Official Site® | Ledger Wallet® | Getting Started
Welcome to the official guide to setting up and using your Ledger Wallet®. This secure hardware wallet allows you to store, manage, and protect your cryptocurrencies with confidence. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced investor, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to begin.
What Is Ledger Wallet®?
The Ledger Wallet is a hardware-based crypto wallet designed to protect your private keys offline. Unlike software wallets, Ledger devices physically isolate your keys from your computer or smartphone, reducing exposure to hackers or malware.
- Models: Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X
- Companion App: Ledger Live (for desktop and mobile)
- Assets Supported: 5,500+ cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, and NFTs
Getting Started: What You Need
To begin using your Ledger Wallet, gather the following:
- Your Ledger device (Nano S Plus or Nano X)
- A computer or mobile phone
- Secure internet connection
- Pen and Recovery Sheet (included in the box)
⚠️ Important: Never use a Ledger device that comes with a pre-filled recovery sheet. This is a common scam.
Step-by-Step: Setting Up Your Ledger Wallet
1. Visit Official Site
Go to ledger.com/start. Choose your device model and follow the on-screen instructions.
2. Download Ledger Live
Ledger Live is the official app to manage your wallet. Download it only from ledger.com/ledger-live. It’s available for Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android.
3. Initialize the Device
Plug in your device. On first use, you’ll choose between:
- Set up as a new device (recommended for new users)
- Restore from recovery phrase (for existing wallets)
4. Choose Your PIN Code
Enter a secure 4–8 digit PIN directly on your device. This protects access to your funds if the device is lost or stolen.
5. Write Down Your Recovery Phrase
The device will show 24 words — your recovery phrase. Write them down in order on the recovery sheet. This is your backup!
❗ Warning: Never store your recovery phrase digitally or share it with anyone. Ledger will never ask for it.
6. Confirm the Phrase
You’ll be asked to confirm specific words from the phrase to ensure it’s recorded accurately.
7. Access Ledger Live
Open Ledger Live and connect your wallet. You’ll now be able to install apps (e.g. Bitcoin, Ethereum) and add accounts.
Using Ledger Live
Ledger Live acts as your portfolio dashboard. After setup:
- Receive Crypto: Get a secure address verified on your Ledger device
- Send Crypto: Approve each transaction directly on the hardware
- Buy, Swap, and Stake: Built-in services available
- Manage NFTs: View and transfer Ethereum-based NFTs
💡 Pro Tip: You can use Ledger Live on both desktop and mobile. Ledger Nano X supports Bluetooth for mobile use.
Safety & Best Practices
- ✅ Use only official sites: Ledger does not sell on unauthorized marketplaces
- ✅ Keep your recovery phrase offline – preferably stored on metal backup plates
- ✅ Enable firmware updates in Ledger Live to stay protected
- ✅ Use a strong PIN and never share it
- ❌ Avoid browser extensions that claim to work with Ledger (they may be phishing)
Troubleshooting
If you run into problems during setup:
- Device not detected? Try a different USB cable or port
- Ledger Live crashes? Reinstall or update to the latest version
- Lost PIN? Reset device and restore from your recovery phrase
- Lost recovery phrase? Unfortunately, access to funds is permanently lost
⚠️ Always verify transactions on your Ledger device screen before approving. This protects you from malware or address spoofing.
Support & Resources
Need help? Visit: