Get started with your Ledger device: a clear, practical guide

Welcome — and congratulations on taking the first step toward owning your digital security. This short guide helps you get started with Ledger.com/Start in a calm, confident way. You’ll learn the essentials: unboxing and checking your device, initial setup, creating and safely storing your recovery phrase, installing apps and accounts, and simple best practices to keep your assets secure over time.

Unboxing and verification
When your Ledger device arrives, inspect the packaging closely. The box should be sealed, tamper-evident, and include the device, a USB cable, recovery seed cards, and a quick start leaflet. If anything looks tampered with or missing, do not use the device — contact the vendor or Ledger support. Authentic devices also show a factory-sealed holographic label or sticker; confirm this before powering up.

Initial setup
Power the device and choose a secure PIN when prompted. A strong PIN is short but memorable; avoid birthdates or repeated digits. Your Ledger device will display each PIN digit as you enter it; confirm and re-enter to finalize. The device then generates a 24-word recovery phrase; this is the single most important element of your wallet. Never store the recovery phrase digitally — no photos, cloud notes, or screenshots.

Writing and storing your recovery phrase
Write your 24 words in order on the provided recovery card — do not mix up words or re-order them. Store the card somewhere safe, ideally in a fireproof and waterproof container or using a metal backup solution built for seed phrases. Remember: anyone with access to the full recovery phrase can control your funds, so limit access to trusted people only and avoid digital copies under any circumstance.

Installing Ledger Live and apps
Download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website and install it on your computer or mobile device. Launch Ledger Live and follow the on-screen instructions to connect your device and pair it with the app. Ledger Live is the control center where you add cryptocurrency accounts, install blockchain-specific apps on the device, and review transactions. Only use official Ledger software and verify the website URL to avoid counterfeit downloads.

Adding accounts and receiving funds
Within Ledger Live, add accounts for the blockchains you use — Bitcoin, Ethereum, and many others. Each account generates receiving addresses on your device; always verify the full address on your device screen before sharing or pasting it into an exchange or payment portal. This step prevents man-in-the-middle attacks where an infected computer could display a different address. Consider starting with a small test deposit the first time to confirm everything is working before moving larger sums.

Sending crypto securely
To send funds, initiate the transaction from Ledger Live, confirm details like the recipient address and fee, and then verify and approve the transaction directly on your Ledger device. This hardware confirmation ensures that even if your computer is compromised, the transaction cannot be altered without your physical consent. Learn how to read common transaction details and choose appropriate fee levels depending on whether you prioritize speed or cost.

Routine upkeep and firmware updates
Ledger periodically releases firmware updates that improve security and add features. Always update using Ledger Live and confirm the update prompts on the device screen. Never accept unsolicited update instructions from unknown sources. Keep a backup of any critical information before performing major updates.

Best practices and common sense
Treat your Ledger device as a safety tool. Keep it physically safe and avoid connecting it to untrusted public computers. Use unique, strong passwords for any exchange accounts or third-party services you link. Enable privacy measures where possible and limit browser extensions or wallet integrations to those you trust. If you must use software wallets for convenience, keep only a small balance there.

What to do if something goes wrong
If you lose your device or it is damaged but your recovery phrase is safe, you can restore your wallet on a new Ledger or compatible wallet using your 24-word phrase. If you suspect your recovery phrase was exposed, move your funds immediately to a fresh wallet with a new seed phrase — but only after understanding the restoration process and verifying the new wallet’s authenticity. For device malfunctions, consult official Ledger support and follow their verified troubleshooting steps.

Final note: Security is an ongoing practice, not a one-time setup. Make time to review your backups, verify contact points and procedures, and keep learning about safe crypto habits. With a properly set up Ledger device and responsible routines, you can significantly reduce the risks that come with holding cryptocurrencies. Start carefully, act deliberately, and your digital assets will remain under your control. Review trusted community resources and official FAQs regularly to stay current. Revisit your security plan annually or when circumstances change. Periodically.