Your comprehensive, step-by-step tutorial to securely install, configure, and master your Ledger hardware wallet. Protect your crypto assets with industry-leading security.
In the world of cryptocurrency, security is paramount. Ledger hardware wallets represent the gold standard in crypto security, offering cold storage solutions that keep your private keys completely offline and away from hackers, malware, and phishing attacks.
The Ledger.com/start platform is your official gateway to setting up your device, whether you've purchased a Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, or the latest Ledger Stax. This guide will walk you through every step, ensuring you understand not just the "how" but the "why" behind each security measure.
Always purchase Ledger devices directly from the official Ledger website or authorized resellers. Never buy second-hand devices, as they may be compromised.
When your Ledger arrives, inspect the packaging carefully. Authentic Ledger packages come with tamper-evident seals and should never arrive with pre-installed recovery phrases or PIN codes.
Check the box: Ensure all security seals are intact and the box hasn't been opened
Verify contents: USB cable, recovery phrase cards, getting started leaflet, and your Ledger device
Authenticity check: Visit Ledger's authenticity guide to verify your device
Ledger Live is the companion app that allows you to manage your crypto portfolio, install apps for different cryptocurrencies, and update your device firmware.
Download Ledger Live from the Apple App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android). Never download from third-party sources.
Connect your Ledger device to your computer using the provided USB cable. The device will power on automatically.
Navigate using the buttons on your device:
Your 24-word recovery phrase is the ONLY way to recover your crypto if your device is lost, stolen, or damaged. Treat it like gold.
Remember: Ledger will NEVER ask for your recovery phrase. Any message claiming to be from Ledger asking for your 24 words is a scam. Your recovery phrase never leaves your device during legitimate use.
Now that your device is initialized, it's time to connect it to Ledger Live and start managing your crypto assets.
Ledger devices use individual apps for each cryptocurrency. Here's how to manage altcoins and create accounts:
Install Apps: In Ledger Live, go to "My Ledger" → Search for your cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.) → Click "Install"
Add Accounts: Navigate to "Accounts" → "Add account" → Select the crypto → Follow the on-screen verification
Receive Crypto: Click on your account → "Receive" → Verify the address on your device screen → Copy and share
One of Ledger's most powerful features is secure interaction with decentralized applications (dApps), DeFi platforms, and NFT marketplaces while keeping your private keys offline.
Access curated, verified dApps directly within Ledger Live. Go to "Discover" tab → Browse or search for platforms like Uniswap, Aave, Lido, Paraswap, and more → Connect with one click.
For mobile DeFi: Open the dApp → Select WalletConnect → Scan QR code with Ledger Live mobile → Approve connection on your Ledger device.
Install MetaMask → Connect Hardware Wallet → Select Ledger → Choose accounts → Interact with any Web3 dApp while signatures happen on your Ledger device.
If you're migrating from a software wallet or another hardware wallet, you can import your existing wallet using your recovery phrase.
Add an optional 25th word (passphrase) for additional security. This creates a completely separate wallet, providing plausible deniability and protection against physical attacks.
Create multiple accounts for each cryptocurrency to separate holdings (long-term storage, daily spending, DeFi activities) for better organization and privacy.
Regularly update firmware through Ledger Live to get latest security patches and features. Always verify updates come from official Ledger Live app.
Use different addresses for each transaction, avoid reusing addresses, and consider using privacy-focused coins or mixing services for sensitive transactions.
Everything you need to know about Ledger.com/start setup
Always use official channels for support, updates, and security information