Ledger Setup Guide — Start Here

A clear, friendly walkthrough to set up a Ledger hardware wallet. Educational content only — not affiliated with any company.

Download Ledger Live (official site)

What this page is

This guide explains how users commonly set up a Ledger hardware wallet: from unboxing, selecting a PIN, recording the recovery phrase, to sending and receiving crypto securely. It is educational and intentionally neutral — it does not replace official documentation. Always verify software and support links by visiting official channels directly.

Before you begin

Follow these safety checks first:

Confirm the package is sealed and untampered.
Only download companion software (Ledger Live) from the official domain — type it manually.
Plan a secure offline place for your recovery phrase — never store it in a photo or cloud file.

Unboxing & items

A typical Ledger box includes the hardware device, a USB cable, a recovery phrase card, and a Quick Start leaflet. Different models may include extra accessories.

Item 1 — Device

Physical device with two buttons or a touchscreen (model-dependent).

Item 2 — Recovery card

Blank cards to write down your 24-word recovery phrase by hand.

Item 3 — Cable & leaflet

USB cable for connection and a quick-start guide for basics.

Step-by-step setup (typical)

Step 1 — Install Ledger Live

Download Ledger Live from the official site, install it on your desktop or mobile, and open the app.

Step 2 — Power on & set PIN

Connect the device and follow on-screen prompts to choose a secure PIN. Pick something you can remember but others won't guess.

Step 3 — Write down recovery

The device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase. Write it down in order on the supplied card. Keep it offline and safe.

Step 4 — Verify & install apps

Confirm words when prompted, install blockchain apps in Ledger Live, and add accounts for currencies you plan to hold.

How transactions stay safe

A hardware wallet keeps private keys inside the device. When you send funds, the transaction details appear on the device screen and require a physical confirmation (button press). This prevents malware on a connected computer from signing transactions without your approval.

Quick checklist

Never share your 24 words with anyone.
Always verify addresses on the device screen, not only in Ledger Live or a web page.
Keep firmware and Ledger Live up to date.
Use a strong PIN and consider a secure physical storage for the recovery card (safe, deposit box).

If you suspect compromise, move funds to a new wallet with a freshly generated recovery phrase as soon as possible.

Example command (not required)

# Ledger Live is a GUI app; there are no CLI commands required for basic setup.

# This box shows an example wallet note you might keep offline:

Recovery phrase: word1 word2 word3 ... word24

Keep this offline and never type it into a website.

Help & troubleshooting

Common issues include connection problems, firmware update interruptions, and app install errors. Try reconnecting the cable, restarting the computer, or reinstalling Ledger Live. For advanced troubleshooting, consult official support channels. Remember: no legitimate support agent will ever ask for your recovery phrase.