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Your complete guide to setting up the world's most trusted hardware wallet. Secure your digital assets with military-grade encryption and keep your private keys offline, far from hackers' reach.
What is a Ledger Hardware Wallet?
A Ledger hardware wallet is a physical device that stores your cryptocurrency private keys offline, providing the highest level of security for your digital assets.
Maximum Security
Your private keys never leave the device, protecting you from online threats, malware, and phishing attacks.
Full Control
You own your crypto completely. No third party can access, freeze, or confiscate your digital assets.
Easy to Use
Simple setup process with Ledger Live app. Manage all your crypto assets from one secure interface.
Download Ledger Live™ App
Ledger Wallet™ is your all-in-one crypto wallet app to confidently and conveniently manage all your digital assets from one secure place while keeping your private keys offline.
Windows
Windows 10 and above
macOS
macOS 10.14 and above
Linux
Ubuntu 18.04+, Debian 10+
iOS
iOS 13.0 or later
Android
Android 8.1 or above
Complete Setup Guide
Follow these simple steps to set up your Ledger hardware wallet and secure your cryptocurrency investments.
Unbox Your Ledger Device
Carefully open your Ledger package and ensure all items are included: Ledger device, USB cable, recovery phrase cards, and getting started leaflet.
Important Security Check:
Verify the device is sealed and shows no signs of tampering. Only purchase from official Ledger store or authorized resellers.
Power On and Initialize Your Device
Connect your Ledger device to your computer using the provided USB cable. The device will power on automatically.
- Press both buttons when "Press to begin" appears on screen
- Navigate using the left/right buttons to select options
- Select "Set up as new device" option
Set a Secure PIN Code
Create a 4-8 digit PIN code that you'll use to unlock your Ledger device. This is your first line of defense.
- Choose a PIN between 4-8 digits long
- Avoid obvious combinations like 1234 or repeating numbers
- Confirm your PIN by entering it again
Pro Tip: Never share your PIN with anyone. After 3 incorrect attempts, your device will reset for security.
Write Down Your 24-Word Recovery Phrase
Your recovery phrase is the MOST IMPORTANT part of your crypto security. This 24-word phrase is the master key to all your cryptocurrencies.
- Write all 24 words on the recovery sheet in correct order
- Double-check each word for accuracy - spelling matters
- Store in a secure, fireproof location away from computers
- Consider making multiple copies in separate secure locations
Critical Warning:
NEVER take a photo, screenshot, or digital copy of your recovery phrase. NEVER share it with anyone, including Ledger support. Anyone with these words can steal all your crypto.
Verify Your Recovery Phrase
Your Ledger will ask you to confirm certain words from your recovery phrase to ensure you wrote them down correctly.
- The device will ask for specific words (e.g., "Select word #3")
- Use buttons to scroll and select the correct word
- If verification fails, you'll need to set up again
Download and Install Ledger Live
Ledger Live is the official companion app where you'll manage your crypto accounts and transactions.
- Visit ledger.com/start or use download buttons above
- Select your operating system (Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android)
- Install the application and launch it
- Grant necessary permissions when prompted
Connect Your Ledger to Ledger Live
Connect your Ledger device to Ledger Live to complete the setup and start managing your crypto.
- Connect your Ledger device via USB
- Enter your PIN on the device
- Follow on-screen instructions in Ledger Live
- Allow Ledger Manager access on your device
Install Cryptocurrency Apps
Install specific apps for each cryptocurrency you want to manage on your Ledger device.
- Go to "Manager" tab in Ledger Live
- Search for cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.)
- Click "Install" next to each app you need
- Approve installation on your Ledger device
Add Crypto Accounts
Create accounts for each cryptocurrency to start receiving and sending digital assets.
- Click "Add account" in Ledger Live
- Select the cryptocurrency from the list
- Open the corresponding app on your Ledger device
- Name your account and confirm
Send & Receive Cryptocurrency
You're now ready to safely send and receive cryptocurrency using your Ledger wallet.
↓ Receiving Crypto
- • Click "Receive" in Ledger Live
- • Select the account
- • Verify address on device screen
- • Share address to sender
↑ Sending Crypto
- • Click "Send" in Ledger Live
- • Enter recipient address
- • Specify amount and fees
- • Confirm on device screen
Always Verify on Device:
ALWAYS verify transaction details and addresses on your Ledger device screen, not just on your computer. This protects against malware.
Essential Security Features
Maximize your Ledger wallet security with these critical features and best practices.
Regular Firmware Updates
Keep your device secure with the latest features and security patches.
- • Check for updates in Ledger Live Manager
- • Install updates when prompted
- • Device will guide you through the process
- • Your funds remain safe during updates
Enable PIN Security
Your PIN is required every time you connect your device.
- • Use a strong, unique PIN code
- • Never share your PIN with anyone
- • Device resets after 3 wrong attempts
- • Change PIN in device settings if needed
Secure Recovery Phrase Storage
Your recovery phrase is your ultimate backup - protect it carefully.
- • Store in fireproof/waterproof safe
- • Consider metal backup plates
- • Keep multiple copies in secure locations
- • Never store digitally or take photos
Verify All Transactions
Always confirm transaction details on your device screen.
- • Check recipient addresses carefully
- • Verify amounts before confirming
- • Trust device screen, not computer
- • Cancel if anything looks wrong
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Quick solutions to common setup problems and questions.
🔌 Device Not Recognized
- • Try a different USB port or cable
- • Install Ledger Live from official website
- • Update USB drivers on Windows
- • Restart your computer and reconnect
❌ Wrong PIN Entered
- • You have 3 attempts before device resets
- • If reset, use recovery phrase to restore
- • Take your time entering the correct PIN
- • Contact Ledger support if you forgot PIN
🔄 Firmware Update Failed
- • Don't disconnect during update process
- • Ensure stable internet connection
- • Restart Ledger Live and try again
- • Your funds are always safe even if update fails
📝 Lost Recovery Phrase
- • If you still have device access, write it down now
- • Go to Settings → Security → Recovery phrase
- • Transfer funds to new wallet if phrase is truly lost
- • Set up new device with new recovery phrase
💸 Transaction Not Appearing
- • Wait for blockchain confirmation (can take time)
- • Verify correct network was used
- • Check transaction status on blockchain explorer
- • Synchronize accounts in Ledger Live
Ready to Secure Your Crypto?
Join over 8 million users worldwide who trust Ledger to keep their digital assets safe and secure.