Welcome to Ledger Start, the essential guide designed to help you set up your Ledger hardware wallet and protect your digital assets with industry-leading security. Whether you are brand-new to crypto or searching for a safer way to store your coins long-term, this guide walks you step-by-step through the process of building a secure, private, and reliable self-custody environment.
Cryptocurrencies give you complete control over your money — but that also creates responsibility. Software wallets, browser extensions, and exchange accounts are convenient, yet they remain vulnerable to hacking attacks, phishing scams, and device-level malware. A single mistake can lead to permanent loss of funds.
Ledger hardware wallets remove these risks by keeping your private keys inside a secure, offline element. Even if your computer is compromised, the private keys never touch the internet. Every transaction must be physically approved using the device, ensuring no action can occur without your direct authorization.
When you unbox your Ledger device, you will typically find:
Before beginning setup, ensure that the device packaging is sealed and undamaged. Ledger devices never ship with a pre-generated recovery phrase. If the box contains one, this indicates tampering — reset the device immediately and create a brand-new wallet yourself during setup.
Ledger Live is the official management software that lets you install apps, check balances, send crypto, receive assets, update firmware, and monitor your portfolio. It is the central hub that connects your hardware wallet with blockchain networks safely.
Download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website on a secure, trusted device. After installing, open the application and select your Ledger model. The app will guide you through safety checks and ensure your device is genuine before continuing.
Turn on your Ledger by pressing the buttons. You will be asked whether you want to:
For most users, choose Create a new wallet. You will then be prompted to set a PIN code. Choose a PIN that is strong, unique, and not easy for anyone else to guess. This PIN protects your device from unauthorized access.
After choosing a PIN, your Ledger will generate a 24-word recovery phrase. This phrase is more important than the device itself — it is the master key to your crypto. If you ever lose or damage your Ledger, the recovery phrase is what allows you to restore your wallet and regain access to your assets.
Write the words by hand on the included recovery sheet. Never take a photo, screenshot, or digital copy. Do not store it on cloud services, emails, or note apps. Keeping these words offline and private is critical for your security.
Your device will ask you to confirm the words in the correct order. Once confirmed, your wallet is created and ready to be used.
Each blockchain (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) requires its own application stored directly on your Ledger device. These apps allow the device to sign transactions securely.
In Ledger Live, go to the My Ledger section and install the apps for the assets you plan to manage. You can add or remove apps anytime — removing an app does not delete your funds because your private keys remain securely stored in the device.
Adding an account in Ledger Live allows the application to sync with the blockchain and show your balances. For each cryptocurrency app you installed, select Add Account in Ledger Live and follow the prompts. Once added, you will be able to:
To receive crypto, select “Receive” in Ledger Live, choose the appropriate account, and verify the receiving address directly on your Ledger device screen. This step protects you from malware that may alter addresses.
To send crypto, enter the destination address in Ledger Live, specify the amount, and confirm the transaction. The final approval must always be done on the Ledger device itself — this ensures no transaction occurs without your explicit physical consent.
Following best security practices ensures that your assets remain safe for the long term. Keep these guidelines in mind:
By practicing these habits, you significantly reduce your exposure to digital threats and scams.
Ledger Live provides a powerful portfolio management interface that helps you keep track of your holdings across multiple blockchains. You can view market trends, track price movements, and monitor allocation percentages.
Some cryptocurrencies support staking through Ledger Live, allowing you to earn rewards while maintaining full self-custody of your assets. Because your private keys never leave your wallet, staking with Ledger offers higher security compared to web-based or exchange-based staking.
If your Ledger device is ever lost, damaged, or stolen, your crypto is still safe as long as you have your recovery phrase. To restore your wallet:
Once restored, all your accounts and balances will reappear in Ledger Live. Your digital assets remain on the blockchain — the device is simply the tool that protects access to them.
With your Ledger device properly set up and Ledger Live configured, you now have one of the safest environments available for managing your digital wealth. By combining hardware-level protection with smart personal security habits, you gain complete control over your crypto — without relying on centralized exchanges or third-party custodians.
Your future in the digital asset world begins with strong security, and Ledger gives you the foundation to protect your investments for the years ahead.
Start Your Ledger Setup