Ledger Start

Your Official Getting Started Guide

Welcome to Secure Self-Custody

Congratulations on taking control of your digital assets! This guide will walk you through every step of setting up your new Ledger device. Let's begin your journey into the world of secure crypto management.

1

What's in the Box?

Before you begin, ensure your box contains all the necessary items and has not been tampered with.

  • 1 Ledger Hardware Wallet
  • 1 USB-C to USB-A cable
  • Getting started leaflet
  • 3 Recovery Sheets for your secret phrase
  • 1 Keychain strap
2

Initial Device Setup

Power on your device and follow the on-screen instructions.

A. Set Your PIN Code

This PIN is your first line of defense. It's required every time you use your device.

  • Use the device buttons to select a 4 to 8-digit PIN.
  • Confirm your PIN by entering it a second time.
  • Choose a PIN only you know. Do not use simple sequences like '1234' or your birthdate.

B. Write Down Your Recovery Phrase

This is the most critical step. Your 24-word recovery phrase is the only backup of your private keys.

  • Your device will display 24 unique words, one by one.
  • Carefully write each word on the provided Recovery Sheets.
  • Verify the phrase by following the on-screen prompts.

CRITICAL SECURITY WARNING

Never store your 24-word recovery phrase digitally (e.g., in a photo, text file, or password manager). Never share it with anyone. Anyone with this phrase can access your funds. Keep it in a secure, physical location.

3

Install Ledger Live

Ledger Live is your all-in-one app to manage your crypto securely. Download it only from the official website: ledger.com/start

Follow the installation steps and connect your device when prompted to perform a genuine check. This verifies your Ledger device is authentic.

4

Manage Your Assets

Now you're ready to interact with your crypto!

Install Apps & Add Accounts

Your Ledger can store many different cryptocurrencies, but you need to install the corresponding app on your device first.

  1. Open the Manager in Ledger Live.
  2. Connect and unlock your device.
  3. Find the app for the crypto you want to manage (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) and click Install.
  4. Go to the Accounts section and click Add account to create your first wallet.

Send & Receive

All transactions must be physically verified on your device, ensuring no one can move your assets without your consent.

  • To Receive: Click "Receive" in Ledger Live, select the account, and verify the address shown on your computer screen matches the one on your Ledger device screen.
  • To Send: Click "Send," enter the recipient's address and amount, and carefully verify all transaction details on your device before approving.

Good to Know

Your crypto is not stored "on" the Ledger device itself. The device holds your private keys, which give you access to your assets on the blockchain. Ledger Live is an interface that allows you to view and manage those assets.