Get started with Ledger — Ledger Start Guide (Link-Free)
This standalone, printable, and link-free guide walks you through safely setting up and using a Ledger hardware wallet.
Securely set up your hardware wallet and protect your crypto
This guide covers every stage of initial setup and early use: unboxing and inspection, environment preparation, installing the management software locally, initializing a new wallet or restoring a seed, creating a PIN and optional passphrase, secure recovery strategies, firmware verification, test transactions, routine operational practices, troubleshooting, and considerations for estate planning and enterprise usage. All external links have been deliberately omitted — use this document alongside official product materials you already trust.
Quick tip: read the whole guide before powering on the device. Preparation reduces mistakes and helps you act deliberately at each prompt the device shows.
Introduction & security model
Hardware wallets protect private keys by keeping them isolated in a secure device. The host computer or phone prepares transactions, but the private keys never leave the hardware device. This separation means that even if the host is compromised by malware, it cannot extract your private keys. The device requires physical confirmation for signing, ensuring the owner reviews critical details before funds move. Understanding this model clarifies why every verification step — packaging inspection, on-device address checks, and seed handling — matters.
The rest of this guide explains how to practice those verification steps safely and establish routines that will protect you over the long term.
Unbox and inspect
Start with a careful visual inspection. Packaging usually includes tamper-evident seals; check that seals are intact, shrinkwrap is consistent, and accessories (cable, recovery card, quick start guide) are present. If you have reason to suspect tampering — broken seals or unexpected markings — stop and use the seller's support channel or the vendor you purchased from to verify before connecting the device.
What to keep
Order and proof of purchase for warranty or authenticity checks.
Original accessories and the recovery card, which you will use during setup.
The box for safe storage if you later need to return or replace the device.
Prepare your environment
Choose a private, quiet workspace with no cameras or onlookers. Use a computer you control, with the operating system and drivers updated. For the setup process, prefer a fresh browser profile with few or no extensions to minimize potential interference. Avoid public or untrusted networks when performing key-sensitive operations, and do not run unknown software during the setup process.
Note: If you plan to use a mobile device for management, ensure the phone's operating system is updated and avoid rooting or jailbreaking the device before setup.
Install the management application locally (no external links)
Install the official management application (desktop or mobile) you obtained from a trusted source you already have bookmarked or verified earlier. Avoid software copied from unverified places. When you run the application for the first time, allow it to prompt you for device connection. The management application helps with firmware verification, account management, and transaction lifecycle, but remember: the device is the signing authority — not the application.
Warning: Do not install random browser extensions or third-party tools that promise extended functionality without verification. They may alter transaction content or mislead you during signing.
Initialize the device — create a wallet or restore
When first initializing, you will be offered two choices: create a new wallet or restore from an existing recovery phrase. Choose create new wallet for a fresh setup. The device will generate a recovery phrase — typically 24 words — presented on the device screen, one word at a time. Write words down in order on the supplied recovery card. Do not type them into any computer or phone. Confirm the written words exactly when the device requests it.
Backup guidance
Use durable writing instruments and clear block letters to avoid ambiguity.
Create at least two independent physical copies and store them in separate secure locations such as a home safe and a safety deposit box.
Consider investing in a metal recovery plate for greater long-term durability.
If you ever lose the device, the recovery phrase is the only way to regain access. Protect it like the most valuable physical key you own.
Set a PIN and consider a passphrase (advanced)
After the seed is written, set a PIN on the device. The PIN thwarts casual physical attackers. Choose a PIN you can remember but that is not easily guessable. Refrain from storing the PIN with the seed backups.
Some users also enable an optional passphrase: an extra secret added to the recovery phrase that creates a hidden wallet. A passphrase provides added security and plausible deniability but increases complexity: losing the passphrase typically means permanent loss of the funds under that passphrase. Only enable a passphrase if you have a secure plan to store and recover it separately from the seed.
Verify firmware, updates, and device integrity
Firmware is critical: it controls seed generation and signing logic. After setup, check the device firmware status in the management application and apply any official updates using the provided, verified flow. The device and management app verify cryptographic signatures for updates; do not bypass these checks. If the device requests a firmware update that appears unexpected, pause and verify your environment.
For high-security environments, consider verifying firmware release artifacts (signatures, checksums) using reproducible-build procedures or an isolated verification machine before updating production devices.
Test with small transactions
Before moving significant funds, perform a small inbound and outbound test. Generate a receive address on the device, verify the address on the device display (not only on the host), and receive a small amount. Then send a small amount out, and verify the recipient address and amount on the device before approving. These steps confirm your full workflow and reduce the chance of costly mistakes.
Generate and verify a receive address on-device.
Send a small inbound test from an exchange or another wallet.
Send a small outbound test and verify the signing prompts on-device.
Daily use, integrations, and DeFi caution
After setup, you can add accounts in the management app, install apps for various cryptocurrencies if required by your device, and interact with exchanges or decentralized applications. The hardware device should always be the final authority: verify every address and contract interaction on-device. Use well-reviewed integrations and avoid approving broad token allowances without understanding implications. For frequent trading, consider keeping a small hot wallet for active trading while storing the majority of funds in the hardware wallet.
DeFi and smart contracts: these interactions can present complex signing data. Review contract calls carefully and, if uncertain, consult project documentation or limit approvals to minimal amounts.
Backup planning & estate considerations
Long-term security includes thinking about what happens if you become incapacitated or pass away. Avoid placing full seeds in easily accessible places or with single individuals. Options include sealed instructions, secure legal mechanisms that grant access under defined conditions, and technical solutions like multi-signature wallets that distribute responsibility. If using an executor or lawyer, ensure they understand secure handling and do not store secrets electronically without encryption and strict controls.
Multi-signature & institutional use
For large holdings or organizational custody, multi-signature setups spread authority across multiple keys and devices. Combine hardware wallets, policy engines, and approval workflows to reduce single-point-of-failure risk. Institutional deployments require documented procedures for onboarding, device custody, rotation, and decommissioning, as well as regular audits and segregation of duties.
Troubleshooting & common issues
Device not detected
Try another USB cable and a different port. Ensure the management application is running and that the device is awake. On some systems, driver or permission changes may be necessary; consult trusted device documentation in your saved materials.
Forgot PIN
If you forget the device PIN you will need to reset the device and restore from your recovery seed. Because the seed is the ultimate backup, testing restoration procedures on a spare device in a safe environment can reassure you that your backups are usable.
Suspected compromise
If you suspect your computer is compromised, stop using it for signing operations. Use a clean, trusted host or a temporary isolated machine to perform critical operations. Consider restoring your seed to a new device and moving funds if you believe secrets were exposed.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What if I lose my device?
Use your recovery seed to restore the wallet on a replacement hardware device. Without the recovery seed, funds are typically unrecoverable.
Should I write my seed on paper?
Paper is acceptable for short- to medium-term storage if kept in a secure, fireproof place. For greater durability, consider metal backups designed for seed storage. Ensure backups are protected against both physical hazards and unauthorized access.
Is a passphrase recommended?
A passphrase provides an additional security layer but increases recovery complexity. Use it only if you can securely manage and record it separately from the seed.
Final checklist before moving large balances
Seed recorded legibly and backed up in multiple secure locations.
Device PIN set; you have practiced unlocking the device.
Firmware verified and updated through the official application you trust.
Addresses always verified on-device before sending or receiving funds.
Small test inbound and outbound transactions completed successfully.
Considered passphrase use and estate planning options.
Documented procedures for recovery and trusted contacts if needed.
Security is an ongoing practice, not a one-time event. Regularly review your backups, keep software up to date, and rehearse recovery steps so they work correctly when needed.