Welcome to the official guide for initializing your Ledger device. This page will walk you through each step—from unboxing to final setup—ensuring a secure and seamless start.
As soon as you receive your Ledger device, carefully open the packaging and confirm that it includes the hardware wallet, USB cable, recovery sheet, and user guide. Verify the tamper‑evident seal or holographic label to ensure it has not been opened or compromised. If there is any sign of tampering, pause the setup and contact support immediately.
Always use the original accessories and cables that come with the package. The integrity of the device wiring and firmware is paramount before you proceed. That is the first step in your journey with Ledger.com/start® | Starting Up Your Device – Ledger®.
Ensure your computer's operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux) or mobile device (iOS, Android) is up to date. Install any pending security patches or system updates. Then, ensure you have stable internet access to download the Ledger Live application securely from the official site.
Do not proceed using an untrusted source or third‑party download. Always confirm the URL and SSL certificate: you should land on the official domain to protect against phishing.
Go to the official Ledger website, download the correct version of Ledger Live for your platform, and install it. Once installed, open Ledger Live and accept the terms of service. The app will prompt you to connect your Ledger device via USB (or via USB adapter for mobile OTG use).
When connecting, the device screen should light up and display its boot menu. Use the onboard buttons to navigate and select your preferred language, confirm that no “Unofficial” or “Modified firmware” warnings appear.
Ledger Live may request certain permissions—such as USB access or device permissions—to communicate with the hardware wallet. Approve only legitimate prompts. Do not grant access to unknown apps or browser popups claiming to “boost performance” or “optimize security.”
Once connected, the Ledger Live setup wizard will ask: “Is this your first device?” Choose “Yes – Set up a new device.” The wizard will guide you through creating a secure PIN and generating a recovery phrase (24 words). These steps are critical: never skip them.
Choose a unique and strong PIN—6 to 8 digits—avoiding simple combinations like “123456” or repeated digits. The PIN ensures that access to the device is protected even if someone physically possesses it.
If you forget your PIN after setup, the device will reset and you will need to restore your account from your recovery phrase. That underscores the importance of backing up your recovery phrase safely.
The device will display 24 recovery words, one at a time—never reveal them to anyone or input them digitally (photo, screenshot, cloud). Write them neatly on the recovery sheet included in the box. Keep this sheet in a safe location, like a fireproof safe or bank deposit box.
Do not store your recovery phrase in digital form (e.g. on your phone, computer, cloud). Resist the urge for convenience. Use steel backup plates, multiple physical copies, and geographically separated storage if possible. Label them and store in tamper-resistant envelopes.
After entering the recovery phrase, Ledger Live may check and prompt for firmware updates. Only proceed if the device confirms the firmware is legitimate and signed by Ledger. Follow the instructions to update if necessary. A firmware update enhances security and compatibility.
Once firmware update completes, reboot the device and reconnect. Ledger Live will rescan and confirm everything is working.
If the device shows “Firmware Error” or “Untrusted,” do not proceed. Disconnect and retry. Make sure your internet connection is stable and your Ledger Live version is up to date. If the issue persists, contact Ledger support directly.
With firmware and setup complete, Ledger Live lets you add accounts (e.g. Bitcoin, Ethereum, others). Navigate to “Add account”, choose the cryptocurrency, and let Ledger Live scan the device. Confirm on the device screen when asked.
Your wallet is now live. You can receive, send, and manage crypto assets. Always confirm addresses and amounts on the device screen, not just on the computer interface, to prevent phishing.
To receive, copy the address from Ledger Live and confirm it matches the one on device screen. To send, input the recipient address in Ledger Live, set correct amount and fee, then confirm on device.
Always double-check before approving a transaction. Small typos or phishing attacks are common vectors for loss of funds.
Keep your firmware, Ledger Live, and computer OS up to date. Don’t plug your device into unknown or public computers. Avoid browser extensions promising extra security. Always use verified official software. Stay vigilant.
During the setup and ongoing use, security must be your paramount concern. Do not share your recovery phrase, seed words, or PIN. Ledger devices are designed so that private keys never leave the device—a core security advantage.
If you ever buy a second Ledger or replace your device, you can restore the same recovery phrase. But you must still go through the initialization steps above.
Scammers often impersonate Ledger support, ask for your seed words, or prompt you to visit fake domain URLs. Always ensure you are at the official domain (check SSL lock, spelling) and never input your 24‑word seed into any website or app.
Periodically, review your accounts, perform a dummy small transaction test if necessary, and confirm your recovery phrase is still securely stored and legible. Don’t let the backup get damaged over time.