Get Started with Your Ledger Device
This guide walks you through unboxing, first-time setup, important security checks, and practical tips to keep your crypto safe. Read each step carefully and complete them in order. If you already completed one, skip ahead, but never skip the recovery phrase step — it is your lifeline.
Unbox & Inspect
Open your Ledger package in a well-lit area. Verify the tamper-evident seals are intact and the box contents match the official packing list: device, USB cable, recovery sheet, and documentation. If anything seems off, contact the vendor or Ledger support before powering on.
Power on & Choose PIN
Power on the device and follow on-screen instructions. Choose a PIN you can remember but that is not easily guessed. Avoid birthdays, repeated patterns, or sequential numbers. Confirm the PIN on the device screen — never enter it on a computer or phone.
Write Down Your Recovery Phrase
The device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase. Write these words exactly in order on the provided sheet. This phrase is the only backup to recover your keys. Store it offline in a safe place — do not photograph, email, type, or store it digitally.
Install Ledger Live & Initialize
On your computer or phone, install the official Ledger Live app from the Ledger website. Open Ledger Live, select “Initialize as new device” or “Restore device” depending on your situation and follow the app prompts to connect and configure your device.
Install Apps & Add Accounts
Ledger devices use app containers to support multiple blockchains. From Ledger Live, install only the apps you need (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.), then add accounts. When transacting, always verify the address on the device screen before confirming.
Do a Small Test Transaction
Before moving large amounts, send a small test transaction to confirm everything is working and the receiving address is correct. This reduces the risk of costly mistakes.
Secure Storage
Store your recovery phrase in a fire- and water-resistant location. Consider splitting it across multiple secure locations or using a professionally-made steel backup if available. Never store the phrase digitally.
Phishing Awareness
Always use the official Ledger website and verify HTTPS. Be skeptical of emails or social messages that request your phrase, device details, or prompt you to install unfamiliar software.
Firmware Updates
Keep your device firmware and Ledger Live up to date. Updates add security patches and new features. Only update when connected directly to the official Ledger Live app and follow on-screen checks.
Family & Inheritance
Plan for long-term access in the event of incapacity. Consider a responsible executor and a documented plan; for privacy reasons the recovery phrase should remain sealed until necessary.
Detailed Walkthrough: What to Expect
When you power on your Ledger for the first time you'll see a welcome animation and a short setup flow. It will ask whether you're creating a new device or restoring from an existing phrase. Choose create new device to generate a new seed. The screen will ask you to confirm a PIN and then print or write the recovery words. Take your time — the device intentionally moves at a slow pace while revealing each word so you can write them down carefully and verify accuracy.
After the recovery phrase is recorded, the device will confirm by asking you to select certain words. This ensures you've correctly written them down. If you ever lose this phrase, recovery is not possible — the phrase is your private key.
With the device initialized and Ledger Live installed, you'll connect the device and install applications for each coin type. Each app has a small footprint on the device; you can remove and reinstall them as needed without losing accounts, because accounts are derived from the master seed (your recovery phrase).
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
What if my device shows an unexpected message?
If anything on the device looks unfamiliar (requests to type your seed, or a message that says to visit a link not on Ledger's official domain), disconnect and seek support on Ledger's official support page. Do not provide your recovery phrase.
Can I use my Ledger with multiple computers?
Yes — your seed is the identity; you can connect the device to multiple computers. Always keep Ledger Live up to date and only connect to trusted machines.
Is my PIN enough protection?
PIN protects against casual theft but not against extraction if someone has both your device and your recovery phrase. The phrase must always be protected and never shared.
Getting Ready — checklist
- Ensure box seals and packaging are intact.
- Have a pen (permanent marker recommended) and the recovery card ready.
- Download Ledger Live only from the official Ledger website and verify the URL.
- Plan a secure storage method for your recovery phrase (safe, deposit box, steel backup).
- Test with a small transaction before sending larger sums.