Ledger Getting Started Hub

Welcome to Ledger

Thank you for choosing Ledger — your trusted partner for securing cryptocurrency assets with a hardware wallet. This Getting Started Hub will guide you step-by-step through setup, use, and safety best practices.

Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced user, this guide provides everything you need to manage and protect your crypto securely, all in one place.

Step 1: Unbox and Inspect Your Ledger Device

• Check packaging for tampering. Do not use if the seal is broken.
• Make sure your device is new and unused. Ledger devices are never pre-configured.
• Inside the box, you should find the device, USB cable, instruction manual, and recovery sheets.
• If anything seems off, contact Ledger Support immediately.

Step 2: Power On and Initialize

Connect your Ledger device to your computer using the USB cable. You will be prompted to either:

• Set up as a new device — for new users.
• Restore from recovery phrase — if you're recovering an existing wallet.

Choose "Set up as new device" and follow the on-screen instructions to create a secure PIN.

Step 3: Write Down Your Recovery Phrase

Your 24-word recovery phrase is the only backup of your private keys. Ledger cannot help you recover it.

• Write all 24 words on the recovery sheet provided.
• Store it offline in a secure place. Never take a photo or store it digitally.
• Anyone with access to your recovery phrase can access your crypto. Guard it like gold.

Step 4: Install Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the official desktop and mobile application for managing your Ledger device. Only download from:
https://www.ledger.com/start

• Supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
• Used to install apps, add crypto accounts, send/receive, stake, and more.
• Ledger Live is required for firmware updates and adding supported crypto assets.

Step 5: Add Crypto Accounts

After installing Ledger Live, connect your device and start adding cryptocurrency accounts:

• Open Ledger Live → Go to “Accounts” → “Add account.”
• Select a cryptocurrency (e.g. Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana).
• Ledger Live will guide you to install the app on your device if needed.

Step 6: Send and Receive Funds

• Click “Receive” in Ledger Live → Choose your account.
• Verify the address on your Ledger device screen before sharing it.
• To send, click “Send” → Enter recipient’s address and confirm on your device.

Every transaction must be physically confirmed on your Ledger — this prevents unauthorized activity.

Step 7: Keep Your Device and Phrase Safe

• Never share your recovery phrase. Not even with Ledger support.
• Enable device lock after inactivity (Settings > Security).
• Use a fireproof safe or metal backup for your seed phrase.
• Never enter your 24-word phrase into a computer or website.

Troubleshooting & Tips

• Lost PIN: Reset device and restore using your 24-word phrase.
• Device not recognized: Try another cable/USB port, update Ledger Live.
• Firmware issues: Follow official update instructions via Ledger Live.
• Security warnings: Always verify you're on ledger.com. Be cautious of phishing.

Advanced Features (Optional)

• Staking: Stake coins like ETH, DOT, ADA and earn passive income.
• DeFi: Connect Ledger to apps via WalletConnect or MetaMask (with care).
• Passphrase: Add a 25th word to your seed for extra protection (expert use only).
• Multi-device: Use a backup Ledger device with same recovery phrase for redundancy.