Clear, step-by-step presentation for safely setting up your Ledger hardware wallet.
This guide walks you through unboxing, initializing, and securing a Ledger device. It covers essential steps: device setup, Ledger Live installation, creating backups, sending/receiving crypto, and basic troubleshooting. Follow each step carefully — hardware wallets protect your private keys by keeping them offline.
Inspect the packaging seals. Only use the official Ledger site to download Ledger Live. Never accept a device that shows tampered packaging or prefilled recovery cards.
Tampering risks pre-installed keys. If something seems wrong, contact Ledger support immediately.
Download Ledger Live from the official site and install it on your computer or phone. Ledger Live is the official companion app for managing accounts, installing apps, and checking firmware updates.
Store the recovery phrase offline in multiple secure locations. Never share it.
Open Ledger Live, follow the prompts to pair your device, verify device authenticity, then add the cryptocurrency accounts you plan to use via the "Manager".
Use the Ledger Live "Receive" flow: choose the account, verify the address on your device screen, then share that address to receive funds. Always confirm addresses on the device, not only in the app.
Keep firmware up-to-date via Ledger Live. Install only the apps you need. Firmware updates can enhance security but double-check prompts and only update from Ledger Live.
Try a different cable or USB port, ensure Ledger Live is up-to-date, and enable the appropriate browser permissions if using a web interface.
If you lose the recovery phrase, you may permanently lose access to your crypto. Ledger support cannot recover it for you. Consider pre-emptive solutions like a backup seed stored in secure, geographically separated locations.
Never store your seed phrase on cloud storage, email, or photos. Those are prime targets for attackers.