Make your first move.
Make it yours.

Prepare for a safe first session

Start at ledger.com/start by typing the address into your browser yourself. This is the safest way to reach setup instructions and avoid lookalike links in search ads, emails, or social posts. Check the spelling before you continue. Use a device and internet connection you trust, and give yourself a few uninterrupted minutes. If your Ledger hardware wallet is new, inspect its packaging and follow the official authenticity check in Ledger Live. A genuine device is designed so you create your own PIN and recovery phrase during setup; a card or message that arrives with a phrase already written down is a warning sign. Do not use that phrase.

Keep the hardware wallet in your possession while you set it up. Charge it if needed, and use the cable or supported connection recommended for your model. Download Ledger Live only from the official Ledger website or the official mobile app store listing linked from that website. Avoid sponsored download links, file-sharing sites, and unsolicited support messages. The exact screens can differ across operating systems and product versions, so let the current on-screen instructions guide you rather than relying on an old screenshot.

Install the right Ledger Live app

Choose the version that matches your computer or phone. On desktop, open the downloaded installer and complete your operating system’s prompts. On mobile, follow the official store link. When the app opens, take a moment to confirm you are in Ledger Live and that it recognizes your device. The app is a companion for viewing accounts and managing supported assets; sensitive approvals still happen on the hardware wallet. Pair the device using the connection method described for your model, and keep its screen visible when confirming an action.

If you already use Ledger Live, check whether you need an update before adding accounts. Updates are delivered through the app, and you can review the version information there. If installation is blocked, do not disable security protections or install an unofficial package. Check Ledger’s current troubleshooting help for your operating system, then retry from its official download page.

Set up your wallet and protect the phrase

For a new wallet, choose the create-new-device path and follow each prompt. You will set a PIN on the device and receive a recovery phrase. Record each word carefully, in order, on the recovery materials provided or another durable offline medium. Confirm the words when your device asks. Never photograph, email, message, cloud-store, or enter the phrase into Ledger Live, a website, or a computer. Anyone who learns it may be able to access the assets secured by it. Ledger support will not ask you to disclose it.

Restoring an existing wallet is different: proceed only if you already have your own recovery phrase and understand that entering it restores access on the device. Do not share the phrase with a person claiming to help. Once setup is complete, open the relevant account features in Ledger Live and follow the app and device prompts to add accounts. Availability varies by asset, region, device, and app version. Verify the account details and address on your hardware screen before approving transactions; a computer display alone is not enough.

Keep software current, without rushing

Ledger Live may notify you when a new release is available. To update, open the app directly, review the update information, and use its built-in update flow. Keep your device connected as instructed and do not unplug it while firmware installation is underway. Read every prompt on the device itself. If something looks unexpected, stop and consult official Ledger help rather than approving in a hurry. App updates and hardware firmware updates are separate; follow the specific instructions shown for each, since available steps can vary by model and version.

Before a firmware update, make sure your recovery phrase is correctly backed up and accessible to you offline. You should not need to type it into a computer to update. Keep the app on a supported, current version and download updates from official sources only. If you see a warning, verify it in Ledger Live or the official support pages you navigate to yourself.

For routine care, lock your device when it is not in use and store it somewhere private. Keep your recovery backup separate from the wallet so one incident cannot expose both. If you change computers or phones, download Ledger Live again from Ledger’s official source and connect your device yourself. If a device is lost, damaged, or replaced, use the official recovery guidance and your own phrase; never send it to anyone offering to restore access for you. You are responsible for deciding whether an asset or feature is supported in your location, so review current app information and official help before taking action.