Ledger Wallet — Quick Start Setup Guide

A concise, secure and friendly walkthrough to initialize your Ledger hardware wallet, protect your recovery phrase, install apps and send your first transaction.

Fast Setup — 6 Steps to Secure Your Crypto

1

Unbox & Verify

Only open a Ledger package you received directly from a verified retailer. Inspect tamper seals, packaging, and the device box. Do not use a device that shows signs of tampering.

2

Power On & Choose PIN

Power the device and follow on-screen prompts to choose a secure 4–8 digit PIN. Avoid obvious sequences (e.g., 1234). If you enter the PIN incorrectly multiple times, the device will reset — keep your recovery phrase safe.

3

Write Down Recovery Seed

Your 24-word recovery seed (also called recovery phrase) is the only backup for your funds. Write it down on paper — never store it digitally. Store multiple copies in secure locations, ideally in fireproof/waterproof storage.

4

Install Ledger Live

Download and install Ledger Live on your computer or mobile device from the official source. Use Ledger Live to manage apps, check device status, and perform secure transactions. Always verify the URL before downloading.

5

Install Crypto Apps

Open Ledger Live, connect your device and install the specific apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.). Each app creates secure accounts on your device. Keep apps up to date to receive network compatibility and security fixes.

6

Receive & Verify

To receive funds, generate a receive address in Ledger Live and confirm the address on your device screen. Always verify the address on the hardware device before sending funds from any external source.

Security best practices

  • Never share your recovery phrase with anyone or enter it on a website.
  • Use a long, unique PIN and a passphrase (optional) for extra security.
  • Keep device firmware updated via Ledger Live after verifying release notes.
  • Consider using a metal backup plate for improved recovery seed durability.
Can I restore my wallet on another Ledger device?

Yes — using your 24-word recovery phrase you can restore accounts on a replacement Ledger or compatible BIP39 hardware wallet. Always restore only on trusted hardware.

What if I lose my PIN?

If you forget your PIN and the device resets, recover your accounts using the recovery phrase on a new device. The phrase is the ultimate backup.