Getting started — quick overview
This guide walks you through powering on, initializing, securing your recovery phrase, and connecting to the Ledger ecosystem. Read the whole page before starting. Follow the safety tips and store your recovery phrase offline in a secure location. Never share it with anyone.
Unbox and verify
Open your package and confirm tamper-evidence seals. Only use the official Ledger.com website and official box contents. If packaging looks altered, contact support.
Power on and choose language
Connect the device via the included cable. Use the device buttons to choose your preferred language and follow on-screen prompts.
Create a new wallet (recommended) or restore
Select "Create new device" to generate a new seed (recommended). If you already have a recovery phrase from a prior device, choose "Restore from recovery phrase."
Write down your recovery phrase
Write the recovery words on the supplied recovery sheet — do not store them electronically. This phrase is the only backup of your assets. Keep multiple copies in separate secure places if possible.
Set a PIN
Choose a strong PIN you will remember. The device will ask to confirm. If you forget your PIN, you can restore using the recovery phrase.
Install Ledger Live & pair your device
Download Ledger Live from the official site, install the desktop or mobile app, and follow pairing instructions. Ledger Live is used to manage apps, accounts, and transactions.
Important safety checklist
- Only download Ledger Live from the official domain.
- Never share your recovery phrase. Ledger will never ask for it.
- Store recovery words offline; consider a metal backup for fire/water resistance.
- Verify URLs and be cautious of phishing emails and fake apps.
Detailed guide, troubleshooting & legal notes
Welcome to the step-by-step guide to powering on and securing your hardware device. The next paragraphs include detailed instructions and guidance intended to help you get set up with minimal risk. Follow each step, keep a cool head, and remember: the recovery phrase is your only backup.
Detailed troubleshooting
If the device fails to power on: confirm cable and port, try another USB port, and avoid using hubs. If Ledger Live does not detect the device, ensure your operating system has the latest updates, and that you have allowed the app permissions required to interact with USB devices. If you see unexpected messages or prompts asking for your recovery phrase outside of the device itself, treat it as a phishing attempt.
Security best practices (short list)
- Never enter your recovery phrase into a computer or phone.
- Do not store recovery words in an image, email, note app, cloud drive, or screenshot.
- Keep firmware updated via official Ledger Live prompts only.
Why the recovery phrase matters
The recovery phrase is a human-readable representation of the private keys controlling your crypto assets. Anyone with access to those words can control your funds. Because of that, physical and procedural security are essential: keep the phrase offline, use steel backups if possible, and place copies in different secure locations (for example, safe deposit box + home safe).
End-user license / legal note
This page is a sample instructional template and does not replace official manufacturer documentation. Always consult official resources for product-specific legal and safety information.