Ledger Start®: Get Started with Your Ledger Hardware Wallet
Cryptocurrency is empowering individuals worldwide to take control of their finances, but with that freedom comes the responsibility of securing your digital assets. One of the most trusted ways to keep your crypto safe is with a Ledger hardware wallet. Ledger wallets provide offline, secure storage for your cryptocurrencies, protecting your private keys from hackers and malware.
If you’re new to Ledger, this guide will walk you through everything you need to get started—from unboxing your device to setting it up safely and managing your crypto with confidence.
Why Use a Ledger Hardware Wallet?
A hardware wallet is a physical device designed to securely store your cryptocurrency private keys offline. Unlike software wallets that are connected to the internet, hardware wallets keep your keys isolated from potential online threats.
Ledger hardware wallets, including Ledger Nano S Plus and Ledger Nano X, offer:
Top-tier security: Private keys never leave the device.
Support for multiple cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin, Ethereum, and thousands of other tokens.
Ease of use: Intuitive setup and management through Ledger Live software.
Backup and recovery: Secure seed phrase backup ensures you never lose access to your assets.
Using a Ledger wallet means you are in full control of your crypto, minimizing the risk of theft or loss.
Step 1: Unbox Your Ledger Device
When you receive your Ledger device, check that the packaging is sealed and authentic. Inside the box, you should find:
Your Ledger hardware wallet
USB cable (for connecting to your computer or mobile device)
Recovery sheets (for your seed phrase)
Quick start guide
Never use a device with broken seals, and always follow official instructions from Ledger.com to ensure safety.
Step 2: Install Ledger Live
Ledger Live is the official software that allows you to manage your cryptocurrency securely. It’s available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
To install Ledger Live:
Visit ledger.com/start
Select your device and operating system
Download and install Ledger Live on your computer or mobile device
Ledger Live allows you to install apps on your Ledger device, view balances, send and receive cryptocurrencies, and manage multiple accounts—all while keeping your private keys offline.
Step 3: Initialize Your Ledger Device
Once Ledger Live is installed:
Connect your Ledger device to your computer or mobile device using the USB cable
Turn on the device and follow the on-screen instructions
Choose “Set up as new device” if it’s your first time, or “Restore device” if you are recovering an existing wallet
You will then be asked to create a PIN code. This PIN protects your device even if it is lost or stolen.
Step 4: Write Down Your Recovery Seed
One of the most critical steps in setting up your Ledger wallet is recording your 24-word recovery seed. This seed is the master key to your cryptocurrency, allowing you to restore your wallet if the device is lost or damaged.
Write down the words in the exact order provided
Never store them digitally or online
Keep the recovery sheet in a secure, fireproof location
Ledger will ask you to verify your seed to ensure accuracy. Losing your seed means losing access to your funds permanently, so take this step seriously.
Step 5: Install Apps for Your Cryptocurrencies
Ledger devices support multiple cryptocurrencies, but each asset requires its dedicated app installed via Ledger Live.
Open Ledger Live and go to the Manager section
Connect and unlock your device
Browse the available apps and install the ones you need (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.)
These apps allow your Ledger device to interact securely with blockchain networks, sign transactions, and manage assets without exposing private keys.
Step 6: Add Accounts in Ledger Live
After installing apps, you need to add accounts for each cryptocurrency you hold.
Open Ledger Live and navigate to Accounts
Click Add account
Select the cryptocurrency and follow the instructions on your device to sync
This process allows Ledger Live to display your balances and transaction history securely. Each account is linked to your Ledger device, ensuring offline security at all times.
Step 7: Sending and Receiving Cryptocurrency
Ledger Live makes sending and receiving crypto simple and secure.
To receive cryptocurrency:
Select the account in Ledger Live
Click Receive to generate a receiving address
Confirm the address on your Ledger device screen
Share this address to receive funds
To send cryptocurrency:
Select the account in Ledger Live
Click Send and enter the recipient’s address and amount
Confirm the transaction details on your Ledger device
Approve the transaction
Always verify transaction details on your device’s screen, not just on your computer, to prevent malware attacks.
Step 8: Keep Your Device and Software Updated
Ledger regularly releases firmware updates to improve security, add new features, and support additional cryptocurrencies.
Check for firmware updates in Ledger Live
Follow on-screen instructions to safely update your device
Regularly update Ledger Live to access the latest features and improvements
Keeping both the device firmware and Ledger Live up-to-date ensures maximum security.
Step 9: Best Practices for Security
To maximize the security of your Ledger hardware wallet:
Never share your PIN or recovery seed
Store your recovery sheet in a secure location
Avoid using public computers or untrusted networks for transactions
Only download Ledger Live and firmware updates from the official Ledger website
Ledger wallets provide excellent security, but the responsibility to follow best practices lies with you.
Final Thoughts
Getting started with a Ledger hardware wallet is a straightforward process, but each step is critical for securing your cryptocurrency. By unboxing your device, installing Ledger Live, creating a PIN, securing your recovery seed, and managing your accounts properly, you ensure that your digital assets are protected from online threats.
Ledger Start® empowers both beginners and experienced crypto users to manage assets confidently, providing peace of mind in a digital world where security is paramount. Your cryptocurrency is only as safe as the steps you take to protect it—and Ledger helps make those steps simple, effective, and reliable.
Start today, follow the steps carefully, and enjoy secure, confident cryptocurrency management with your Ledger hardware wallet.