Introduction — Why a hardware wallet matters
Using a hardware wallet like a Ledger is one of the most secure ways to store your cryptocurrencies. Unlike custodial solutions, a hardware wallet keeps your private keys offline in a specialised device, giving you direct control while reducing exposure to hacks or exchange failures. This guide at Ledger.com/Start is designed for absolute beginners — if you’ve just unboxed your device, you’re in the right place.
What you'll learn in this guide
Over the next few sections (organized with H4 and H5 headings), you'll learn how to set up your Ledger, initialize it, pair it with Ledger Live, secure your recovery phrase, and perform your first receive-and-send operations. Each step includes best-practice tips and colourful callouts so you can feel confident from day one.
Step 1 — Unboxing and first impressions
Check the packaging (H4)
Ledger packages are sealed and designed to show tampering clearly. When you open the box, verify the tamper-evident stickers and that the device looks clean and intact. If anything looks suspicious, contact official support at Ledger Support.
What’s included (H4)
Most Ledger boxes include the device, a USB cable, a keychain, and recovery worksheets. Keep the recovery worksheet nearby but never store your recovery phrase digitally. The recovery sheet is your lifeline — treat it with the same care you would a physical bank vault key.
Step 2 — Initial setup
Power on and language selection (H4)
Follow the on-screen prompts to choose your device language. The Ledger's small screen will walk you through each step. Work slowly and read every word — this is a one-time setup that secures future access.
Choose a secure PIN (H4)
The device will ask you to set a PIN. Pick a PIN you can remember but that others won’t guess. Avoid obvious sequences like 1234 or your birthday. If the wrong PIN is entered too many times, the device may wipe itself — that’s a security feature, so keep your PIN safe.
Recovery phrase explained (H3)
A recovery phrase (also called a seed phrase) is typically 24 words long on Ledger devices. This phrase can restore your wallet on any compatible device. Never share it. Ledger employees or legitimate support will never ask for your recovery phrase. If anyone asks for it — treat that as a scam and refuse immediately.
Important security tip (H4)
Write your recovery phrase on the provided card and store it somewhere secure — a safe or a secure lockbox. Consider making two copies and storing them in separate secure locations to protect against loss or damage.
Step 3 — Install Ledger Live
Download from the official site (H4)
Always download Ledger Live from the official domain: ledger.com/ledger-live. Do not download from search result ads or third-party mirrors. Install the application on your desktop or mobile device and follow the pairing instructions.
Pairing the device (H4)
Open Ledger Live and choose "Get Started". The app will prompt you to connect your Ledger and confirm the device model. When asked, allow the connection and approve the prompts directly on the hardware device — never approve actions on a computer on behalf of the device without verifying on the device screen.
Apps and cryptocurrencies (H3)
Ledger Live uses apps to manage different blockchains (for example, Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana). Install only the apps you need — the device has limited storage. Ledger Live will guide you through installing and managing these apps within the Manager section.
Step 4 — First receive and verification
Receiving crypto (H4)
To receive funds, open the account in Ledger Live and click Receive. ALWAYS verify the displayed address on the hardware device itself — if the address shown in Ledger Live and on your device do not match, do not proceed. Paste the address from the device into the sending platform.
Test with a small amount (H5)
It's a good idea to test a small transfer first. This ensures the address is correct and that everything is functioning as expected. After the small transfer confirms, you can send larger amounts.
Step 5 — Sending crypto
Construct the transaction (H4)
Use Ledger Live to build a transaction. Confirm network fees and review recipient addresses carefully. When you submit, your device will ask you to review and approve the transaction — verify the destination address on the device screen before approving.
Advanced: Custom fees and networks (H4)
If you transact on networks with variable fees (e.g., Ethereum during congestion), you can set custom gas. Learn what each fee option means in Ledger Live's documentation and consider using the recommended fee for timely confirmation.
Best practices & security checklist
Hardware and firmware (H3)
Keep your device firmware up to date. Ledger releases firmware updates that add features and patch vulnerabilities. Firmware updates require you to confirm the update directly on the device — never update by running unknown software from third parties.
Backup and redundancy (H3)
Create multiple physical copies of the recovery phrase if you can store them securely. Consider using metal backup plates to resist water and fire damage. Do not photograph or type your recovery phrase into any device or cloud storage.
Recognising scams (H3)
Phishing is the most common attack vector. Common red flags include: unsolicited messages asking for your recovery phrase, links to fake Ledger pages with slightly altered domains, and customer support impersonators. Always verify the domain and use bookmarks for official Ledger pages.
Troubleshooting common issues
Device not recognized (H4)
If your computer does not recognize the Ledger, try a different USB cable, a different port, and ensure Ledger Live is allowed to access the device. Check operating system permissions and disable browser extensions that might interfere.
Forgotten PIN (H4)
If you forget your PIN, you can restore access using your recovery phrase on a fresh device. The original device will remain protected by the PIN, so physical access without the PIN alone is not sufficient.
Advanced topics
Using third-party wallets (H3)
Ledger works with many third-party wallets (for example, MetaMask for Ethereum chains). You can connect your Ledger to these wallets for advanced workflows; however, confirm any connection and always verify transactions on your Ledger device screen.
Multi-account management (H3)
Ledger Live supports multiple accounts and sub-accounts per blockchain. Label your accounts clearly and maintain an organized record of which addresses correspond to which accounts and purposes (savings, trading, staking, etc.).
Useful links & quick navigation
Below are ten quick links you can use right away — they point to official Ledger resources and common entry points. Open in new tabs and bookmark them for safety.
- Ledger Start — Official onboarding
- Ledger Live — Download & guides
- Ledger Support Center
- Ledger Academy — Learn about crypto
- Where to buy official Ledger devices
- Ledger Blog — News & updates
- Recovery guidance & best practices
- Ledger FAQ
- Contact & office information
- Privacy & terms
Closing thoughts
Getting started with Ledger doesn’t have to feel intimidating. With the right precautions — secure your recovery phrase, keep firmware up to date, and verify addresses on-device — you’ll enjoy a much higher level of control and safety over your crypto holdings. Treat your hardware wallet and recovery phrase as the single most important pieces of financial infrastructure you own and plan for redundancy and safe storage.
Further reading and next steps
After you’re comfortable with basic send/receive workflows, explore staking, DeFi interactions (carefully), and third-party integrations. Always review the specific risks of each blockchain and service before moving large amounts of funds.
— Written with care to guide first-time users through a colourful, modern onboarding experience. For official resources, always visit Ledger.com/Start.