Welcome — this guide walks you step-by-step through setting up a Ledger hardware wallet, installing Ledger Live, safeguarding your recovery seed, and the most common FAQs new users ask. Clear, practical, and designed for beginners.
Why use a Ledger hardware wallet?
Hardware wallets like Ledger keep your private keys offline and out of reach from online attackers. If you own cryptocurrency, using a hardware wallet is one of the strongest protections against hacks and theft.
Only buy Ledger devices from authorized sellers or the official Ledger Shop. Check the seal and packaging for tamper evidence. When first powering the device, follow on-screen prompts — Ledger devices display a unique onboarding flow to help detect tampering.
2. Install Ledger Live
Download Ledger Live from the official page and install it on your computer or mobile device. Ledger Live is the control center for installing apps, sending/receiving crypto, checking balances, and updating firmware.
Open Ledger Live and follow the on-screen setup wizard.
3. Create a new device / restore an existing one
When prompted, choose to create a new device (generates a new recovery phrase) or restore from an existing recovery phrase. If creating new, write down the recovery phrase exactly as shown — never store it digitally.
Best practices for your recovery phrase
Write the words down in order on the provided card or on a metal backup plate.
Store the backup in a safe, separate location (preferably fireproof or deposit box).
Never share the phrase, and never enter it into a website or email — Ledger will never ask for it.
4. Install apps & use
Open Ledger Live, go to the Manager tab, and install the apps for the blockchains you want to use (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.). After installation, add accounts in Ledger Live and start receiving or sending crypto.
Quick tip
If you use third-party wallets or DeFi, you can link your Ledger to those apps for signing transactions while keeping your keys offline.
FAQ — Common questions (short & helpful)
Q: How do I update Ledger firmware?
A: Use Ledger Live. When Ledger Live detects a firmware update, follow the secure on-screen prompts and connect your device. Do not disconnect mid-update.
Q: I lost my Ledger device — how do I recover funds?
A: Get a new compatible hardware wallet and restore it using your recorded recovery phrase. Your crypto is not on the device — it’s on the blockchain and recoverable with your seed phrase.
Q: Can Ledger help me recover a forgotten PIN or lost seed?
A: Ledger cannot recover your PIN or seed. The device is designed so only the seed gives access. If you lose both, there’s no central recovery service.
Q: Is Ledger safe for long-term storage?
A: Yes — hardware wallets are among the safest options. Combine them with offline backups and strong physical security practices.
Q: Are there fees for using Ledger Live?
A: Ledger Live itself is free, but on-chain network fees (miners/validators) apply when sending transactions. Ledger does not charge transaction fees.
For power users: consider multisig setups, use metal backup plates for fire resistance, and partition funds between a “spendable” device and a cold storage device. Explore Ledger Academy for deeper tutorials.
Troubleshooting & support
If you encounter problems, use these official routes first — they provide verified instructions, firmware checks, and genuine recovery guidance.
Ignore unsolicited emails claiming to be Ledger asking for your recovery phrase or PIN. Official Ledger communications will never request your seed words.