Get started with your Ledger device

Clear, practical steps to initialize your hardware wallet, create or recover your wallet, and connect securely to apps and services.

Start setup Recover wallet Support & resources

Purpose of this page

This guide walks you through the essential steps to prepare a Ledger hardware wallet for use: unbox, initialize, create or restore your recovery phrase, set a secure PIN, and safely connect to supported wallet apps. Follow these instructions carefully to maintain custody of your private keys and protect your crypto assets.

Step-by-step: Initialize your Ledger

Follow these practical steps to initialize your Ledger device and create a secure wallet. Take your time with each step—security is intentional and irreversible once set.

  1. Unbox & verify: Ensure the packaging is sealed and the tamper-evident elements are intact.
  2. Power on: Connect the device to power via the included cable and follow the on-device prompts.
  3. Create a new wallet or recover an existing wallet: Choose 'Create a new wallet' to generate a new recovery phrase, or 'Restore' if you already have a recovery phrase.
  4. Write down your recovery phrase: Use the supplied recovery sheet. Store the phrase offline and in multiple secure locations; never store it digitally.
  5. Set a PIN: Choose a strong PIN on the device. This PIN protects local access to your device.

After initialization, install Ledger Live or a Ledger-compatible wallet app to manage accounts, update firmware, and interact with applications like Ethereum, Bitcoin, and other supported networks.

Install Ledger Live Security tips

Security best practices

The safety of your assets starts with the device and recovery phrase. Use only official firmware updates, verify app signatures, and store recovery words offline. Avoid screenshots, cloud backups, or copying recovery data into password managers. If you must use a third-party interface, confirm it is Ledger-compatible and that the connection requests match what the device displays.

Restore an existing wallet

To restore, select 'Restore' during device setup, enter your recovery phrase exactly in the correct order, and set a new local PIN. After restoration, validate each account by comparing public addresses in Ledger Live or a trusted explorer before sending funds.

Support & resources

If you experience device issues, firmware errors, or believe your recovery phrase has been compromised, stop and consult official support channels immediately. Use verified support pages and community documentation for advanced workflows like multi-account management, passphrase (25th word) usage, and integrations with third-party wallets.

Official support Developer docs