device to your computer or phone using the supplied cable, and power it on.

2. Install Ledger Live

Download Ledger Live on the official site, install it, and follow the app’s interactive setup prompts.

3. Set PIN & write recovery phrase

Choose a PIN you’ll remember, record the 24-word recovery phrase on the provided card, and store it offline.

4. Add accounts & install apps

Install only the crypto apps you need and add accounts through Ledger Live to manage assets safely.

Step-by-step setup

Step 1 — Prepare

Before you start

Use a trusted computer or mobile device, ensure your internet connection is secure, and never enter your recovery phrase online.

Step 2 — Power on & initialize

On the device

Power on the Ledger device, choose “Set up as new device” on the screen, then follow prompts to choose a PIN. Do not share the PIN or recovery phrase with anyone.

Step 3 — Backup your recovery phrase

Critical: write it down physically

The device will reveal the 24-word recovery phrase. Write each word in order on the official recovery card. Store copies in separate secure locations (e.g., home safe and bank deposit box). Never store the words as a digital photo or online document.

Step 4 — Install Ledger Live & add accounts

Download only from ledger.com

Install Ledger Live, connect and unlock your device, then use Ledger Live to install coin-specific apps and add accounts. Ledger Live guides you safely through each step.

Step 5 — Test with a small transfer

Verify addresses

Send a small test amount first. Confirm the receiving address on your Ledger device screen (never trust only the host computer’s address display).

Security best practices

Never share your recovery phrase

Ledger staff will never ask for your recovery phrase or PIN. Avoid entering it into any website or app.

Beware of phishing

Always check URLs, bookmarks, and browser extensions. Use official links only and verify certificates where possible.

Keep firmware & apps updated

Regular updates fix vulnerabilities and add features — update via Ledger Live when prompted.

Official resources (10 links)

Use only these official Ledger resources for downloads, setup, and support:

Ledger — Start (official guide) Ledger Live — Download Ledger Support Home Set up Ledger Nano X (support) Set up Ledger Nano S (support) Getting started with Ledger Live Ledger Academy — Guides Nano X Setup (Academy) Add your accounts (support) Video Tutorials — Ledger

Tip: bookmark the official Ledger domain and never follow setup instructions from unsolicited messages.

Final checklist

  1. Device is genuine and sealed.
  2. Ledger Live downloaded from ledger.com.
  3. PIN set, 24-word recovery written down and stored offline.
  4. Firmware and apps updated via Ledger Live.
  5. Small test transaction completed successfully.
Open Ledger.com/start — Get started