Ledger.com/Start® — Getting started

1. Unbox and inspect

Open your Ledger device package and check contents: device, USB cable, recovery sheet and Quick Start guide. Inspect the seal and packaging for tamper evidence. If anything looks off, pause and contact official support channels.

Always keep original packaging until you finish setup. Treat the recovery sheet as highly sensitive — do not store it digitally or photograph it.

2. Connect and power on

Use the supplied cable to connect the device to your computer or mobile. Power on the device using the physical buttons and follow on-device prompts. The device screen and buttons are the authority — confirm every action on the device itself.

1. Press the buttons as prompted to begin.
2. Choose a secure PIN using only your device (not a keyboard manager).

3. Choose a PIN securely

Pick a PIN that is memorable but not trivial. Never reveal it and never store it with your recovery words. If someone observes your PIN or you suspect compromise, reset the device and restore from your recovery phrase on a new device.

4. Write down your recovery phrase

Your Ledger will generate a 24-word recovery phrase. Write these words exactly in order on the provided sheet. This phrase is the master key to your funds — keep it offline and in a secure location, ideally separated into multiple physical secure locations for redundancy.

Never share your recovery phrase with anyone. Ledger staff or legitimate services will never ask for it.

5. Confirm the phrase on-device

After writing, the device will ask you to confirm selected words. Confirming ensures you recorded the phrase correctly. This step finalizes device setup.

6. Install Ledger Live app

Download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website on the computer or phone you control. Ledger Live lets you manage apps, install coin apps on the device, and view balances. Only use the official download source — avoid third-party mirrors.

7. Install apps for your coins

Inside Ledger Live, open the Manager and install the specific apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) you need. Each installed app consumes a small amount of device memory; you can remove and reinstall apps without losing funds.

8. Receive and verify addresses

When receiving funds, always verify the receiving address on the device screen itself and not just on the computer. This prevents malicious software from substituting addresses.

9. Best practices for safety

Keep firmware up to date via Ledger Live, but only when starting from a legitimate UI. Backup your recovery phrase securely and test that you can restore on a test device if practical. Do not input your recovery phrase into any website or app.

• Use a dedicated, malware-free computer for critical actions.
• Consider hardware-friendly storage options for the recovery phrase (metal backups).
• Use passphrase feature only if you understand the risks and procedures.

10. Where to go from here

Explore Ledger Live’s features: portfolio overview, staking options, app catalog, and secure swap services. Learn transaction signing flows and periodically review security hygiene. With the device set up correctly, you control your keys and your assets — keep that advantage by staying informed.

If you ever need help, use official support channels and documentation. Beware of impersonators and phishing attempts.