Unofficial, educational reference – use with ledger.com/start

Secure Your Crypto Assets with Step‑By‑Step Wallet Setup

Follow this beginner‑friendly checklist to initialize your Ledger hardware wallet, verify the device, create a PIN, back up your recovery phrase, and connect to Ledger Live. Keep this page handy while you work through the official ledger.com/start flow.

Estimated time 15–25 mins
Requirements Ledger + Phone/PC
  • Original, sealed box
  • Latest Ledger Live
  • Paper for recovery phrase

What you'll do

  1. Unbox and visually check the device.
  2. Install/launch Ledger Live from the official site.
  3. Initialize the device, set a PIN, and generate a recovery phrase.
  4. Confirm each word on the device – never share it with anyone.
  5. Pair with Ledger Live and enable essential security settings.
  6. Optionally add accounts and receive a small test transaction.

This guide is not affiliated with Ledger. Always verify instructions in the official app and on ledger.com.

Step‑by‑Step: Initialize and Secure Your Ledger

Complete each step and check it off. Your progress saves locally in your browser so you can come back later.

1) Unbox & Verify Authenticity

Inspect the box, seals, and device. Ledger devices no longer use tamper‑evident seals; instead, the device performs an attestation check during setup. If anything looks off, contact support before proceeding.

  • Check the USB port and buttons for damage.
  • Ensure you bought from an authorized seller.
  • Do not use a pre‑filled recovery sheet. It must be blank.

2) Charge / Connect & Install Ledger Live

Connect your Ledger via USB (or Bluetooth on supported models like Nano X). On your computer or phone, download and install Ledger Live from the official website – never from unofficial app stores or random links.

# Tip: verify file signatures and checksums when possible
# Open official site in your browser:
# https://ledger.com/start

3) Create a New Wallet (or Restore)

Power on the device. Choose Set up as new device if this is your first time. Only choose Restore from recovery phrase if you are moving an existing wallet to this device.

New Wallet
Restore Wallet
  • Set a strong PIN (6–8 digits). Don't reuse numbers.
  • Let the device generate your recovery phrase offline.
  • Write the words on paper (or use a metal backup).
  • Restore only on the device screen – never on a website.
  • Enter each word carefully; confirm the checksum if asked.
  • After restoring, consider rotating to a new phrase later.

4) Back Up & Confirm Recovery Phrase

The 24‑word (or 12‑/18‑word) recovery phrase is the only way to restore your wallet. Ledger Live will ask you to confirm each word on the device. Keep it offline and private.

5) Pair with Ledger Live & Install Apps

Open Ledger Live, run the genuine check, then install coin apps (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) on your device. Apps enable account management and transaction signing for specific networks.

  • Keep a small amount of free storage for updates.
  • You can remove apps without losing funds; keys stay safe.
  • Enable passphrase (advanced users) for plausible deniability.

6) Add Accounts & Receive a Test Transaction

Add accounts in Ledger Live (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.). For each network, generate a receive address and verify it on the device screen. Start with a tiny test amount before moving larger balances.

Always verify the full address shown on the Ledger screen matches the one in the app before receiving funds.

7) Enable Essential Protections

Turn on analytics opt‑out if you prefer, set strong OS passwords, lock screens, and enable auto‑lock on the device. Consider setting up a passphrase (25th word) if you understand the risks.

Device Auto‑Lock & PIN Attempts +
After several failed PIN attempts, the device will reset. Keep your recovery phrase safe; that's how you restore if you forget the PIN.
Secure Your Computer & Phone +
Keep OS, browsers, and Ledger Live up to date. Use antivirus if desired, avoid untrusted extensions, and prefer a dedicated profile for crypto tasks.
DeFi & DApp Safety +
Always review transaction details on the device. Blind signing and approvals can be risky—understand what the contract is asking before you confirm.

8) Practice a Restore (Optional but Recommended)

When comfortable, try restoring on a spare device (or temporarily reset and test). Confirm that your phrase works and that you can recover accounts. Do this offline in a safe environment.

  • Keep copies consistent and up to date.
  • Test receiving and sending small amounts post‑restore.

Security Tips: Avoid Common Pitfalls

A concise checklist you can keep nearby while using Ledger Live and your device.

Do This

  • Verify addresses on the device screen before confirming.
  • Bookmark the official site and app download page.
  • Use a password manager for unique, strong credentials.
  • Consider a metal backup for your recovery phrase.
  • Update device firmware and Ledger Live regularly.

Avoid This

  • Entering your recovery phrase on a website or mobile form.
  • Storing the phrase in cloud notes, screenshots, or emails.
  • Plugging the device into unknown computers or public USB.
  • Clicking unsolicited links that mention urgent security.
  • Approving transactions you don’t fully understand.

Advanced: Passphrase (25th Word)

A passphrase creates a different wallet on top of your recovery phrase. If you enable it, never forget the exact passphrase—Ledger cannot recover it. Treat it like a separate secret.

Pros
Cons
Tips
  • Adds plausible deniability for coercion scenarios.
  • Separates risk between accounts.
  • Can be used only when needed.
  • Forgetting the passphrase = permanent loss of funds.
  • More complex UX; easier to make mistakes.
  • Requires careful backups and labeling.
  • Practice in a low‑value wallet first.
  • Use a deterministic passphrase strategy you can reproduce.
  • Never mix passphrase and non‑passphrase accounts by accident.

Troubleshooting & Quick Fixes

If something isn’t working during setup with Ledger Live or your device, try these steps.

Ledger Live won’t detect my device+
  • Use the original USB cable or a high‑quality data cable.
  • Try a different USB port; avoid front‑panel hubs.
  • Enable/disable Bluetooth on Nano X as needed.
  • Restart Ledger Live and the device; update firmware.
I forgot my PIN+
After multiple failed attempts the device resets. Use your recovery phrase to restore access. If you’ve lost the phrase, funds cannot be recovered.
Genuine check failed+
Ensure Ledger Live is up to date, try another cable/port, and reboot. If it continues, contact official support to verify attestation on a trusted machine.
Address mismatch warnings+
Only trust the address on your device screen. If your app shows a different address, cancel and re‑connect. Malware may be interfering.

Reference, Glossary & Helpful Snippets

Understand key terms you’ll see in Ledger Live and during the ledger.com/start onboarding.

Glossary

Recovery Phrase
The set of words that backs up your wallet. Anyone with this phrase can control your assets.
Ledger Live
Official companion app for managing accounts, updates, and transactions with your device.
Firmware
Software running on the device. Updates patch bugs and add features; verify release notes.
App
A per‑network module (e.g., Bitcoin app) that enables signing for that blockchain.
Address Verification
Checking the address on the device screen matches the one in Ledger Live before receiving.

Snippet: Safety Reminders

# Keep this near your desk
Never share your recovery phrase
Only trust addresses on the device
Updates come from the official app
Use small test transactions first
Beware urgent security messages

Local Notes

Write private notes. Saved only in your browser using localStorage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this the official guide?+
No. This is an independent educational page designed to complement the official ledger.com/start onboarding. Always verify in Ledger Live and the device UI.
Can I lose funds by uninstalling an app?+
No. Your private keys remain on the secure element. Removing a coin app only removes signing capability until you reinstall; your funds stay on‑chain.
Where should I store my recovery phrase?+
On paper (or metal) in a private, offline location. Consider a second copy stored offsite. Never digital, never photographed.
What is a test transaction?+
Sending a very small amount first to confirm everything works before moving larger values. Helps detect mistakes early.

Optional: Email Reminder for Updates

Fake form for demo purposes only; it just validates input locally and shows a friendly message.