Secure Your Crypto Journey with Ledger

Get started with the world's most trusted hardware wallet. Protect your digital assets with military-grade security and peace of mind.

Setup Progress

Follow these simple steps to secure your crypto

Unbox Device
Install Ledger Live
3
Setup PIN
4
Generate Seed
Military Grade Security
Mobile App
Easy Setup

Complete Setup Guide

Follow our comprehensive step-by-step guide to securely set up your Ledger hardware wallet and protect your digital assets.

Step 1: Unbox and Inspect Your Ledger Device

Carefully unbox your Ledger hardware wallet and verify that the package hasn't been tampered with. Check that the security seal is intact and hasn't been removed or replaced. Your package should contain the Ledger device, a USB cable, recovery sheets, a quick start guide, and a lanyard. Inspect the device for any physical damage or signs of tampering. The genuine Ledger device should feel solid and well-constructed, with clear, crisp text on the screen when powered on.

Pro Tips

  • Never use a device that shows signs of tampering
  • Keep the original packaging for warranty purposes
  • Register your device on Ledger's website for warranty coverage

Step 2: Download and Install Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the official companion app that allows you to manage your cryptocurrencies securely. Download it exclusively from the official Ledger website at ledger.com/ledger-live or from official app stores. The application is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. Avoid downloading from third-party websites as they may contain malicious software designed to steal your cryptocurrencies. After downloading, verify the digital signature to ensure the software's authenticity.

Pro Tips

  • Always download from official sources only
  • Enable automatic updates for security patches
  • Create a desktop shortcut for easy access

Step 3: Connect Your Device

Connect your Ledger device to your computer using the provided USB cable. For mobile devices, you may need a USB OTG adapter. Press both buttons simultaneously to power on your device. The screen should display the Ledger logo followed by a welcome message. If this is your first time using the device, it will guide you through the initial setup process. Ensure your computer recognizes the device and that Ledger Live can detect it.

Pro Tips

  • Use the original USB cable for best connectivity
  • Try different USB ports if connection issues occur
  • Restart Ledger Live if the device isn't detected

Step 4: Set Up Your PIN Code

Your PIN code is your first line of defense against unauthorized access. Choose a PIN between 4 to 8 digits that's memorable to you but difficult for others to guess. Avoid using obvious combinations like birth dates, phone numbers, or sequential numbers. Use the device buttons to navigate and select numbers. The left button decreases the value, the right button increases it, and pressing both buttons confirms your selection. You'll need to enter the PIN twice to confirm it.

Pro Tips

  • Don't use obvious number combinations
  • Practice entering your PIN to build muscle memory
  • Never share your PIN with anyone

Step 5: Generate Your Recovery Phrase

Your 24-word recovery phrase is the master key to your cryptocurrencies. This phrase can restore access to all your funds if your device is lost, stolen, or damaged. During setup, your Ledger will display 24 words one by one. Write them down carefully on the provided recovery sheets in the exact order shown. Double-check each word for spelling accuracy. Never take a photo or store this phrase digitally, as it could be compromised by hackers.

Pro Tips

  • Write clearly and double-check each word
  • Store recovery sheets in a secure, dry location
  • Consider creating multiple copies stored in different locations
  • Never share your recovery phrase with anyone

Step 6: Confirm Your Recovery Phrase

Your device will ask you to confirm several words from your recovery phrase to ensure you've written them down correctly. Use the device buttons to navigate through the word list and select the correct words. This verification step is crucial because if you've written down any words incorrectly, you may lose access to your funds permanently. Take your time and verify each word carefully against what you've written down.

Pro Tips

  • Take your time during verification
  • If you make a mistake, restart the setup process
  • Ensure good lighting when reading your recovery sheets

Step 7: Install Cryptocurrency Apps

Once your device is set up, you'll need to install specific applications for each cryptocurrency you want to manage. Open Ledger Live, navigate to the Manager section, and browse available apps. Popular options include Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and many others. Each app takes up a small amount of storage space on your device. You can uninstall and reinstall apps as needed without losing your cryptocurrencies, as they're secured by your recovery phrase.

Pro Tips

  • Install only the apps you need to save storage
  • Keep your device connected during app installations
  • You can always reinstall apps later if needed

Step 8: Create Your First Account

After installing a cryptocurrency app, you can create your first account in Ledger Live. Select 'Add Account' and choose the cryptocurrency you want to manage. Follow the on-screen prompts and confirm the account creation on your Ledger device. The device will generate a unique address for receiving funds. You can create multiple accounts for the same cryptocurrency if needed for organization purposes. Each account will have its own receiving address and transaction history.

Pro Tips

  • Give your accounts descriptive names
  • Always verify addresses on your device screen
  • Test with small amounts first

Ready to Get Started?

Download Ledger Live now and begin securing your cryptocurrency portfolio with industry-leading hardware wallet technology.

Why Choose Ledger?

Ledger hardware wallets provide uncompromising security through advanced technology and rigorous testing. Trusted by millions of users worldwide to protect their digital assets.

Secure Element Chip

Military-grade security chip that stores your private keys and protects against physical and software attacks. The same technology used in credit cards and passports.

Benefit: Your private keys never leave the device, ensuring maximum security even on compromised computers.

PIN Code Protection

Multi-layer PIN protection with automatic device wipe after multiple incorrect attempts. Customizable PIN length from 4 to 8 digits for enhanced security.

Benefit: Protects against unauthorized access even if someone physically obtains your device.

Cold Storage Technology

Your cryptocurrencies are stored completely offline, isolated from internet threats, malware, and hacking attempts. Private keys are generated and stored in a secure environment.

Benefit: Eliminates the risk of online attacks and ensures your assets remain safe from digital threats.

Transaction Verification

Every transaction must be physically verified and approved on your device. View transaction details directly on the secure screen before confirming.

Benefit: Prevents malware from changing transaction details, ensuring you always send funds to the intended recipient.

5M+

Devices Sold Worldwide

1800+

Supported Cryptocurrencies

99.9%

Security Track Record

Why Hardware Wallets Are Essential

Protection Against Online Threats

Software wallets and exchanges are constantly targeted by hackers. With billions of dollars stolen from online platforms, hardware wallets provide the ultimate protection by keeping your private keys completely offline and secure.

Full Control Over Your Assets

When you store cryptocurrencies on an exchange, you don't actually control them. Hardware wallets give you true ownership and control, following the principle of "not your keys, not your coins."

Peace of Mind for Long-term Storage

Whether you're holding for retirement or waiting for the next bull run, hardware wallets provide unmatched security for long-term storage. Your assets remain safe even if your computer is compromised.

Easy Recovery and Backup

Your 24-word recovery phrase ensures you can always recover your funds, even if your device is lost, stolen, or damaged. This backup method is standardized and works with any compatible hardware wallet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common questions about Ledger hardware wallets, setup process, and cryptocurrency security.

A Ledger hardware wallet is a physical device that securely stores your cryptocurrency private keys offline. It uses a secure element chip (the same technology found in credit cards and passports) to generate and store your private keys. When you want to make a transaction, the wallet signs it internally and only sends the signed transaction to your computer, ensuring your private keys never leave the device. This provides maximum security against online threats, malware, and hacking attempts.

Your cryptocurrencies can be recovered using the 24-word recovery phrase (seed phrase) that you wrote down during initial setup. This phrase is compatible with any BIP39-compliant wallet, including other Ledger devices or software wallets. Simply purchase a new Ledger device or use compatible software, select 'Restore wallet,' and enter your 24-word phrase in the correct order. Your accounts and balances will be restored. This is why it's crucial to keep your recovery phrase secure and never share it with anyone.

Ledger devices support over 1,800 cryptocurrencies and tokens, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Ripple (XRP), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), and thousands of ERC-20 tokens. Popular supported assets also include Cardano (ADA), Polkadot (DOT), Solana (SOL), and many DeFi tokens. You can install specific apps for each cryptocurrency through Ledger Live. Due to storage limitations, you may need to uninstall some apps to make room for others, but this doesn't affect your actual cryptocurrency holdings.

It's strongly recommended to purchase Ledger devices only from official sources: the Ledger website, authorized retailers, or verified resellers. Buying from unofficial sources risks receiving tampered devices that could compromise your security. Always check that the device arrives sealed with genuine packaging, and verify the authenticity using Ledger's official authentication methods. If you must buy from a third party, reset the device completely and generate a new recovery phrase - never use a device that comes with a pre-generated seed phrase.

If you forget your PIN code, don't worry - your cryptocurrencies are safe. After three incorrect PIN attempts, your Ledger device will reset itself for security purposes. You can then restore your device using your 24-word recovery phrase. Set up the device as a new device, select 'Restore from recovery phrase,' enter your 24-word phrase, and create a new PIN. This process will restore all your accounts and access to your cryptocurrencies. This security feature prevents unauthorized users from accessing your funds even if they have physical access to your device.

Yes, you can use your Ledger device with multiple computers, phones, and applications. The device works with Ledger Live (available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android), as well as many third-party wallet applications like MyEtherWallet, Metamask, and Electrum. You can safely connect your device to different computers without security concerns, as your private keys remain secure within the device. However, always ensure you're using official software and verify transaction details on your device screen before confirming.

Still have questions?

Our support team is here to help you get started with your Ledger device and answer any questions you might have.