Ledger.com/Start | Starting Up Your Device - Ledger

Getting started with your Ledger hardware wallet is straightforward, but ensuring a smooth setup is crucial to protect your crypto assets. At Ledger, we’ve designed the process to be user-friendly while keeping security at the forefront. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to start using your Ledger device.

1. Unbox and Inspect Your Ledger Device

When you receive your Ledger device, first check the packaging for authenticity. Ledger hardware wallets come in tamper-evident packaging. Make sure everything is intact: the device itself, a USB cable, recovery sheets, and instructions. Avoid using a device if the packaging appears damaged or tampered with.

2. Connect Your Ledger Device

Use the provided USB cable to connect your Ledger device to your computer. Once connected, the device will power on automatically. Ledger devices feature a simple screen interface and two buttons for navigation, making it easy to follow on-screen instructions.

3. Install Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the official app for managing your crypto assets. Download it from Ledger.com/start to ensure you get the latest version. Ledger Live allows you to install apps for different cryptocurrencies, check your balances, and manage transactions securely.

4. Initialize Your Device

Follow the on-screen prompts on your Ledger to initialize the device. You can choose to set up as a new device or restore from an existing recovery phrase. Creating a new device will generate a unique recovery phrase—a 24-word sequence that is crucial for recovering your funds if the device is lost or damaged. Write down this phrase on the recovery sheet and store it securely offline. Never store it digitally.

5. Set a PIN Code

To protect your device, you’ll be asked to set a PIN code. This PIN secures access to your Ledger and ensures that even if the device is physically lost or stolen, your crypto remains safe.

6. Install Cryptocurrency Apps

Once your device is set up, use Ledger Live to install apps for the cryptocurrencies you want to manage. Each app enables secure transactions and interacts with your Ledger device to verify actions.

7. Start Using Your Ledger

After setup, you’re ready to send, receive, and manage crypto securely. Always ensure your device firmware and Ledger Live app are updated to the latest versions to maintain top-level security.

Starting up your Ledger device is the first step toward controlling your digital assets safely. Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll enjoy the peace of mind that comes with Ledger’s secure ecosystem.