This page explains the safest recommended flow for getting a Ledger device up and running: unbox inspection, firmware verification, PIN setup, recovery phrase backup, optional passphrase considerations, installing apps, and basic transaction testing. Read carefully and keep your recovery phrase offline.
Unbox & verify packaging
Start by visually inspecting the box. Ledger devices ship with tamper-evident seals and identifiable packaging. If the seal is broken or anything looks off, do not proceed — contact official Ledger support and keep photographic evidence. Always buy devices from authorized channels.
Connect to ledger.com/start
Use a trusted computer and the included USB cable. Open a browser and navigate to ledger.com/start. The official portal will guide you to install Ledger Live (desktop) or the mobile app — these are the recommended manager apps for firmware updates, app installation, and coin management. Beware of phishing domains; manually type the URL or use a saved bookmark.
Firmware authenticity & update
On first connection, your Ledger will either confirm authentic firmware or prompt for an update. Follow the instructions in Ledger Live. Never install firmware from unofficial sources. The device itself displays critical confirmations — always verify displayed fingerprints or messages directly on the device screen before approving.
Create a strong PIN
Choose a PIN that's easy for you to remember but not guessable. Ledger devices prevent the host computer from seeing PIN keystrokes — the PIN is entered on the device. If you forget the PIN, you can recover your wallet using the recovery phrase; repeated incorrect PIN attempts will lock the device temporarily or wipe it depending on device settings.
Write down your recovery phrase (backup)
This is your last-resort recovery method.
Never photograph or store the recovery phrase digitally. Ledger provides a recovery sheet; write the words exactly as shown, in order, and store each copy in a secure, offline location. If anyone obtains your recovery phrase, they can steal your assets.
Optional: Use a passphrase (advanced)
A passphrase adds an extra secret to create hidden accounts. Treat it like a separate key: if lost, funds at that passphrase path are irrecoverable. Passphrases increase complexity and are recommended only if you understand the risks and management overhead.
Install apps via Ledger Live
Ledger Live installs per-coin apps that enable management of different cryptocurrencies. Only install apps you need. Keep Ledger Live and apps updated through the official updater. Do not install third-party management tools unless you explicitly trust them and understand how they interact with hardware wallets.
Test with a small transaction
Before transferring significant funds, send a small test amount into and out of your device. Verify addresses on the device screen before approving any send transactions; mismatch between device and host can indicate a man-in-the-middle or compromised software.
Security reminders & best practices
- Purchase from official channels and verify packaging.
- Keep your recovery phrase offline and split backups if desired.
- Use strong, unique PINs and consider physical safes for storing backups.
- Consider multi-signature setups for high-value security.
- Never share your recovery phrase or PIN with anyone claiming to be support.
Troubleshooting
If Ledger Live fails to detect your device, try another USB cable or port and make sure the device is unlocked. If a firmware update fails, reconnect and follow the recovery instructions in Ledger Live. For suspected tampering, stop and contact official support. If you lose your PIN but have your recovery phrase, you can restore your accounts on a new device.
FAQ (short)
Can I restore on other wallets? Yes — the recovery phrase follows standard BIP39/BIP44 conventions, but additional derivation settings or passphrases can affect compatibility.
Does Ledger support many coins? Ledger supports a wide range via Ledger Live and third-party integrations; check the official supported-list in Ledger Live.