Your first steps
with Ledger.

Begin at the right starting point

Ledger.com/start is an official starting point for learning how to initialize a Ledger hardware wallet and find the companion software. A hardware wallet keeps the private keys that authorize transactions protected by a dedicated device. Your crypto assets remain recorded on their respective networks; the device helps you control access to them.

Start by typing ledger.com/start into your browser yourself. Check the spelling and domain carefully, and avoid setup links sent unexpectedly through messages, search ads, or social posts. This independent guide explains the general process; the instructions shown on Ledger’s official pages and on your own device should always take priority.

Prepare before you power on

Set aside a quiet few minutes and gather the device, its supplied accessories, and the recovery phrase sheet that came in the box. Use a computer or phone you trust, connected to a reliable network. Visit Ledger’s official website directly to find Ledger Wallet, the companion app, and follow the current installation directions for your operating system.

Buy hardware from Ledger or a recognized authorized seller whenever possible. Before setup, check that packaging and the device look as expected, then follow the genuine-device verification provided in the official app. Never rely on a seller’s assurances alone, and never use a recovery phrase printed on a card or supplied in advance. Your own device should generate a new phrase during first-time setup.

Set up your device, step by step

Open Ledger Wallet only after downloading it from Ledger’s official website. Connect your device as the on-screen instructions describe, then choose the option to set up a new device. Carefully read the prompts displayed on the hardware itself. They guide you through choosing a personal PIN and generating a new recovery phrase.

Create a PIN that is difficult for another person to guess and never share it. Depending on your device, the number of digits and confirmation flow may differ. Enter it directly on the hardware device rather than into a message or a website. Take your time: the buttons and screen are deliberately simple, but each confirmation matters. If your device shows a phrase before you start or asks you to enter one into a computer, stop and consult official guidance.

When setup finishes, complete any genuine-device check and firmware steps recommended in Ledger Wallet. Keep the device connected until an update completes, and only approve actions you initiated and understand.

Protect the recovery phrase above all

Your recovery phrase is the master backup for your wallet. Anyone who gets it may be able to control the associated assets, so treat it like the most valuable key you own. Write each word in the exact order shown on the device, using the supplied sheet or another secure offline method. Check every letter and sequence carefully before confirming the words on your device.

Keep the written phrase private and in a secure place protected from loss, theft, fire, and water. Do not photograph it, store it in cloud storage, type it into a computer, or send it to anyone. Ledger support will never need you to reveal it. No legitimate troubleshooting request should ask for the full phrase. Consider a second carefully secured offline backup only after understanding the added risks of creating and protecting extra copies.

Add only the apps and assets you need

Ledger Wallet helps you install blockchain apps on a compatible device and manage supported accounts. From the app’s portfolio or manager area, choose the network you plan to use and follow its prompts. Device storage can be limited, so you may need to remove an app to make space; removing an app does not remove the assets recorded on the blockchain. Reinstall the compatible app later to manage the account again.

Before receiving or sending anything, confirm that the asset and network are both supported and match on each side of the transaction. Similar names do not always mean compatible networks. For a new asset or service, check current availability and fees in official resources rather than relying on old instructions or a stranger’s recommendation.

Make your first transaction carefully

For a first transfer, begin with a small amount you can afford to risk. In Ledger Wallet, open the relevant account and choose receive. Verify the address shown in the software against the address displayed on your hardware device; approve it on the device only when the characters match. Share the verified receiving address with the sender and wait for the network to confirm the transfer.

When sending, double-check the recipient address, network, and amount. A copied address can be replaced by harmful software, so verify the destination on the hardware screen before approving. Transactions are generally irreversible, and network fees vary. Read the full device prompt rather than treating approval as a routine click. For larger transfers, a small test transaction can help you confirm that the destination and process are correct.

Make security part of your routine

Keep Ledger Wallet and your computer or phone updated through official sources. Protect the device physically, use a strong unique PIN, and be cautious of messages that create urgency or promise rewards. Bookmark the official Ledger website after verifying it. If you think your device, PIN, or recovery phrase may be exposed, use Ledger’s current official security guidance promptly; never enter your phrase into a web page or share it with a person claiming to help.

Self-custody gives you more direct responsibility as well as control. There is no central party that can restore a lost recovery phrase for you. Store it with care, practice verifying every transaction, and pause whenever a prompt is confusing. A slower, verified setup is better than a rushed one. With your device initialized, your phrase secured offline, and your first receive address checked on the device, you have a strong foundation for managing digital assets on your own terms.