Your Ledger device
Use a device you obtained from Ledger or an authorized retailer. Check the packaging and device for anything that looks altered. Ledger devices are designed so you initialize them yourself.
YOUR SELF-CUSTODY JOURNEY STARTS HERE
Own your
digital life.
A calmer, clearer way to get started. Set up your Ledger device, create your recovery phrase safely, and make your first confident move into self-custody.
Let’s get you set upAbout 20 minutes · No technical experience needed
✓READY
RECOVERY PHRASE⌑
KEEP THIS PRIVATE
Your keys. Your control.
✳✦ BUILT FOR OWNERSHIPKeep your keys offlineVerify every actionTake it one step at a time
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
A little prep.
A lot more peace of mind.
Give yourself a quiet 20 minutes and gather what you need before powering on. A thoughtful start makes every step after it easier.
A trusted computer or phone
Download Ledger Live only from Ledger’s official website or your device’s official app store. Keep your operating system and security updates current, and avoid public or shared computers.
Somewhere private to write
Your device will show a recovery phrase during setup. Have the supplied recovery sheet or another durable, offline paper ready. Never photograph, scan, type, or store those words in a connected device.
THE FIRST 20 MINUTES
Follow the steps.
Stay in control.
YOUR SETUP0 of 4 complete
Mark each step as you finish it.
01
Download Ledger Live from an official source
Ledger Live is the companion app for setting up your device and managing supported assets. Get the desktop or mobile version from the official Ledger website, or follow the official store link for your device. Confirm the publisher before installing. Avoid search ads, unsolicited messages, and download links sent by strangers.
Why this matters
Imitation apps can look convincing. Starting from the official source reduces the risk of installing software that tries to capture sensitive information. When in doubt, navigate to Ledger’s website yourself rather than following a message link.
02
Connect and initialize your device
Open Ledger Live and choose the option to set up a new device. Connect your hardware wallet and follow the instructions shown on its screen. Choose a PIN directly on the device; your PIN protects access to the device itself. Keep it private, select something difficult to guess, and do not share it with anyone.
See a setup warning?
Pause if the device arrives with a PIN already set, a recovery phrase supplied in the box, or instructions asking you to enter your recovery phrase on a computer or website. A genuine setup begins with you. Contact official Ledger support through its website if anything feels unusual.
03
Write down your recovery phrase offline
Your device displays a unique set of recovery words. Write each word in the correct order, exactly as displayed, and check every spelling before continuing. This phrase is the backup to your wallet, not a password reset link. Anyone who gets the words may be able to access the associated assets, so keep the paper private and physically secure.
Golden rule: never share the words
Ledger support will never need your recovery phrase. Do not enter it into Ledger Live, a browser, a phone, a cloud note, or a support chat. Do not photograph or email it. If a person, site, or app asks for the phrase, stop; it is a scam.
04
Verify the backup and explore safely
Complete the device’s recovery check by selecting the words when prompted. This confirms that your written backup matches what the device generated. Then use Ledger Live to add an account for a supported asset. Review the network and address carefully, and confirm the details on the hardware device’s own screen before approving any transaction.
Start with a small test
Before sending a significant amount, consider a small test transaction and wait for it to complete. Network fees, confirmation times, and supported assets vary. Check official, current guidance for the exact asset and network you intend to use.
SECURITY THAT STARTS WITH YOU
Your recovery phrase is
the master key.
Self-custody gives you control, and that control comes with responsibility. Your hardware wallet protects your private keys, while your recovery phrase helps restore access if your device is lost or damaged.
Learn the safe habitsTHE ONE RULE TO REMEMBER
Never type your recovery phrase into a website, app, or computer.
Enter words only on the device itself when completing its own recovery process. No legitimate support agent needs them. Keep your PIN private, verify addresses on-device, and slow down whenever a request feels urgent.
Keep it offline. Keep it yours.
GOOD HABITS, FROM DAY ONE
Security is a practice,
not a setting.
A few repeatable checks help make self-custody feel natural. Build them into every session, especially when moving value or connecting to something new.
Check the screen
Read the transaction details shown on your hardware wallet. Your computer display is not a substitute for the device’s trusted screen.
Ignore urgency
Scammers use deadlines and fear to rush decisions. Stop, close the message, and find official help by navigating to the source yourself.
Secure your backup
Store your written recovery phrase somewhere private, dry, and secure. Consider a location protected from casual access and common household risks.
Use official updates
Update Ledger Live and device firmware only through official prompts and channels. Read the instructions before approving an update on your device.
NEED A HAND?
Questions are part
of getting started.
Take your time. Most setup questions have a clear answer, and you should never have to reveal a PIN or recovery phrase to get help. Visit the official Ledger support center for current, step-by-step guidance.
Visit Ledger SupportWhat if I lose my Ledger device?
Your device is replaceable; your recovery phrase is what matters for restoring access. Use only a new, trusted device and follow its official recovery instructions privately. If you suspect your phrase has been exposed, seek official guidance promptly.
Does Ledger store my recovery phrase?
Your recovery phrase is created and displayed during device setup. Treat it as your own sensitive backup and never share it. Read Ledger’s official documentation for the latest details about device security and recovery.
Can I skip writing down the phrase?
No. The recovery phrase is your essential offline backup. Complete the recovery check and secure the written copy before relying on the wallet. Keep it separate from your device so one incident cannot compromise both.
Is every token or network supported?
Support varies by asset, network, device, and software version. Check Ledger’s current supported asset information before sending funds, and make sure the receiving address and network match exactly.
YOU’RE OFF TO A GOOD START
Take ownership.
Keep learning.
There is no need to do everything today. Begin with a secure setup, protect your backup, and make each next step only when you understand it.
Review the setup steps