Your crypto.
Your keys.
Your confidence.

A hardware wallet gives you a way to manage digital assets while keeping your private keys protected by your device. The best first step is an unhurried one: start at ledger.com/start, confirm that you are on Ledger's official website, and follow the instructions for your specific product. This page is an independent educational guide, not an official Ledger support channel.

Before you begin

Unbox your device somewhere private and make sure you have a computer or phone that meets the current requirements. Use a reliable internet connection and give yourself time to read each screen. If you bought a device, Ledger recommends buying through its official store or an authorized reseller. A device should guide you through creating a new wallet during setup. If a device arrives with a recovery phrase already printed or asks you to use a phrase supplied by someone else, stop and contact official support through the verified website.

Go directly to ledger.com/start by entering the address into your browser. Avoid sponsored search results, unsolicited messages, QR codes from unknown sources, and links sent by strangers. Check the domain spelling and connection before downloading software. A convincing logo or familiar-looking page is not proof that a site is genuine.

Install the companion app

Ledger Live is the companion application used to manage accounts and interact with your Ledger device. Follow the download link from Ledger's own site, select the operating system you use, and compare the published system requirements with your device. Mobile versions may be distributed through the Apple App Store or Google Play; verify the publisher and listing details instead of installing an app from an unfamiliar download site. Do not install attachments sent through email or direct messages.

After installation, open the app from your normal applications folder or home screen. Its onboarding flow can help you set up a new device, restore access, or connect an existing device. Choose the option that matches your situation. Keep the device connected only as directed, and read its screen rather than trusting instructions that appear in an unrelated browser window.

Set up your device with care

During new-device setup, create a PIN directly on the device and record your recovery phrase exactly as it is shown. The phrase is a backup that can restore wallet access; it is not a password for customer service. Write it on the supplied recovery sheets or another suitable offline medium, check each word carefully, and store it somewhere secure and private. Never photograph it, save it in cloud storage, paste it into a notes app, or share it with another person. Ledger support will not need the phrase to help you.

The device may ask you to confirm words or verify an action. Take that opportunity to check for mistakes and understand what you are approving. Cryptocurrency transactions can be irreversible. Before confirming a transaction, review the address, network, amount, and fees on the trusted device display. If a prompt is unexpected or confusing, pause and consult official documentation before proceeding.

Keep Ledger Live current

Updates can include improvements, new asset support, compatibility changes, or security fixes. To check for a newer version, open Ledger Live directly and review its update prompt, then consult Ledger's official release notes for context. You can also use ledger.com/ledger-live to reach the current download information. Version labels and availability can change, so verify the newest release there rather than relying on a date or version number copied into an old guide.

Before updating, make sure your computer or phone has enough battery and a stable connection. Save your work, close unnecessary applications, and follow the official updater's instructions without disconnecting a device unless prompted. If you prefer to reinstall, download a fresh installer only from Ledger's official site or the verified store listing. When the update finishes, reopen the app, check its displayed version, reconnect your device, and review any steps it requests. An update should never require you to disclose your recovery phrase on a website or to a person.

When something does not look right

Stop if a page asks for your recovery phrase, a support agent contacts you unexpectedly, an installer comes from an unofficial source, or your device shows information you did not intend to approve. Do not rush to “fix” the issue by following a message or scanning a random QR code. Close the suspicious page, keep your phrase private, and navigate independently to Ledger's official help center. When in doubt, do nothing until you have verified the instructions.

That is the principle behind every step at ledger.com/start: verify first, use official downloads, read what your device displays, and protect your recovery phrase offline. Move at your own pace. A few careful checks at setup and during each software update can help you build good habits from day one.