Welcome to Ledger Start
Ledger wallets are trusted by millions of users worldwide for storing cryptocurrency securely. Unlike online wallets or exchanges, a Ledger hardware wallet keeps your private keys offline — safe from malware and hackers. This guide walks you through everything you need to begin, from unboxing to making your first transaction.
Setting Up Your Ledger Wallet
The setup process is straightforward. Follow these steps carefully to ensure your crypto stays secure from the start:
- Step 1: Unbox Your Ledger Device — Inside you’ll find the Ledger Nano (X or S Plus), a USB cable, and a recovery sheet.
- Step 2: Connect & Power On — Use the USB cable to connect the device to your computer or mobile via Bluetooth (Nano X).
- Step 3: Download Ledger Live — Ledger’s official app, available for desktop and mobile. Always download from the official Ledger.com website.
- Step 4: Initialize Device — Choose Set up as new device. Pick a strong PIN code to prevent unauthorized access.
- Step 5: Write Down Recovery Phrase — You’ll be shown 24 words. Write them on the recovery sheet provided. This is the only way to restore your wallet if lost or stolen.
- Step 6: Confirm Recovery Words — The device will ask you to verify the order of your recovery phrase.
- Step 7: Install Apps & Add Accounts — In Ledger Live, install apps for the coins you want to manage (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum).
Once setup is complete, you can start sending, receiving, and staking cryptocurrencies directly from Ledger Live with your device connected.
Security Essentials
Ledger wallets are designed with security as the highest priority. Here’s how to maximize protection:
Keep Your Recovery Phrase Safe
Never share your 24 recovery words with anyone. Avoid storing them digitally (photos, notes apps, or cloud storage). A safe or fireproof storage case is best.
Beware of Phishing
Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase. Be cautious of fake emails, pop-ups, or websites pretending to be Ledger.
Regular Firmware Updates
Ledger releases updates to patch vulnerabilities and add support for new coins. Update only through Ledger Live.
Transaction Verification
Every transaction must be confirmed on the device screen itself. If the address or amount doesn’t match what you intended, reject the transaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What happens if I lose my Ledger device?
A: Use your 24-word recovery phrase to restore your funds on a new device. - Q: Can I store multiple cryptocurrencies?
A: Yes, Ledger supports 5,000+ coins and tokens. Just install the corresponding apps in Ledger Live. - Q: Is Ledger Live safe?
A: Yes. It’s the official companion app, but remember your private keys always stay inside the Ledger device. - Q: Can I use Ledger without a computer?
A: With Ledger Nano X, you can connect to mobile devices via Bluetooth using Ledger Live mobile.