Welcome to the secure world of Ledger. Before you begin, it is **absolutely critical** that you start your setup process at the verified, official website: **Ledger.com/Start**. This simple act protects you from the vast majority of phishing scams designed to steal your funds before you even begin. Avoid clicking on search engine advertisements or unverified links. Type the official URL directly into your browser's address bar to ensure you are downloading the genuine software and receiving the correct, official security instructions.
Your Ledger hardware signer (often referred to as a hardware wallet) is the ultimate tool for self-custody. By following this official guide precisely, you ensure that your private keys—the cryptographic secrets that control your funds—are generated and stored offline, protected by a tamper-proof chip. This level of security is the foundation of your future financial freedom in Web3.
Upon receiving your package, immediately inspect the packaging for any signs of tampering. Check for broken seals, unnatural scratches, or signs that the device or its components may have been interfered with. Inside the box, you should find your Ledger device (e.g., Nano X, Nano S Plus, or Stax), a USB cable, and the blank **Recovery Sheet(s)**. **Crucially, the device should never come with a pre-set PIN or a pre-filled Secret Recovery Phrase.** If you find a pre-filled sheet or the device asks for a PIN immediately upon connecting, stop the setup immediately and contact Ledger Support. This is a sign the device may have been compromised.
The Ledger Live App (now Ledger Wallet™) is the all-in-one companion software required to interact with your hardware signer. It is your user interface for managing accounts, checking balances, and initiating transactions. **Always download Ledger Live directly from Ledger.com/Start**.
Connect your Ledger device to your computer or mobile device using the supplied USB cable (or via Bluetooth for the Ledger Nano X and Stax). The device's screen should display a "Welcome" message. Open the Ledger Live App and select "Get started." The app will guide you through the process, prompting you to choose your device model.
This phase is the most critical and must be performed with absolute care. You are setting up the security pillars of your digital assets: the PIN and the Secret Recovery Phrase.
On your Ledger device screen, navigate to and select the option **"Set up as new device"** (by pressing both buttons simultaneously on most models). This action prompts the device's Secure Element chip to generate a brand-new, cryptographically secure set of private keys, which are then represented by your recovery phrase.
The PIN code is your local security key, required to unlock your device every time you use it. Choose a strong PIN between 4 and 8 digits long. **Do not use birthdays, patterns, or simple repeats.**
This step cannot be overstated: **The 24-word Secret Recovery Phrase is the ONLY backup of your private keys.** Anyone who possesses this phrase can access and control your funds. It will only be displayed once during this setup process.
After writing down all 24 words, your device will prompt you to confirm the phrase by asking you to select specific words (e.g., "Confirm word #12"). This step is tedious but vital; it ensures you have correctly recorded the phrase before the setup is finalized. If you make a mistake, the device will prompt you to start the confirmation process over. Once confirmed, the device will display **"Your device is now ready."**
Congratulations, the core security of your wallet is now established!
With your device initialized and secured, you can now complete the setup in the Ledger Live App and begin managing your assets.
Once your device is ready, return to the Ledger Live App. It will prompt you to run the **"Check my Nano"** or **"Genuine Check"**. This process cryptographically verifies that your hardware device is a genuine Ledger product and has not been tampered with. Only a genuine Ledger device possesses the secret key needed to pass this check and securely communicate with Ledger's servers. **Always perform this check and contact support if it fails.**
The Ledger device requires a small application for each blockchain you wish to interact with (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana). Go to the **"My Ledger"** section in the Ledger Live App. Here, you can install, uninstall, and update the necessary apps onto your device's memory. Install only the apps for the cryptocurrencies you plan to manage.
For each installed app, go to the **"Accounts"** section and select **"Add account."** Ledger Live will connect to your device, which is now acting as your key store, to generate new, secure public addresses for that specific cryptocurrency. These addresses are what you share to receive funds. Your device remains the ultimate guardian of the keys linked to these addresses.
To safely receive your first funds, click **"Receive"** in Ledger Live, select the account, and the app will display the receiving address. **Crucially, you must verify this address on your Ledger device’s secure screen.** The app will ask you to confirm the address matches the one displayed on the hardware. **If they do not match, cancel the transaction immediately and contact support.** This final verification prevents malware from swapping the legitimate address for a hacker's address.
You can now use Ledger Live to track your portfolio, send funds, buy/sell/swap crypto via integrated partners, and even stake assets to earn rewards. Remember the golden rule for **sending** crypto:
By consistently following these steps, you harness the power of cold storage with the convenience of a modern software interface.
Maintaining security is an ongoing process. Adopt these practices for long-term safety:
The Ledger Live App, paired with your hardware signer, empowers you with unmatched security, putting you in absolute, resilient control of your digital wealth. You have taken the first, most important step on your journey to secure self-custody.