Follow these short, friendly steps to set up your Ledger hardware wallet — protect your crypto fast, without confusion.
A hardware wallet keeps your private keys offline and under your control. Ledger devices are built for security, simplicity, and cross-compatibility with Ledger Live. This short guide focuses on what you need to know to get started and stay safe — no jargon, no fluff.
Open the sealed package. Ensure the tamper-evident seal is intact and the device matches the model you ordered. If anything looks off, stop and contact support.
Go to Ledger.com/Start and download Ledger Live for your operating system. Run the official app to manage firmware, install apps, and add accounts.
Follow the on-device prompts to create a new wallet. Write down the 24‑word recovery phrase on the provided card. Keep it offline and never share it.
Connect to Ledger Live and complete any firmware updates — this step guarantees the latest security improvements and device stability.
Use Ledger Live to add accounts for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and hundreds of other assets. You’ll manage balances and send/receive securely through the app and device confirmations.
Send a small amount to your new address to confirm everything works — verifying both Ledger Live and on-device confirmations.
Secure element chip. Confirm every transaction on your device. Your keys never leave the hardware.
Ledger Live provides a single dashboard to manage assets, firmware, and apps in a user-friendly interface.
Support for major chains plus thousands of tokens via built-in or partner integrations.
Whether you’re new to crypto or managing multiple wallets, the essentials are the same: keep keys offline, verify every prompt on your device, and keep a secure copy of your recovery phrase in a safe place.
Typically 10–20 minutes. Most time is spent writing down the recovery phrase and verifying the firmware update.
Yes. Your 24‑word recovery phrase can restore access on any compatible hardware wallet — which is why storing it securely is critical.
Ledger Live is the easiest way to manage accounts, update firmware, and install apps. Advanced users may use compatible third‑party wallets if preferred.
If the recovery phrase is lost and the device is damaged or stolen, funds cannot be recovered. Consider secure backups or split‑storage for high-value holdings.