01 — PREPARE
Before you begin
Give yourself a few quiet minutes and start with the device you received directly from Ledger or an authorized retailer. Use a computer or phone you trust, connect to a secure network, and visit the address by typing ledger.com/start yourself. Be cautious with search ads, unsolicited messages, and lookalike domains: a familiar logo is not proof that a page is genuine.
Keep the box and any included materials nearby, but do not treat a card or insert containing a pre-written recovery phrase as safe. A legitimate setup should guide you to create your own phrase on the device. If anything seems already configured, pause and consult Ledger’s official support before proceeding.
02 — INSTALL
Set up at your own pace
Follow the current instructions on Ledger’s official setup page for your particular device and operating system. Install companion software only through links reached from Ledger’s site or its verified app listing. Connect or pair the device as directed, then check that prompts shown on the device match the actions you intended to take on screen.
During initialization, choose a PIN that is difficult for someone else to guess and easy for you to remember securely. Read each prompt before confirming it. Your device is designed to keep private keys protected, but careful habits still matter: avoid rushing, keep your operating system updated, and never approve a transaction you did not initiate.
03 — KEEP PRIVATE
Your recovery phrase is yours alone
Your recovery phrase is the backup to your wallet. Write it down offline exactly as the device displays it, in the correct order, and store it somewhere private and physically secure. Anyone who obtains it may be able to access the associated assets; Ledger support, this guide, and legitimate setup software will never need you to reveal it.
Never photograph, email, message, type, or paste the phrase into a website, app, search engine, or cloud document. Do not share it with anyone claiming to be support, and do not enter it to “verify” or “synchronize” a wallet. If a page or person asks for your words, stop immediately and navigate to Ledger’s official support independently.
04 — KEEP LEARNING
After the first setup
Once setup is complete, explore small test actions only after you understand the network, destination, and fees involved. Confirm addresses and transaction details on the device screen, not just on your computer. Keep your recovery backup accessible to you, but separate from the device; consider how you would recover access if either were lost or damaged.
Security is an ongoing practice, not a one-time screen. Revisit official guidance when installing updates, adding an account, or trying a new feature. If you are unsure about a request, stop and verify it using a known official channel rather than replying to the message that raised the question.
CONTINUE WITH OFFICIAL SOURCES
Go straight to the source
This page is an independent orientation, not Ledger’s official website or customer support. For exact, up-to-date steps, use Ledger’s own resources:
- Ledger.com/start — setup and onboarding
- Ledger Support — troubleshooting and help
- Ledger Academy — learn about digital assets