Ledger.com/start — Official Getting Started Guide*

A clear, step-by-step walkthrough to set up your Ledger hardware wallet securely. This guide focuses on practical steps, safety tips, and what to expect when you get started. No account login or password links are included in this guide.

Before you start: what’s included and what you’ll need

When you receive a Ledger device, take a moment to check the box contents. A genuine package typically contains your hardware device, a USB cable, a recovery sheet, and basic packaging. Keep the recovery sheet secure — this guide explains why.

Ledger hardware device (e.g. Nano S, Nano S Plus, Nano X)
USB cable compatible with your device
Recovery sheet (paper) and a pen for writing the recovery phrase
A clean, private workspace and a device (computer or smartphone) to run Ledger setup

Important safety note

This guide is educational and does not replace official Ledger instructions. Always verify packaging and device authenticity before setup. Never share your recovery phrase, never enter it into a website or email, and never store it in cloud services. Ledger employees will never ask for your recovery phrase.

Step-by-step setup (high level)

Follow these steps carefully. If anything looks off, pause and review — the security of your funds depends on careful setup.

1. Unbox and inspect

Confirm the package seal and look for tamper signs. Genuine packaging is consistent and clean — if packaging seems damaged or suspicious, contact your vendor before proceeding.

2. Power up the device

Connect the device to your computer or phone with the supplied cable. Power on following the on-device prompts. You will be asked to create a PIN. Choose a PIN you can remember but is not trivially guessable; keep it short enough to enter on-device comfortably.

3. Write down the recovery phrase

The device will display a recovery phrase (typically 24 words) one word at a time. Write these words down on the supplied recovery sheet exactly as shown and in the exact order. This phrase is the only backup to access your wallet if the device is lost or damaged.

4. Verify the recovery phrase

Most devices will prompt you to confirm a few words from the phrase. This ensures you copied them correctly. Only verify on the device; never type them into a computer or phone unless explicitly guided by the hardware itself.

5. Install companion software

To manage accounts and transactions, install the official Ledger companion app on your computer or phone. Use official distribution channels (app stores or the official Ledger website). If you prefer, install only the minimal companion software to add accounts later. This guide intentionally does not include direct login or password links.

6. Add cryptocurrency accounts

Open the companion app, add the cryptocurrencies you want to manage, and follow on-screen prompts to pair the device. Your device will confirm each action — always validate addresses on the hardware screen before approving.

Best practices for long-term safety

Once setup is complete, adopt a few long-term habits that protect your assets:

Store the recovery sheet in a physically secure location (safe, safety deposit box). Consider multiple copies in geographically separate secure places.
Never enter your recovery phrase on a website, form, or anywhere online.
Keep firmware up to date — firmware updates fix security issues and add features. When updating, follow on-device instructions carefully.
Use a PIN and enable additional device security where available (e.g., passphrases). Understand that a passphrase acts as an extra word to your seed and increases security but makes recovery more complex.

Troubleshooting quick fixes

Device not recognized

If your computer or phone does not detect the device, try a different cable or USB port. Avoid USB hubs while troubleshooting. Reboot the host device and try again.

Forgotten PIN

For security, most hardware wallets will reset after several incorrect PIN attempts. If this happens, you must restore from your recovery phrase. Make sure the recovery phrase is safe before trying a reset or restore.

Lost device

If your device is lost or stolen, obtain a new compatible device and restore from your recovery phrase. If you suspect your recovery phrase was exposed, move funds to a new wallet with a new recovery seed as soon as possible.