Start Using Your Ledger® Device | Official Step-by-Step Guide
Cryptocurrency ownership gives you financial freedom—but also full responsibility for your digital assets. Unlike traditional banking systems, the crypto world does not offer a “forgot password” button or a customer support line that can reverse transactions. Because of this, securing your private keys is the foundation of protecting your wealth. Ledger® hardware wallets are among the most trusted tools in the industry for safeguarding crypto assets. But the real security comes from setting up and using the device properly.
This Official Step-by-Step Guide will walk you through everything you need to know to start using your Ledger® device safely, correctly, and confidently.
Why Choose a Ledger® Hardware Wallet?
A Ledger® hardware wallet stores your private keys inside a secure element chip that never exposes them to the internet. This means your crypto cannot be stolen by malware, keyloggers, or remote hackers. Ledger devices allow you to manage digital assets, stake tokens, connect to Web3 applications, and store NFTs—while keeping full control over your keys.
Key advantages include:
Offline private key storage
Secure element chip (CC EAL5+ certified)
Integration with Ledger Live for easy management
Support for thousands of coins and tokens
Compatibility with Web3 and decentralized apps
Protection against phishing and online attacks
But all of these benefits only work if your device is set up correctly. That’s why following the official steps is essential.
Step 1: Verify and Unbox Your Ledger® Device
When you receive your Ledger, make sure the packaging is sealed and not tampered with. Ledger never sends devices that are pre-configured, pre-opened, or bundled with recovery words.
Your box should include:
Ledger device
USB cable
Recovery sheet
Quick start card
⚠️ Important: If your device comes with a pre-written recovery phrase, DO NOT USE IT. This means the device is compromised.
Step 2: Download and Install Ledger Live
To begin, you need the Ledger Live app, the official companion software used to manage your hardware wallet.
Ledger Live allows you to:
Initialize your device
Install apps for different cryptocurrencies
Create and manage accounts
Send and receive crypto
Stake supported assets
Update firmware
Track your entire portfolio
Download Ledger Live only from the official Ledger website.
Never download from unverified stores or links, as fake versions can steal your information.
Open the app and choose “Set up a new device.”
Step 3: Initialize and Secure Your Ledger® Device
Connect your Ledger device to your computer or mobile device using the supplied cable. Ledger Live will guide you through the setup.
Create Your PIN Code
Your PIN code is the first security layer. You will be prompted to choose a 4- to 8-digit PIN. Enter and confirm it directly on the device.
Best PIN practices:
Avoid obvious numbers like birthdays
Do not reuse passwords
Do not write it down in publicly accessible places
Memorize it whenever possible
If someone guesses your PIN, they could access your device, so make it strong.
Step 4: Generate and Save Your Recovery Phrase
This is the most important step of the entire setup process.
Your Ledger® device will now generate a 24-word recovery phrase—also called your seed phrase. This phrase is the master key to your crypto wallet.
The recovery phrase allows you to:
Restore your wallet if your device is lost
Recover funds on a new Ledger
Keep access to your assets forever
Your responsibilities:
Write it down on the supplied recovery sheet
Spell every word exactly as shown, in the correct order
Store it in a secure, offline location
Never photograph it
Never store it digitally
Never share it with anyone
Ledger will ask you to confirm specific words to ensure you copied everything correctly.
⚠️ If someone gains access to your 24-word phrase, they can access your crypto. There is no way to reverse this.
Step 5: Verify Device Authenticity
Ledger Live will run a genuine-check to confirm your device is authentic. This ensures:
No unauthorized firmware is installed
The secure element chip is legitimate
The device was not altered before delivery
If the check fails, stop using the device and contact support.
Step 6: Install Cryptocurrency Apps
Different cryptocurrencies require different applications on your Ledger. For example:
Bitcoin → Install Bitcoin app
Ethereum → Install Ethereum app
Solana → Install Solana app
Polygon → Install Polygon app
This does not store crypto on your device. Instead, it enables your Ledger to sign transactions on different blockchains.
To install apps:
Open Ledger Live
Go to “My Ledger”
Choose your apps
Install them on the device
Your Ledger model can hold multiple apps at once, depending on memory.
Step 7: Add Crypto Accounts in Ledger Live
Each cryptocurrency requires an account to manage addresses and track balances.
To add an account:
Open Ledger Live
Navigate to “Accounts”
Click “Add account”
Select the crypto
Verify the address on your Ledger screen
Always check the receiving address on your device’s screen. This prevents phishing attacks where malware changes addresses on your computer.
Step 8: Transfer Crypto to Your Ledger® Device
Now that your accounts are ready, you can transfer your crypto from exchanges or other wallets.
Before sending large amounts:
Always try a small test deposit
Double-check the receiving address
Confirm the address on the device, not just the computer
Make sure you’re sending on the correct network
(e.g., ETH on Ethereum, not BNB Chain)
Your Ledger device does not store coins directly. It stores your private keys securely, while your assets remain on the blockchain.
Step 9: Learn to Send Crypto Safely
To send crypto:
Open Ledger Live
Choose Send
Enter the recipient’s address
Confirm the details on your Ledger device
Approve the transaction
Your private key signs the transaction inside the device, never exposing it to the internet.
Step 10: Secure Your Recovery Phrase for the Long Term
Your recovery phrase is the single most important part of your crypto security.
Recommended long-term storage methods include:
A fireproof safe
A waterproof backup
Metal recovery phrase plates
Offline vault storage
Never store the phrase:
On your phone
In cloud services
In emails
In screenshots
In digital notes
Your crypto is only as secure as your seed phrase.
Step 11: Keep Your Firmware Updated
Ledger regularly releases firmware updates to improve security and add support for more crypto assets. Always update using Ledger Live and never through external links.
Final Thoughts
Using a Ledger® hardware wallet is one of the most effective ways to secure your cryptocurrency. By following this Official Step-by-Step Guide, you ensure:
Your device is authentic
Your private keys remain offline
Your recovery phrase is safe
Your accounts are set up correctly
Your crypto stays protected from online threats
With proper setup and careful handling, your Ledger® device becomes a powerful tool that gives you complete, long-term control over your digital assets.