Keep it offline
Write it down and store it securely. Don’t save it in photos, email, cloud storage, or a password manager.
YOUR FIRST STEPS, MADE CLEAR
Start with
self-custody.
A calmer way to get your hardware wallet ready. Follow the essentials, take your time, and keep your recovery phrase yours alone.
Walk through setup About 10 minutes
Independent guide · Security-first · No recovery phrase collection
LEDGERLYOUR KEYS.
YOUR CONTROL.
YOUR CONTROL.
Your recovery phraseStays offline. Always.
✓A little preparation goes a long way.
Important: This is an independent guide, not the official Ledger website. Never enter your recovery phrase on a website, share it with anyone, or disclose it to support. Ledger will never ask you for it.
Verify on Ledger.comA SIMPLE FOUR-STEP GUIDEMake your first setup
Make your first setup
a confident one.
Take each step at your own pace. Your recovery phrase never needs to leave your device setup process and your offline backup.
01 Check your device
Unbox your hardware wallet and check that the packaging and device look as expected. Buy only from Ledger or an authorized retailer, and contact official support if anything seems unusual.
02 Install Ledger Wallet
Download Ledger Wallet (formerly Ledger Live) only from ledger.com. Check the web address carefully before downloading, and keep the app and your computer or phone up to date.
03 Initialize on the device
Follow the instructions shown on your hardware wallet. Set your PIN directly on the device. The device will generate your recovery phrase; write it down offline and keep it somewhere private and secure.
04 Verify, then explore
If your device offers a recovery-phrase verification step, complete it on the device itself. Then use the official app to add an account and learn how to review transaction details on your hardware wallet before approving.
THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGYour recovery phrase
Your recovery phrase
is the key. Keep it safe.
Anyone with your recovery phrase can access your assets. Treat it like the key to your entire vault: private, offline, and never shared.
Explore Ledger AcademyNever share it
No legitimate support agent needs your phrase. Ignore requests to type, scan, or send it to anyone.
Verify before you approve
Read transaction details on your hardware wallet display. Only confirm actions you recognize and trust.
GOOD TO KNOW
Common questions.
What is a recovery phrase?
It is a human-readable backup that can restore access to your wallet. Anyone who gets it may be able to access your assets, so keep it private and offline.
Should I enter my recovery phrase in the app or a website?
No. Never type your recovery phrase into a website, computer, or phone, and never share it with support. Only follow the instructions displayed directly on your hardware wallet.
Where can I find the official setup instructions?
Go directly to ledger.com/start by typing the address yourself, or use the official Ledger support site. Double-check the domain before downloading anything.
What if something feels wrong?
Pause. Don’t approve transactions or share information. Visit Ledger’s official website by typing ledger.com into your browser and navigate to support from there.
ALWAYS DOUBLE-CHECK
Open official Ledger Start Need the official source?
For device-specific setup instructions, downloads, and support, go straight to Ledger’s official website.