Ledger.com/Start | Complete Setup Guide

Your complete guide to setting up and securing your Ledger hardware wallet

Welcome to Your Crypto Security Journey

Congratulations on choosing Ledger, the world's most trusted hardware wallet solution. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of setting up your device, ensuring maximum security for your digital assets.

Trusted by over 8 million customers worldwide, Ledger hardware wallets provide the highest level of security for your cryptocurrencies by keeping your private keys offline.

What are Ledger Hardware Wallets?

Maximum Security

Your private keys never leave the device, protected by a secure element chip

Full Control

You own your private keys and have complete control over your crypto assets

Easy to Use

Simple interface with Ledger Live app for managing your entire crypto portfolio

Complete Setup Guide

1

Initialize Your Device

Unboxing and First Setup:

  • Connect your Ledger device to your computer using the provided USB cable
  • Press both buttons simultaneously to power on the device
  • Navigate through the welcome screen using the left/right buttons
  • Select "Set up as new device" when prompted
  • Choose your device name (optional)
2

Set Your PIN Code

Creating a Secure PIN:

  • Choose a PIN between 4-8 digits long
  • Avoid obvious combinations (1234, 0000, birth year)
  • Use the left/right buttons to select numbers
  • Press both buttons to confirm each digit
  • Confirm your PIN by entering it a second time

Important: After 3 incorrect PIN attempts, your device will reset. Make sure you remember your PIN!

3

Secure Your Recovery Phrase

Writing Down Your 24-Word Recovery Phrase:

  • Your device will display 24 words one by one
  • Write each word on the provided recovery sheet in order
  • Double-check each word for spelling accuracy
  • Press the right button to proceed to the next word
  • Store your recovery sheet in a secure location

Critical: Never share your recovery phrase with anyone. This phrase can restore your entire wallet if your device is lost or stolen.

4

Install Ledger Live

Download the Official Ledger Live App:

Desktop Versions:

  • • Windows (Windows 10+)
  • • macOS (macOS 10.14+)
  • • Linux (Ubuntu 18.04+)

Mobile Versions:

  • • iOS (App Store)
  • • Android (Google Play)

Always download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website (ledger.com) to ensure you're getting the authentic software.

5

Verify Your Recovery Phrase

Confirming Your Backup:

  • Your device will ask you to confirm specific words from your recovery phrase
  • Use the buttons to navigate through the word list
  • Select the correct word when prompted
  • Complete the verification for all requested words
  • Your device setup is complete once verification passes
6

Add Cryptocurrency Accounts

Setting Up Your First Accounts:

  • Open Ledger Live and connect your device
  • Click "Add Account" in the left sidebar
  • Select the cryptocurrency you want to add
  • Install the corresponding app on your Ledger device
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to sync your account
  • Repeat for all cryptocurrencies you plan to use

Security Features & Maintenance

Security Features

  • Enable auto-lock after inactivity
  • Set up passphrase for additional security
  • Enable blind signing protection
  • Verify all transaction details on device

Firmware Updates

  • Check for updates in Ledger Live regularly
  • Always update with device connected
  • Never interrupt the update process
  • Updates improve security and add features

Common Issues & Solutions

Device Not Detected

  • Try a different USB cable or port
  • Update Ledger Live to the latest version
  • Restart your computer and try again
  • Check if device drivers are properly installed

App Installation Failed

  • Ensure your device has enough storage space
  • Update your device firmware first
  • Try installing apps one at a time
  • Restart Ledger Live if installation freezes

Transaction Not Appearing

  • Check if the transaction is confirmed on the blockchain
  • Manually synchronize your account in Ledger Live
  • Verify you're using the correct network
  • Wait for network confirmation (may take time during high traffic)