Ledger Wallet Official | Setup & Advanced Tips

Quick setup — get started safely

This guide walks you through the essentials to setup a Ledger device, safely backup your recovery phrase, and use the device for everyday crypto tasks while minimising risk.

Step 1 — Unbox & verify

Buy only from the official store or authorised resellers. Verify the packaging seal and check the device screen during first boot for a security prompt.

Step 2 — Create PIN

Follow the on-device instructions to set a PIN. Choose 6–8 digits you can remember but that are not easily guessable.

Step 3 — Write recovery phrase

Write down the 24-word recovery phrase on the supplied card or a steel backup plate. Do not photograph or store the phrase digitally.

Step 4 — Install Ledger Live

Download Ledger Live only from ledger.com. Use it to manage apps, view balances, and update firmware.

Step 5 — Install Apps & receive funds

Install the coin-specific apps on your device via Ledger Live. Use 'Receive' to get an address and always verify the address on-device.

Troubleshooting & recovery

If the device is lost, restore using your 24-word phrase on a new Ledger device or compatible wallet. If the phrase is lost, there is no recovery option — funds cannot be recovered. Keep multiple offline backups in separate physical locations.

Advanced features

Ledger supports passphrase (optional hidden wallet), multiple accounts per coin, staking for supported assets, and integrations with DeFi wallets via WalletConnect and browser extensions. Use passphrase only if you understand the risk: losing the passphrase equals losing access to that hidden wallet.

Tip: Test a small transaction first when sending to a new address.

Tip: Use a steel backup plate for earthquake/fireproof recovery storage.

Tip: Keep firmware updated but wait for community reports on major releases if you're risk-averse.

Tip: Consider a metal backup and a safe deposit box for long-term holdings.

Search docs

Quick settings

Enable device passphrase
Set a secure PIN
Use separate accounts for trading vs savings

FAQ

Use Ledger Live which verifies firmware signatures. Never install firmware files from unknown sources.

Yes — Ledger supports mobile via Ledger Live for Mobile and Bluetooth devices where available. For sensitive operations, prefer a physically connected device.

A passphrase is an extra word or phrase combined with your recovery phrase to create hidden wallets. If you forget it, those wallets are unrecoverable.

Safety checklist

• Official purchase only
• No digital copies of recovery phrase • Multiple physical backups in different locations

Glossary

Cold Storage: Private keys kept offline on a hardware device. Secure Element: Tamper-resistant chip that protects secret keys. Passphrase: Optional extra secret used to create hidden wallets.