Introduction — take control of your crypto
Owning cryptocurrency means owning responsibility for your private keys. Ledger® hardware wallets let you keep those keys offline, protected inside a secure device. Ledger Live is the official application that helps you initialize your device, add accounts, monitor balances, and send or receive crypto. This guide walks through the full onboarding process — from unboxing to advanced features — with best practices to keep your funds safe. Whether you’re new to self-custody or migrating from an exchange, following these steps will give you a confident, secure start.
Why use a hardware wallet + Ledger Live?
Software wallets and exchanges are convenient but expose private keys to online risks. A hardware wallet keeps signing operations inside a physically secure element, which greatly reduces the attack surface. Ledger Live pairs with the device to present a polished interface for portfolio tracking, application management, built-in swaps, staking where supported, and integrations with trusted third-party dApps. By combining an offline key storage with a trusted interface, Ledger provides a resilient balance of security and usability.
Unboxing & initial checks
When your Ledger device arrives, inspect the package for tamper evidence. Genuine Ledger devices are securely packaged. Inside you should find the device (model such as Nano S Plus or Nano X), a USB cable, recovery sheet, quick start guide, and warranty information. If anything looks suspicious — broken seals, missing items, or physical damage — do not connect the device; contact official support.
Step 1 — go to Ledger.com/start
Open a trusted browser and navigate to ledger.com/start. Typing the URL yourself or using a bookmark avoids phishing links. Ledger.com/start contains official installers for Ledger Live
across desktop and mobile platforms and links to helpful documentation. Only download Ledger Live from the official site.
Step 2 — download and install Ledger Live
Ledger Live is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Download the appropriate installer and follow the installation instructions. After installation, launch Ledger Live and follow the onboarding prompts. Ledger Live will walk you through initializing the device, updating firmware, adding accounts, and making your first transactions.
Step 3 — connect your Ledger device
Connect your Ledger device using the supplied USB cable (or pair via Bluetooth for models that support it). Ledger Live will detect the device and prompt whether to set up a new device or restore from an existing recovery phrase. If your device indicates a firmware update, follow the on-screen instructions and approve the update on the device itself.
Step 4 — create a new wallet or restore an existing one
Ledger Live offers two main setup options: create a new wallet (generate a new recovery phrase) or restore an existing wallet (enter your recovery phrase). If you choose to create a new wallet, the device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase (entropy-based). Write this phrase down carefully on the provided recovery sheet and store it offline. If restoring, enter your existing recovery phrase using the device interface when prompted — never type your seed on a computer keyboard.
Setting a secure PIN
During initialization you'll set a PIN on the Ledger device. The PIN protects local access to the device if it is lost or stolen. Choose a non-obvious PIN and memorize it or store it in a secure offline location. Entering the wrong PIN too many times may trigger a factory reset; if that happens, you can restore your accounts using your recovery phrase.
Optional: passphrase protection
For advanced users, Ledger devices support a passphrase — an additional secret word that creates a hidden wallet. This acts like a 25th word appended to your recovery phrase. While powerful, passphrases add complexity: if you lose the passphrase you lose access to the hidden wallet. Use passphrases only when you understand the trade-offs and maintain secure backups of the passphrase itself.
Firmware updates & device verification
Ledger periodically releases firmware updates that improve security and add features. Ledger Live will alert you when updates are available. Always install firmware updates only via Ledger Live and confirm actions on the device screen — the hardware display is the single authoritative place to verify firmware fingerprints and transaction details. Never install firmware from unknown sources.
Adding accounts and supported assets
After setup, add accounts inside Ledger Live for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and many other supported tokens. Ledger Live will let you view balances, transaction history, market data, and manage apps installed on the device. You can label accounts and manage multiple accounts per asset. Ledger supports a wide range of assets, and third-party integrations expand compatibility with DeFi and Web3 services.
Sending and receiving crypto — on-device verification
To receive funds: generate a receiving address in Ledger Live, then verify that the same address is displayed on your Ledger device screen. Because malware can alter addresses shown in software, verifying on the device prevents address substitution attacks. Only after confirming on-device should you share the address.
To send funds: enter the recipient address and amount in Ledger Live, then review the transaction summary. Confirm and approve the transaction on the hardware device, checking that the destination and amount match your intent. Do not approve transactions where the device shows unexpected recipients, amounts, or fees.
Backup strategies — durability and redundancy
The 24-word recovery phrase is the canonical backup. Protect it against physical threats (fire, water, corrosion) and consider redundancy: store copies in separate secure locations such as a home safe and a bank safety deposit box. Many users upgrade to metal seed storage plates that withstand fire and water. If you opt for multiple copies, balance redundancy with the risk of more exposure — each copy increases the chance of someone finding it.
Security best practices
- Always download Ledger Live from the official site (
ledger.com/start). - Verify addresses and transaction details on the device screen, not solely in software.
- Keep firmware and Ledger Live up to date to receive security patches.
- Never share your recovery phrase or PIN with anyone — Ledger support will not ask for them.
- Avoid using public Wi-Fi for high-value transactions.
- Test new services with small transactions before transferring large sums.
Advanced features — staking, swaps, and integrations
Ledger Live offers built-in swap features and staking for supported assets, letting you earn yield or swap tokens without exposing private keys. Ledger also integrates with vetted third-party wallets and dApps for DeFi interactions. When using integrations, ensure the third-party application is reputable and audited, and always verify operations on the hardware device.
Mobile vs desktop — choose what fits
Ledger Live is available on desktop and mobile. Desktop is often preferred for initial device setup, firmware updates, and advanced account management. Mobile provides convenience for monitoring balances and performing smaller transactions on the go. For high-value operations, many users perform them from a trusted desktop environment.
Troubleshooting — common issues and fixes
Device not detected: Try a different USB cable or port and ensure Ledger Live is the latest version. Use the original cable when possible.
Firmware update failure: Restart Ledger Live and the device and retry the update. If problems persist, consult official support resources.
Forgot PIN: If you forget your PIN, restore your wallet on a new device using your recovery phrase.
Suspicious communication: If you receive unsolicited messages asking for your seed or PIN, treat them as scams and report them through official channels.
FAQ — quick answers
Q: Can I initialize without Ledger Live?
A: Some advanced workflows exist, but Ledger Live is recommended for safe initialization, firmware management, and account operation.
Q: Is my recovery phrase unique?
A: Yes — recovery phrases are generated with strong randomness and are unique to your wallet.
Q: What happens if my device is tampered with?
A: Do not connect it. Contact official support immediately and follow their instructions.
Q: Should I use a passphrase?
A: Passphrases add strong protection but also increase operational complexity. Use them only if you can safely manage the passphrase backup.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Storing seed words digitally (photos, notes, cloud) — never do this.
- Sharing seed words or PIN with anyone claiming to be support.
- Using cheap, unbranded cables or adapters that might fail or damage the device.
- Skipping firmware updates — they often contain important security improvements.
Final thoughts — responsibility and control
A Ledger device combined with Ledger Live gives you direct control over your crypto holdings — and that control means responsibility. Follow the official setup, protect your recovery phrase, verify everything on the device, and adopt secure backup strategies. These habits will keep your assets protected from the vast majority of threats while letting you take full advantage of the flexibility and opportunities cryptocurrency affords.
Ready to begin? Download Ledger Live from the official site and follow the guided onboarding within the app.
Download Ledger Live