Trezor.io/Start® | Official Start Page — Initialize Your® Device™

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— 4 min read

Welcome to the official Ledger start guide — your step-by-step pathway to setting up your Ledger hardware wallet and securing your digital assets with world-class protection. Whether you’re completely new to crypto or an experienced investor seeking improved security, this guide will help you start safely, confidently, and correctly.

With online threats increasing every day, self-custody has become more important than ever. Ledger hardware wallets give you full control of your private keys and protect them offline, keeping your crypto safe from hackers, phishing attacks, and exchange failures. By the end of this guide, you’ll understand how to set up your device, create your recovery phrase, install Ledger Live, and start managing your assets securely.

Why Choose Ledger?

Ledger is trusted by millions of users worldwide and is a global leader in secure digital asset management. Traditional exchanges store your private keys on the internet, making them vulnerable to attacks. Ledger solves this problem with industry-leading technology.

Key Benefits

  • Offline security — Private keys are stored in a certified Secure Element chip.
  • You control your crypto — Assets cannot be accessed without your device and unique PIN.
  • Secure transactions — Every transaction must be confirmed physically on the device.
  • Supports thousands of coins and tokens, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, NFTs, and more.
  • Ledger Live app lets you buy, swap, sell, and track assets in one place.

Owning a Ledger means taking true ownership of your digital future.

What You Need Before You Start

Before setting up your Ledger wallet, make sure you have:

  • A Ledger Nano X, Nano S Plus, or Stax device
  • A computer (Windows, macOS, Linux) or a smartphone with Bluetooth (Nano X / Stax)
  • A secure internet connection
  • Pen and paper to write your recovery phrase
  • Ledger Live app installed (we’ll cover this shortly)

Important: Never share your recovery phrase or enter it online. Ledger will never ask for it.

Step 1: Unbox and Verify Your Ledger Device

When you receive your Ledger device, check that the packaging has not been tampered with. Your box should include:

  • Hardware wallet
  • USB cable
  • Recovery sheet cards
  • Documentation

Ledger devices come without a recovery phrase written down — if yours arrives pre-filled or printed, do not use it.

Step 2: Power On and Choose a PIN

  1. Connect the device to your computer or phone.
  2. Follow instructions on the device screen to create a 6–8 digit PIN code.
  3. Confirm the PIN by entering it twice.

Security Tip

  • Never store your PIN digitally or share it with anyone.
  • If you enter the wrong PIN three times in a row, the device resets — this prevents unauthorized access.

Step 3: Write Down Your Recovery Phrase

Next, your Ledger will display your 24-word recovery phrase. This phrase is your one and only backup that can restore your wallet if your device is lost, stolen, or damaged.

How to Secure It

  • Write the 24 words on the provided recovery sheet in the correct order.
  • Store it offline in a safe, secure location.
  • Never take a photo, screenshot, or upload it to the cloud.
  • Never share it with anyone.

If someone has your recovery phrase, they have full access to your crypto.

Step 4: Install Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the official app used to manage your crypto securely.

  • Desktop: ledger.com/ledger-live
  • Mobile: iOS / Android app stores

Inside Ledger Live You Can

  • Configure and verify your device
  • Add accounts for different cryptocurrencies
  • Buy, sell, swap, and stake assets
  • Track your real-time portfolio
  • Store and manage NFTs

Once installed, open Ledger Live and select “Get Started”. Choose your device model and follow the steps to complete onboarding.

Step 5: Add Crypto Accounts

To receive and manage crypto, you must add accounts through Ledger Live.

To Add an Account

  1. Open Ledger Live
  2. Go to Accounts
  3. Select Add Account
  4. Choose your cryptocurrency
  5. Confirm installation when prompted on your Ledger device

Step 6: Receiving Crypto to Your Ledger

Once your account is created, you can transfer assets from an exchange or another wallet.

To Receive Crypto

  1. Open Ledger Live → Receive
  2. Select the account
  3. Confirm the address on your device
  4. Copy the address and paste it only into a trusted sender

Always verify addresses on the device screen — this prevents phishing or malware substitution.

Step 7: Sending Crypto

To send crypto securely:

  1. Go to Send in Ledger Live
  2. Enter the receiver’s address and amount
  3. Physically approve the transaction on your device

Your Ledger must confirm every action, so even if your computer is infected, attackers cannot approve unauthorized transfers.

Staking, Earn, and NFTs

Ledger allows users to grow their crypto directly through Ledger Live:

  • Stake coins like ETH, SOL, DOT, and ADA
  • Earn rewards without giving up control
  • Securely store NFTs on Ethereum, Polygon, and Solana

You always maintain ownership of your keys.

Security Best Practices

Keeping your crypto safe involves good habits:

Do

✔ Store your recovery phrase offline in multiple secure places
✔ Keep your device PIN private
✔ Always verify transactions directly on the hardware screen
✔ Use the official Ledger Live app & genuine cables

Don’t

✘ Never type your recovery phrase on a website or computer
✘ Never share your phrase with support agents
✘ Never trust unsolicited messages or giveaways

Ledger will never ask for your 24 words — anyone who asks is a scammer.

What Happens if Your Ledger Is Lost or Damaged?

Your assets remain safe. Simply:

  1. Buy a new Ledger device
  2. Choose Restore from Recovery Phrase
  3. Enter your 24 words

Your accounts and funds will reappear exactly as before.

Ledger Support

If you need help, visit support.ledger.com for articles, videos, troubleshooting tools, and secure ticket support.

Conclusion

You have now taken your first important steps toward full control and security of your digital assets. With Ledger, your private keys are always offline and in your hands — not on an exchange or cloud server. By securing your recovery phrase and following recommended best practices, you’re building a strong foundation for long-term crypto safety.

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