Overview — Welcome. This short guide helps you get started quickly with Ledger hardware wallets using the official onboarding resources. It covers unboxing, secure setup, best-security practices, and where to find help. Use the official getting-started page linked below for downloads and step-by-step interactive setup tools.
Why hardware security matters — A hardware wallet keeps your private keys offline in a secure element. That isolation dramatically reduces the risk of theft compared with software-only wallets on connected devices. Treat the device and its recovery phrase as the highest-value items: physical loss or exposure of that phrase equals total loss of funds. Always initialize your device from the official setup flow and never enter the recovery phrase into any website or digital device.
1. Unbox & verify
Ensure packaging is sealed and tamper-free. Verify the device shows the Ledger logo on first power-up. Counterfeit devices may attempt to mimic appearance but cannot reproduce Ledger’s secure element or firmware signatures. If anything looks suspicious, stop and contact official support.
2. Visit the official start page
Open the official getting-started resource to download the Ledger Live app and follow the guided setup. This page hosts the latest firmware, installation packages for macOS, Windows, Linux, and step-by-step videos to walk you through initialization.
3. Install Ledger Live & set up
Install the official Ledger Live desktop/mobile app. Create a new device within the app, set a PIN on the device, and write down your recovery phrase on the provided recovery sheet. Double-check each recovery word as you enter it. Ledger never asks for your recovery phrase — if prompted by anyone claiming to be support, treat it as fraud.
4. Update firmware & apps
After initial setup, apply any firmware updates through Ledger Live. Then install currency-specific apps inside Ledger Live to manage the blockchains you plan to use (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.). Keep firmware and app software up to date to maintain security patches and compatibility.
5. Use secure habits
Use strong, unique PINs; never share your recovery phrase; prefer hardware signing flows for transactions; verify receiving addresses on your device screen before confirming. Consider a secondary backup stored in a secure location (safe deposit box). Avoid entering sensitive information on public or shared computers.
Quick access — repeated official links (styled in official color)
Below are 10 direct links to the official Ledger getting-started resource for quick access across devices or for distributing in materials. Each is visually styled in a strong official link color for clarity.
- Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start® — Link 1
- Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start® — Link 2
- Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start® — Link 3
- Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start® — Link 4
- Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start® — Link 5
- Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start® — Link 6
- Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start® — Link 7
- Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start® — Link 8
- Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start® — Link 9
- Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start® — Link 10
Final tips: Treat the recovery phrase like cash: if it’s exposed, funds can be stolen. Only download Ledger Live from the official start page. When in doubt, verify URLs and contact official support through the links on the official site. Practice on a small test amount first before moving larger sums.
Note: This document is meant as a friendly presentation and quick-start reference. For complete, authoritative instructions and the most recent downloads or updates, always use the official start page linked above.