Ledger Hardware Wallet — Get Started with Ledger

Why choose a Ledger hardware wallet?

Ledger devices store private keys inside a tamper-resistant Secure Element chip and require you to physically confirm transactions on the device — a strong design for keeping private keys offline and reducing remote attack surfaces. For daily management you pair the device with Ledger Wallet (formerly Ledger Live), the official desktop/mobile companion app that lets you view balances, manage accounts, and update firmware.

What you'll need before you begin

• A genuine Ledger device (Nano S Plus, Nano X, or other official model) purchased from the manufacturer or an authorized reseller.
• A computer or phone and the original USB cable (or Bluetooth for Nano X if using mobile).
• Access to the official Ledger download page to get Ledger Wallet safely: ledger.com/start.
• A quiet, private workspace and a durable method to store your recovery seed (paper + preferably a metal backup).

Step 1 — Download the official Ledger Wallet (Ledger Live)

Always download the official app from Ledger's site. Ledger provides installers for Windows, macOS and Linux and publishes checksums so you can verify the binary you downloaded — do this if you handle large balances.

1. Visit ledger.com/start.
2. Choose “Download” for your operating system and run the installer.
3. When prompted, follow the on-screen steps to open the app and pick “Get started” or “Set up device”.

Step 2 — Initialize your Ledger device

1. Connect the device to your computer and power it on.
2. Choose “Set up as new device” (not “Restore from recovery phrase”) so it generates a fresh recovery seed on the device itself.
3. Create a strong PIN on the device — this protects physical access in case the device is stolen.
4. Write down the recovery seed exactly as shown (12/24 words depending on the model). Store the words offline and never photograph or type them into a computer.

Step 3 — Add accounts in Ledger Wallet

After initialization, Ledger Wallet will let you add accounts for Bitcoin, Ethereum and many other chains. Each account you add is a view of addresses derived from the private keys that remain on your device. Use clear labels (e.g., “BTC – Cold Vault”) and consider separate accounts for long-term cold storage vs spending.

Step 4 — Secure operation & best practices

• Always verify transaction details on the device display — the device is the source of truth when signing.
• Keep firmware and the Ledger Wallet app updated, but only via official prompts inside the official app or ledger.com.
• Do not enter your recovery seed anywhere digital. Ledger will never ask you for your seed. Be especially wary of fake Ledger apps or phishing pages.
• For large holdings, split risk: consider multiple devices and geographically separate seed backups.
• Use the binary signature checks and official download pages to reduce risk of malware replacing the app.

Understanding the Secure Element

The Secure Element (SE) is a certified, tamper-resistant chip that stores your private keys and performs cryptographic operations. Ledger leverages SE chips and its proprietary OS to protect secrets even if the host computer is compromised — this hardware layer is central to Ledger's threat model.

Quick troubleshooting

• Device not recognized: try a different cable/USB port, and ensure the device is unlocked (enter PIN) before connecting to the app.
• Firmware update fails: don’t unplug; follow official recovery instructions from ledger.com/start.
• Scam or fake app suspicion: delete suspicious software, and re-download only from ledger.com. Report phishing attempts to Ledger support.

FAQs