Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start® - Getting started

Unboxing and inspection (What to expect)

When you first open the package, examine the box and the security sticker. The package contents typically include the Ledger device (e.g., Nano S Plus or Nano X), a USB cable or dongle, a recovery sheet, and quick-start guides. Confirm that packaging is sealed and untampered.

Checklist before proceeding

• Confirm authenticity and sealed packaging.
• Note: Ledger will never ask for your 24-word recovery phrase.
• Prepare a small administrative station — a clean desk and a trusted personal computer or mobile device.

Initialization — create a new device

For a new device, follow these high-level steps:

1. Power the device by connecting it to your computer or using its onboard battery if available.
2. Select "Set up as new device" on the device screen.
3. Create a PIN code that is memorable but not easily guessable; use numbers only on many Ledger devices.
4. The device will display a randomly generated recovery phrase (typically 24 words). Write these words exactly in order on the provided recovery sheet — never store them digitally.

Notes on the recovery phrase

The recovery phrase is a canonical representation of your private keys. Anyone with that phrase can reconstruct your accounts. Keep it offline, preferably in a fireproof or waterproof storage, or consider steel backups for maximal durability.

Connecting to Ledger Live and onboarding

Ledger Live is the official desktop/mobile application to manage accounts and install apps on your Ledger device. After you install Ledger Live:

• Open Ledger Live and follow the "Get started" flow.
• Select your device model and confirm the PIN and recovery phrase as requested.
• Install apps for the assets you will manage (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana).

Security note

Only download Ledger Live from ledger.com. Treat any third-party app as potentially unsafe unless it’s explicitly documented and audited by the community.

Send/receive basics — your first transaction

To receive funds, open Ledger Live, create an account for the desired currency, then click "Receive" to obtain an on-device address. Always verify the address on the hardware device screen — this is the single-source-of-truth defense against address replacement attacks.

Best practice

Send a small test transaction first. Verify on-chain that it arrived at the same address confirmed on-device. Once confirmed, proceed with larger transfers.

Core security principles (confidentiality, integrity, availability)

Hardware wallets like Ledger are designed around isolating private keys from connected devices. Use layered security: physical safekeeping, strong PINs, seed backups, and minimal exposure to risky environments. Resist social engineering and phishing attempts.

Seed safety and redundancy

Where to store the seed

Consider multiple redundant copies: a primary offline copy in a secure location and a secondary copy in a separated, secured location. Use high-resilience materials (steel backup plates) if you expect long-term heritage storage.

Never do this

• Do not store your recovery phrase in cloud storage, email drafts, or photos.
• Do not type your recovery phrase into websites or apps.

Phishing, spoof sites, and social engineering

Attackers often attempt to trick users into entering their recovery phrases or installing fake apps. Always verify domain names and certificate indicators. Ledger will never ask for your recovery words; any request is malicious.

Firmware updates & authenticity checks

Keep firmware up-to-date using Ledger Live. Firmware updates can bring security fixes and new features. Verify update prompts on your device screen and confirm via Ledger Live's signed workflows.

Multi-asset support

Ledger devices support a large array of blockchains. Each asset is managed by a specific "app" that you install on-device. Ledger Live acts as a manager; third-party wallets may offer additional compatibility for niche chains.

Device apps and modularity

The modular system allows installing only the apps you need. This conserves space and keeps the attack surface minimal.

Third-party integration

Ledger is commonly used with third-party wallets such as MetaMask (for Ethereum), Solflare (for Solana), and others. When connecting, ensure you connect in "hardware wallet" or "connect using Ledger" mode and confirm addresses on-device.

Passphrase (25th word) explained

A passphrase is an additional secret that acts as an extension of your recovery phrase. When used correctly, it creates separate hidden wallets. However, it increases complexity — losing the passphrase means losing access. Use passphrases only if you understand the risk and manage the passphrase securely and separately from the seed.

Backup patterns and inheritance planning

Think about recovery in generational terms: who will access these keys decades from now? Consider legal instruments (will/trust) or multi-party custody approaches (shared custody with emergency access) for estate planning.

Using Ledger in multisig setups

Multisig (multi-signature) is a resilient approach where multiple keys are required for transactions. Ledger devices can be part of multisig schemes — this prevents single-point-of-failure scenarios. Consult trusted documentation for constructing multisig wallets and ensure each signer is reliably backed up.

Privacy-conscious habits

Use rotating addresses, avoid address reuse where possible, and consider using privacy-preserving tools when necessary. Ledger's device-level confirmations help ensure the integrity of address verification.