Get started with Ledger

A Ledger hardware wallet is a small physical device that stores the private keys to your cryptocurrency off-line. The keys never leave the device and transactions must be physically approved on the device — this isolates keys from malware on an internet-connected computer or phone.

Key benefits

• Private keys never leave the device — strong protection against remote hacks.
• Physical confirmation required for every transaction — prevents remote unauthorized transfers.
• Recovery phrase lets you restore funds if you lose the device (store it safely).
• Supports many blockchains and tokens through Ledger Live and third-party apps.

When you receive a Ledger device, check its packaging and device integrity before setting it up. Ledger devices include tamper-evident seals and official packaging. If packaging looks opened or tampered, contact the seller or Ledger support and do not set up the device yet.

Steps to verify package and device

1. Ensure packaging is sealed and contains the expected items (device, USB cable, instruction card, recovery sheets).
2. Confirm the device displays the Ledger boot logo when turned on.
3. Never accept a used device or one that claims to be pre-initialized with a recovery phrase already written.
4. Only download Ledger Live from Ledger’s official website (do not install apps or software from random sources).

If you have doubts about authenticity, contact Ledger support. Using a compromised device can put funds at risk.

What you will need

• A supported Ledger device (e.g., Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X).
• A computer or smartphone to run Ledger Live.
• Secure, private workspace to write down your recovery phrase — no photos, no cloud backups.
• A blank recovery sheet (provided) or high-quality, fire- and water-resistant backup.

Initial setup steps (overview)

1. Power on the device and choose to set up as a new device.
2. Create a PIN on the device — choose a PIN you can remember but is not trivial.
3. Write down the recovery phrase (24 words for most Ledger devices) on the provided card, in order. Confirm the words on the device when prompted.
4. Install Ledger Live on your computer or phone and follow instructions to connect and synchronize.
5. Install required apps on the Ledger device for the blockchains you will use (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum).
6. Add accounts in Ledger Live and manage assets through the safe interface.

When you power on your Ledger device it prompts you to create a PIN. This PIN protects your device locally. Choose a PIN that balances memorability with unpredictability. Avoid using birthdates, repeated digits, or easily guessable sequences.

PIN best practices

• Length: use the maximum digits supported by your device.
• Complexity: do not use repetitive or sequential numbers.
• Physical security: enter the PIN in a private environment — someone watching could record it.
• Do not write your PIN on the recovery sheet. The recovery phrase alone should be able to restore access; the PIN is a device-level lock.

If you forget the PIN, the device will eventually lock after several attempts and you will need to restore from the recovery phrase on a new device. This is why secure recovery phrase storage is essential.

The recovery phrase (sometimes called seed phrase or mnemonic) is the human-readable representation of your wallet's private keys. Typically 24 words for Ledger devices. Anyone with access to the phrase can reconstruct your private keys and steal your funds.

How to write and store the recovery phrase

1. Write each word in order on the recovery sheet provided — legibly and in the correct order.
2. Double-check each word before confirming on the device.
3. Store copies in physically secure locations — consider multiple geographically separated, secure backups (safe deposit box, home safe).
4. Consider metal backups designed for mnemonic phrases for fire/water durability.

What NOT to do

• Do not photograph or scan the recovery phrase.
• Do not store it in cloud services, email, passwords managers, or other digital platforms.
• Do not share the phrase with anyone, even if they claim to be support.

Ledger (or any legitimate support) will never ask for your recovery phrase. If asked, it's a scam — refuse and report.

Ledger Live is Ledger’s official desktop and mobile app for managing accounts and sending/receiving assets. Install Ledger Live on your computer or phone and use it to install blockchain apps and add accounts.

Ledger Live setup steps

1. Download Ledger Live from the official source. (When following official channels, verify you are on the legitimate site.)
2. Install and open Ledger Live, then create a new profile or sign in if returning.
3. Connect your Ledger device via USB (or Bluetooth for Nano X) and open the specified manager on the device.
4. Follow the in-app prompts to install apps for the cryptocurrencies you want to manage.
5. Add accounts in Ledger Live by selecting the app and blockchain — Ledger Live will sync balances from the blockchain network.

Ledger Live acts as the user interface — transactions are constructed there and must be confirmed on the physical device. The private keys remain in the device.

Ledger devices use apps to support different blockchains (e.g., Bitcoin app, Ethereum app). Apps are small pieces of software installed on the device — they allow the device to handle those blockchains’ transaction formats.

How to install apps

1. Open Ledger Live and go to the Manager tab.
2. Connect and unlock your device.
3. Find the app you need (e.g., Bitcoin) and click Install.
4. The app will be installed onto the device; you can then add an account for that blockchain in Ledger Live.

Note: Device storage is limited — remove unused apps if you need space. Removing an app does not remove accounts or funds; accounts can be re-added after reinstalling the app.

After installing apps, add accounts in Ledger Live to generate addresses for receiving cryptocurrency. Each account links to a set of addresses determined by your recovery phrase.

Receiving funds

1. In Ledger Live, select the account and click Receive.
2. Connect and unlock your device and open the corresponding app.
3. Ledger Live will display a receiving address and ask you to verify it on the device.
4. Confirm the address on the device — always match the address shown on the device to the address in Ledger Live before sending funds.

Tip: Always confirm the address on the device itself — not just on your computer screen. This prevents address replacement or malware attacks that alter the receiving address.

To send funds, create the transaction in Ledger Live (or a compatible wallet), then confirm the details on your Ledger device. The device displays the destination address, amount, and fees for you to verify.

Send checklist

• Verify the destination address on the device screen matches the intended recipient.
• Check the amount and network fees carefully.
• Confirm you are using the correct blockchain (e.g., do not send tokens over the wrong network).
• For large transfers, test with a small amount first.

Because confirmation requires physically pressing buttons on the device, malware on your computer cannot silently sign and send transactions without your consent.

A strong backup strategy minimizes single points of failure. The recovery phrase is primary, but consider redundancy and secure storage plans that fit your risk tolerance.

Recommended backups

• At least two physical copies stored in separate, secure locations (e.g., home safe, bank safe deposit box).
• Use durable backups (metal seed storage) that withstand fire, water, and time.
• Consider a trusted custodian for part of your backup if the amount of assets justifies it, but ensure trust is appropriately managed.

Advanced backups

For advanced users, consider Shamir Backup (SLIP-0039) or splitting the seed using cryptographic splitting techniques (Shamir’s Secret Sharing). These provide redundancy and allow reconstructing the phrase from several shares. Implement carefully and understand reconstruction requirements before using.

Firmware updates improve device security and features. Always update firmware using Ledger Live and ensure you update only through official channels.

Firmware update process

1. Ledger Live will notify you when an update is available.
2. Follow prompts in Ledger Live — connect and unlock the device.
3. Confirm update steps on the device. Keep your recovery phrase accessible (but never enter it into a computer) in case you need to restore.

Do not update firmware from unverified sources. If an update fails or the device behaves unexpectedly, contact Ledger support or consult the official documentation before proceeding.

Ledger devices can be used with many third-party wallets and decentralized applications (dApps) for advanced functionality. The device still signs transactions locally — this retains security benefits while enabling richer features.

Common integrations

• Web wallets (e.g., MetaMask) can connect to Ledger for transaction signing.
• DeFi apps and DEXs often allow ledger-based signing — verify the dApp's authenticity and permissions.
• Use Ledger Live or trusted third-party wallets depending on the chain and features you need.

Exercise caution when granting dApps permissions. Review transaction details on your device carefully before confirming. Consider using a separate account for high-risk interactions, and keep main holdings in a cold storage account.

Understanding common attacks helps you recognize and avoid them.

Phishing

Scam sites and fake support channels try to trick you into revealing your recovery phrase or connecting to fake apps. Always verify URLs and don't share your recovery phrase.

Supply chain attacks

If a device was tampered with before you received it, it could be compromised. Only buy from official vendors and check packaging carefully.

Malicious software

Malware may attempt to change addresses on your screen or intercept clipboard contents. Always verify addresses on the device screen itself before confirming a transaction.

Social engineering

Scammers may pose as trusted contacts or support to extract sensitive information. Don't reveal your seed or PIN to anyone, ever.

If you hold significant assets, plan for secure access transfer in case of incapacity or death. This is a complex area that touches on legal, technical, and privacy concerns.

Options to consider

• Legal wills that mention digital assets (avoid writing the recovery phrase in the will).
• Trusted custodian or multi-signature setups for shared control without exposing a full seed to anyone.
• Detailed, encrypted instructions provided to an executor, with keys to unlock only under specified conditions.

Consult legal and financial professionals experienced with digital assets to tailor a plan that fits jurisdictional laws and personal needs.

No device detected

• Try a different USB cable or port.
• Ensure the device is powered and unlocked.
• Restart Ledger Live and your computer.

App installation failed

• Check available storage on the device; uninstall unused apps if needed.
• Make sure Ledger Live is up to date.

Forgot PIN

If you cannot access the device due to a forgotten PIN, you will need to reset the device and restore from the recovery phrase. Ensure you have a reliable recovery phrase backup.

1. Buy devices only from Ledger or authorized resellers.
2. Verify packaging and device authenticity.
3. Create a strong PIN and never share it.
4. Write down the recovery phrase physically and store it securely.
5. Download Ledger Live only from official sources.
6. Confirm addresses on the device screen before sending funds.
7. Use durable backups and consider geographic redundancy.
8. Beware of phishing, social engineering, and suspicious links or apps.

For organizations or high-value holders, consider multi-signature wallets that require multiple independent keys to sign a transaction. Multi-sig reduces single point-of-failure risk and is a common approach in corporate crypto custody.

Why multi-sig?

• Prevents a single compromised key from enabling theft.
• Supports governance and approval workflows.
• Can be paired with hardware devices for stronger security.

Implement multi-signature carefully — it introduces complexity and requires operational procedures for key rotation, onboarding/offboarding, and disaster recovery.

• Use small test transactions when interacting with new services.
• Keep only operational funds (small amounts) in hot wallets; store long-term holdings in cold storage.
• Maintain an inventory of accounts and which recovery shares or backups correspond to which funds.
• Regularly check device firmware and Ledger Live for updates.

Q: Is Ledger free to use?

A: The Ledger device is a purchased hardware product. Ledger Live is free to install and use. Transaction fees still apply when sending crypto (network fees).

Q: Can I recover if I lose the device?

A: Yes — as long as you have the recovery phrase, you can restore your wallets on a new Ledger device or other compatible wallet supporting the same standards.

Q: Can Ledger be hacked?

A: No device is 100% immune, but Ledger provides strong protections. Most compromises occur due to social engineering, cloning, or poor backup practices. Follow recommended practices to minimize risk.

• Private key — secret value that allows spending funds.
• Public key / Address — derived identifier used to receive funds.