Why choose Ledger?
Ledger hardware wallets are built to protect your private keys with industry-standard security and a simple user experience. Whether you are new to crypto or you manage a growing portfolio, Ledger helps you take control of your assets while minimizing risk. Start here.
Quick Start — 5 steps to secure setup
- Buy a Ledger device only from Ledger's official store to avoid tampering.
- Unbox and connect the device to your computer or phone; download Ledger Live from the official site and follow the guided setup.
- Create a new wallet and write down your recovery seed phrase. Store the seed securely offline and never share it.
- Install the apps for the coins you want to manage and add accounts in Ledger Live.
- Send a small test transaction to confirm setup before moving larger amounts.
You can begin setup right away at https://ledger.com/start. The official guide walks you through firmware updates, app installation and best safety practices.
Get Started with Ledger — Get Started with Ledger — Get Started with Ledger
Security best practices
Security is a combination of secure hardware and disciplined habits. Always keep your device firmware up to date, use a strong and unique PIN, and never enter your recovery phrase into a computer or phone. Ledger devices are designed so that the private keys never leave the secure element hardware; interactions are signed inside the device itself.
Use an offline or physically secure location to store your recovery seed, and consider using a metal seed backup for maximum protection against fire, water and physical damage. If you are managing high-value holdings, consider using multi-signature setups with complementary wallets for extra redundancy.
Official resources and downloads are available at Ledger.com/start. Avoid third-party links and never purchase devices from unauthorized resellers.
Get Started with Ledger — Get Started with Ledger — Get Started with Ledger
How Ledger works (simple explanation)
At a high level, Ledger isolates the private keys inside a secure element chip. When you want to sign a transaction, the transaction data is sent to the device; you confirm the details on the device screen; the secure element signs it and returns the signature to the computer or phone. Since the private keys never leave the device, remote attackers cannot extract them through malware on your computer.
Ledger Live is the desktop and mobile companion app that helps you install apps, manage accounts, and monitor portfolio performance. For advanced use you can connect Ledger to compatible third-party wallets and dapps while retaining the same device-level security guarantees.
To begin the guided onboarding process, use the official start link: https://ledger.com/start. This ensures you follow up-to-date firmware and software instructions.
Get Started with Ledger — Get Started with Ledger — Get Started with Ledger
Common setup questions
Can I use Ledger with mobile? Yes — Ledger supports mobile via Bluetooth on supported devices and with Ledger Live Mobile. Always follow the official setup instructions available at the start page.
Do I need to update firmware? Yes. Firmware updates often include security improvements and new features. Always update through Ledger Live when prompted and confirm the device display during the update.
What if my device is lost or stolen? Use your recovery seed on a new Ledger or compatible wallet to recover your accounts. Keep your seed phrase secured offline and consider splitting backups among trusted locations if you need extra redundancy.
Find the official start instructions here: https://ledger.com/start.
Get Started with Ledger — Get Started with Ledger — Get Started with Ledger
Advanced tips for power users
Power users can integrate Ledger devices into multisig setups or use them with specialized third-party software for staking, DeFi interactions, or programmatic signing. When connecting to dapps, always verify contract details on the device screen before approving transactions.
Consider segmenting your holdings across multiple devices (e.g., a daily wallet and a cold storage wallet) so that only a small portion of funds are kept in hot transactions. Regularly review approved third-party connections and revoke access where appropriate.
The official onboarding pathway is the safest way to get started: Ledger.com/start. It contains the latest recommendations, firmware notices and troubleshooting guides.
Get Started with Ledger — Get Started with Ledger — Get Started with Ledger
What to expect during setup
Setup typically takes 10–20 minutes and includes initializing the device, writing down the recovery seed phrase, installing apps for the assets you hold, and optionally transferring a small test amount. The process is deliberately slow to ensure you read and verify every step — this is by design to keep your assets safe.
If you run into issues, Ledger's official start page provides step-by-step troubleshooting and contact options for customer support. Always follow official channels to avoid scams and phishing attempts.
Follow the official guide now: https://ledger.com/start.
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Where to buy safely
Purchase only from the official Ledger store or authorized resellers. Tampering risks increase when buying from unverified marketplaces. Verify packaging and integrity at unboxing and run recommended initial setup procedures to confirm a secure device state.
Learn more at the official start page: https://ledger.com/start. It contains up-to-date lists of authorized retailers and shipping policies.
Get Started with Ledger — Get Started with Ledger — Get Started with Ledger