Get your device from a trusted source
Purchase through Ledger’s official website or an authorized retailer. Check that the package is intact, and never use a wallet that arrives with a recovery phrase already written down.
YOUR FIRST STEPS, MADE CLEAR
Take control.
Start with confidence.
A straightforward guide to setting up a Ledger hardware wallet, protecting your recovery phrase, and managing crypto assets with care.
Independent educational guide. Always verify downloads and instructions on Ledger’s official website.
SELF-CUSTODY, STEP BY STEP
01 / 04
01Set up securely
02Protect your backup
03Manage assets thoughtfully
Official support THE ESSENTIALS
Your setup, in four steps.
Go at your own pace. The most important part of getting started is keeping your recovery phrase private and offline.
Install the official companion app
Follow the setup instructions at Ledger.com/start and download Ledger Wallet only from an official Ledger page or your device’s verified app store. Avoid sponsored search results and lookalike downloads.
Initialize and write down your recovery phrase
Set up a new wallet directly on your device and record its recovery phrase offline, exactly as shown. Store it somewhere private and secure. Never photograph, email, or type it into a website or computer.
Verify the device, then add accounts
Use the official app to check your device and install only the apps you need. Add a crypto account for each network you use, then verify receiving addresses on the device screen before sharing them.
KEEP YOUR KEYS YOURS
One rule above
all the others.
Your recovery phrase is the master backup to your wallet. Anyone who gets it may be able to access your assets.
Read official security guidanceYOUR SECURITY CHECKLIST
- ✓Write your phrase on paper or an appropriate offline backup.
- ✓Keep it private, offline, and protected from loss or damage.
- ✓Verify addresses and transaction details on your device screen.
- ×Never share it, photograph it, or enter it on a website.
Ledger Support will never ask for your recovery phrase.
AFTER YOUR WALLET IS READY
Manage assets with
clarity and care.
A few good habits make day-to-day self-custody easier to understand and safer to navigate.
Keep networks organized
Add accounts only for the networks you use. Confirm the network before receiving or sending assets—similar-looking addresses can belong to different chains.
Learn the basicsPause before you approve
Read the destination, network, and amount on your device display. Be cautious with unexpected token approvals, signing requests, and links sent in direct messages.
Visit Ledger SupportUse verified sources
Get app updates through official channels. Never install software or follow a “recovery” link because of an unsolicited message or a search ad.
Check the official start pageGOOD TO KNOW
Common questions,
clear answers.
For device-specific or current product details, confirm information directly with official Ledger support.
Open Ledger SupportWhat is a hardware wallet for?
A hardware wallet keeps the private keys that authorize transactions protected by your device. The companion app helps you view accounts and prepare transactions; review and approve actions on the device itself.
What is my recovery phrase, and where should it go?
It is the offline backup that can restore access to your wallet. Keep it private and physically secure. Ledger Support, this guide, and legitimate support agents will never need you to share it. Never enter it into a website, chat, or app.
Can I use a hardware wallet with more than one crypto network?
Usually, yes. Install the relevant network app on your device and add the matching account in the official wallet software. Supported networks and features can change, so confirm current compatibility on Ledger’s official site.
What if I already have a recovery phrase?
Only restore an existing wallet if you understand where that phrase came from and trust its history. Enter it only on the hardware wallet during its on-device setup—not on a computer or website. If in doubt, create a new wallet and seek official support without disclosing the phrase.
READY WHEN YOU ARE
Start with the
official source.
Device setup steps and supported features can change. Use Ledger’s own start page for the latest instructions, and never share your recovery phrase with anyone.
Continue to Ledger.com/start