Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start® — Getting Started with Ledger
Secure Your Digital Assets with Ledger
Welcome to the official guide to setting up and using your Ledger hardware wallet. A Ledger device, paired with the Ledger Wallet (formerly Ledger Live) app, is the industry standard for securing your private keys offline, protecting your crypto and NFTs from online threats.
Ledger Official Start Guide |
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Ledger Academy |
Supported Assets |
Buy Ledger Device |
Ledger Support |
Ledger Wallet App |
Connect your Device |
Ledger's Ecosystem
Phase 1: Initial Device Setup
The first steps involve preparing your device and downloading the necessary software.
- Get Your Device: Unbox your Ledger hardware wallet (Nano S Plus, Nano X, etc.).
- Download Software: Download and install the official Ledger Wallet app on your desktop or mobile device.
- Launch Application: Open Ledger Wallet and click **'Get started'**.
Phase 2: Generate and Secure Your Recovery Phrase
This is the most critical step. Your **Secret Recovery Phrase** (24 words) is the master key to your funds. If lost, your crypto is lost. If stolen, your crypto is stolen. **Never digitize it**.
- Choose **'Set up a new device'**.
- Follow the on-screen prompts on your Ledger device to set a **PIN code** (4 to 8 digits).
- Carefully write down the **24-word Secret Recovery Phrase** on the provided recovery sheets.
- Verify the phrase on the device to confirm you copied it correctly.
Phase 3: Security Checklist and Account Management
After initial setup, you must complete the security checks and start managing your assets.
Click on **'Check my Nano'** in Ledger Wallet to verify its authenticity. Once verified, you can proceed to install the necessary blockchain apps (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) on your device via the **'My Ledger'** section and then **Add Accounts** to your portfolio.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a hardware wallet?
A hardware wallet is a special type of cryptocurrency wallet that stores the user's private keys (critical piece of information used to authorize transactions) in a secure, offline hardware device. This keeps your keys safe from online hacking attempts.
What is the Secret Recovery Phrase?
The Secret Recovery Phrase (also known as a seed phrase) is a set of 12 to 24 words that serves as the master backup for your entire wallet. It is essential for restoring your access to your funds if your Ledger device is lost, stolen, or damaged. **Keep it absolutely private and offline.**
Is the Ledger Wallet app a wallet itself?
No. The Ledger Wallet app (formerly Ledger Live) is an interface that allows you to manage your crypto portfolio, check balances, and initiate transactions. The **private keys** are always secured on the Ledger hardware device, which is required to approve any outgoing transaction.
How do I verify my Ledger device is genuine?
The Ledger Wallet application includes a **'Check my Nano'** feature that performs a cryptographic check to verify that your Ledger device is genuine. This is a crucial step in the setup process.