A hardware wallet puts you in charge of your crypto keys. A few deliberate checks at setup can make the difference between a confident start and an avoidable security risk. Use this as orientation—not as a substitute for instructions specific to your device.
Before you begin
Start with the official Ledger.com/start page, typed directly into your browser. Confirm the address is exactly ledger.com and that the connection is secure. Avoid sponsored search results, unsolicited direct messages, and links sent by strangers; convincing lookalike pages are a common way to steal recovery phrases.
Unbox the device yourself and check that it powers on and navigates normally. Ledger devices are designed to be initialized by their owner, so never use a recovery phrase supplied in the box, printed on a card, or sent to you by someone else. Have a private place ready to write down a new phrase if your device generates one.
Initialize your device
Follow the on-screen prompts and the official setup flow for your exact model. You’ll generally choose to configure a new device, set a PIN directly on the hardware, and confirm your choices on its screen. Take your time: the physical device is the trusted place to review and approve setup actions.
Your device may create a recovery phrase, often 24 words. Write it down offline, in the order shown, and verify it when prompted. Keep it somewhere private and durable, separate from the device. Anyone with this phrase can control the associated wallet; it is not a password-reset code, and Ledger support cannot recover it for you. Never photograph it, type it into a website, or save it in cloud storage.
Install Ledger Wallet
Use Ledger’s official Ledger Wallet download page to find the companion app for your computer or phone. Check the publisher and source before installing; do not download wallet software from advertisements, file-sharing sites, or messages. The app can guide account setup and provide a place to view supported assets, while private keys remain protected by the hardware device.
When prompted to update firmware or install an app, follow the device-specific guidance in Ledger’s official help center. Review addresses and transaction details on the device screen before approving anything. A screen on your computer can be manipulated; a verified approval on the hardware is your final checkpoint.
Keep the keys yours
Build a simple habit: pause before signing, check the full destination and amount on the device, and reject anything you did not initiate. Treat requests to “validate,” “synchronize,” or “unlock” a wallet by entering your recovery phrase as a scam. Legitimate troubleshooting never requires you to reveal those words to a person or website.
For model-specific walkthroughs and current security guidance, go directly to the official Ledger Support center. Bookmark the real address, keep your device software current through official channels, and consider a small test transaction before moving a significant amount. Self-custody brings control—and responsibility. Careful setup is the first part of both.
Your next step: Open Ledger’s official setup page and follow the instructions shown for your device. This guide is informational and is not operated by Ledger.
Review the setup checklist