Welcome — quick overview
This hub walks you through securely setting up and using your Ledger hardware wallet. Swap any of the paragraphs below with your own wording — the code is structured for easy modular edits. The content here focuses on practical steps, safety best practices and links to further resources.
Before you begin
- Always buy Ledger devices from the official store or an authorized reseller.
- Keep your recovery phrase offline and never enter it on a computer or website.
- Use a strong, unique password for your Ledger Live account and enable passphrase protection if you know how.
What you'll need
A computer or smartphone, your Ledger device (Nano S Plus, Nano X, or equivalent), a USB or Bluetooth connection, and a secure place to write your 24-word recovery phrase.
Step-by-step setup
Inspect the packaging for tamper evidence. Connect the device and follow the on-screen prompts. If anything looks different than expected, stop and reach out to official support.
Choose a PIN on the device. Write down the recovery phrase exactly as displayed — treat this phrase as the single backup for your assets. Do not take photos or store it digitally.
Download the Ledger Live app from the official Ledger website. Use it to install the applications you need (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.).
Connect your device and add blockchain accounts in Ledger Live. Verify transaction details on the device screen before approving.
When receiving funds, always verify the receiving address on the physical device — not just inside Ledger Live.
Best practices & advanced tips
Redundancy: Consider storing the recovery phrase in more than one secure location (e.g., safety deposit box, fireproof safe). Use stainless steel backup plates for long-term durability.
Passphrase: A passphrase acts as an additional secret word added to your 24-word seed. It increases security but also increases complexity — if lost, funds may be irrecoverable.
Firmware updates: Always update device firmware only through Ledger Live to ensure legitimate updates. Confirm the fingerprint displayed on the device when prompted.
Troubleshooting & support
Common issues
- Device not recognized — try another cable / port and confirm cable supports data transfer.
- Forgot PIN — you can reset the device but will need your recovery phrase to restore accounts.
- Missing assets — ensure correct account and network are selected in Ledger Live.
When to contact support
Contact Ledger support if your device shows unexpected behavior, packaging appears tampered, or you witness suspicious attempts to get your recovery phrase.