Ledger Wallet — Setup + Security Guide

Introduction — Why a hardware wallet matters

Your Ledger is the safest way to hold private keys offline. Unlike software wallets, it keeps the secret information on a device that never exposes it to the internet. This guide helps you complete setup, verify your device, and establish secure habits so you own — and keep — your crypto.

Hardware wallets are small, offline devices that sign transactions for you. The device displays every action and requires physical confirmation, preventing remote attackers from tricking your wallet into signing something you didn't intend. The most important concept: your recovery phrase is the only backup. If someone learns it, they can take your funds. Treat it like cash.

Step 1 — Unbox & verify authenticity

Always unbox in a private space and check tamper-evidence.

1. Inspect the packaging. Genuine devices arrive sealed with tamper-resistant stickers. If a seal is broken or the box shows suspicious signs, do not proceed — contact vendor support.
2. Check the device's model and serial number against the paperwork. Record the serial offline for future reference.
3. Only download companion software (e.g., Ledger Live) from the official source. Bookmark the official site and avoid third-party downloads.

Step 2 — Power up and initialize

Turn on the device and follow on-screen prompts. The device will guide you through creating a PIN and the recovery phrase.

1. Choose a secure PIN of at least 6 digits. Avoid simple sequences (e.g., 123456) and never reuse a PIN you use elsewhere.
2. When prompted, write down the recovery phrase on the provided card. This is typically 24 words. Do not store the phrase digitally — no photos, no notes, no cloud backups.
3. Confirm the words when the device asks. This ensures you recorded them correctly.

Step 3 — Install Ledger Live & add accounts

Ledger Live is the official desktop/mobile manager for installing apps and viewing balances.

1. Download Ledger Live only from the official website and verify the checksum if provided.
2. Connect your device via USB or Bluetooth (if supported) and open Ledger Live.
3. Use the Manager to install the apps you need (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.). Each app lets your device communicate with networks securely.
4. Add accounts in Ledger Live — you will be able to receive addresses and verify transactions on-device.

Step 4 — Verify addresses & sign safely

Always verify every address and transaction on the device itself.

1. When receiving funds, generate the receive address in Ledger Live and confirm the exact address shown on your device screen. Malware on your computer could alter addresses shown on-screen.
2. When sending, review the transaction details (recipient, amount, fees) on the device before confirming.

Step 5 — Backups, recovery, and secure storage

Your recovery phrase is the master key. Back it up redundantly and store it separately.

1. Write your 24-word seed on two physical backups (e.g., metal plate + recovery card) and store them in separate secure places, such as a safe and a bank deposit box.
2. Consider a split backup (Shamir Backup) if your device supports it — it increases resilience while minimising single points of failure.
3. Test recovery on a second device (or a test wallet) to ensure your backup is correct — but do this in a secure, offline environment.

Advanced: Using Ledger with other software

Ledger integrates with many wallets and dApps. When connecting, always confirm actions on-device.

1. For staking, DeFi, or NFTs, prefer connecting via Ledger Live or well-known wallet front-ends that explicitly support hardware wallets.
2. When using browser extensions or web apps, review all browser permission prompts and never sign messages you don’t understand.
3. If you interact with smart contracts, double-check the contract source and consider using a small test transaction first.

Troubleshooting & recovery

If you lose your device, use your recovery phrase on a compatible wallet to restore access. If you suspect theft of the phrase, move funds immediately.

If your device displays unexpected prompts, disconnect and contact official support. Never give your recovery phrase to anyone claiming to be support.

FAQ — Short answers