Ledger.com/start | Start Your Crypto Journey | Ledger

This colourful, practical 1500-word guide walks you through unpacking your Ledger device, installing Ledger Live, secure setup, recovery, everyday use, and advanced security practices — with highlighted background sections to make key steps stand out.

Quick safety checklist

Before you begin: verify the package integrity, ensure you download Ledger Live from the official site (ledger.com/start), and prepare a quiet, offline space to record your recovery phrase.

Official download

ledger.com/start

Backup

Write recovery on provided sheet

Model

Ledger Nano S / Nano S Plus / Nano X

1. Unboxing & Inspection

Your Ledger package should include the hardware wallet, a USB cable (or Bluetooth-enabled Nano X), recovery sheets, and packaging. Inspect for tampering: seals should be intact and accessories sealed. If anything looks suspicious, contact Ledger support before proceeding.

2. Install Ledger Live

Download Ledger Live only from the official start page. Ledger Live is the desktop/mobile app that manages device firmware, accounts, and transactions. Install, launch, and follow the on-screen prompts to begin setup.

  1. Choose your device model in Ledger Live.
  2. Follow the interactive setup steps shown in the app.
  3. Do not skip firmware updates — they contain security improvements.

3. Initialize Device & Firmware

When initializing, choose to set up as a new device or restore from an existing recovery phrase. Ledger devices display firmware prompts on their screen — verify them. Ledger Live will guide firmware updates; confirm authenticity and wait until the process completes fully.

4. Create a PIN

Choose a PIN you can remember but which is not easily guessed. The PIN protects physical access to the device. Enter it directly on the device — never type it into your computer. If you forget the PIN, recovery via seed is required.

5. Write & Protect Your Recovery Phrase

Ledger generates a 24-word recovery phrase (seed). Write this exact phrase in order on the provided recovery sheet. This phrase is the only way to restore your funds if the device is lost or damaged.

  • Store the recovery sheet offline (safe, safety deposit box, or metal backup).
  • Do not store the seed digitally, photograph it, or enter it into websites or apps.
  • Consider distributing copies in geographically separated, secure locations for redundancy.

6. Optional Passphrase (Advanced)

A passphrase adds an extra layer to your seed (a 25th word). It creates an entirely different wallet derived from the same seed and is useful for plausible deniability or segmented wallets. Treat it as a separate, high-security secret — losing it means losing access to the associated funds.

7. Add Accounts in Ledger Live

Ledger Live supports many blockchains and tokens. Add accounts by selecting the cryptocurrency and letting Ledger Live derive the addresses from your device. Name and label accounts to keep your portfolio organized.

8. Sending & Receiving Cryptocurrency

  • Receiving: Use the address shown in Ledger Live and verify it on your device screen. Label addresses for bookkeeping.
  • Sending: Enter recipient, amount and fees in Ledger Live. Always confirm the full transaction details on the ledger device display before approving.
  • Fee control: For some coins, Ledger Live allows fee adjustments — choose appropriately for urgency vs cost.

9. Backup Strategies

Beyond writing the seed, consider robust backups: metal backups resistant to fire/water, multiple copies in secure locations, and a written recovery plan so trusted persons know the steps to recover funds if needed (without revealing the seed).

10. Security Best Practices

  • Always verify addresses and amounts on the physical device, not only on-screen software.
  • Keep the device firmware and Ledger Live updated; read release notes for important security changes.
  • Avoid entering your recovery phrase anywhere — Ledger employees will never ask for it.
  • Use strong, unique passwords for associated accounts and enable two-factor authentication where possible.

11. Troubleshooting Common Issues

  • Device not recognized: try different USB ports/cables, ensure Ledger Live is running, and check OS permissions.
  • Firmware update problems: retry with a stable connection; consult Ledger docs before forcing actions.
  • Lost seed: if seed is lost and device still accessible, create a new wallet and transfer funds; then create and secure the new seed.
  • Email or account access issues: contact Ledger support and follow their verified procedures; never disclose your recovery phrase.

12. Advanced Workflows

  • Watch-only setups: export public keys to monitor balances on separate machines without signing capabilities.
  • Integrations: Ledger works with many wallets and dapps; always verify transaction details on-device when authorizing external apps.
  • Enterprise & multisig: organizations can combine hardware wallets with multisig schemes and custodial patterns for enhanced safety.

13. Final Checklist

1. Confirm package and download Ledger Live from ledger.com/start 2. Initialize device, update firmware, and set a PIN 3. Write down 24-word recovery seed on provided sheet 4. Consider passphrase for hidden wallets (advanced) 5. Add accounts in Ledger Live and label them 6. Verify all transactions on the device display 7. Backup recovery seed in multiple secure locations 8. Keep Ledger Live & firmware current and monitor security notices

Conclusion

Starting with Ledger is about combining a secure hardware root of trust with user-friendly software. Follow this guide as a step-by-step checklist during setup and revisit advanced features as you grow confident managing crypto. Prioritise physical security and never share your recovery phrase — those two rules protect most users from catastrophic loss.