Ledger wallet | Starting Up Your Device® - Ledger®

The following guide explains how to start up your Ledger wallet safely and confidently. This practical Ledger wallet | Starting Up Your Device® walkthrough is written for beginners and experienced users who want a clear, step-by-step approach to initializing their Ledger wallet.

Quick note: Always verify you are using official Ledger resources and never share your PIN or recovery phrase. This Ledger wallet | Starting Up Your Device® guide emphasizes safety-first setup practices.

Unboxing and first look at your Ledger wallet

When you unbox your Ledger wallet, check the packaging and tamper-evident seals. A genuine Ledger wallet will arrive with manufacturer packaging and documentation; any sign of tampering should stop you from proceeding. Keep the Ledger wallet box and accessories until setup is complete.

What you’ll need before you start your Ledger wallet setup

Prepare a computer with a supported browser and a secure internet connection before powering on your Ledger wallet. Avoid public Wi-Fi when initializing a Ledger wallet and have a pen and the provided recovery card ready to write down your recovery phrase.

Powering on and initializing your Ledger wallet

Power on your Ledger wallet and follow on-device prompts to choose a PIN. Choose a PIN you will remember but that is not easily guessable. The device will display instructions — confirm each step on the Ledger wallet screen to continue.

Writing down the recovery phrase for your Ledger wallet

When the Ledger wallet shows your recovery phrase, write it down immediately on the recovery card or a similarly secure, offline medium. Never store the recovery phrase digitally. The recovery phrase is the only way to restore your Ledger wallet if it is lost or damaged.

Installing Ledger software and connecting your Ledger wallet

Download and install the official Ledger application on your computer or mobile device. Use only Ledger’s official website or app stores for downloads. Once installed, connect your Ledger wallet via the supplied cable and follow the app instructions to add accounts and manage assets.

Verifying and securing your Ledger wallet

After setup, verify that your Ledger wallet is functioning by checking there are no unexpected prompts and that the device responds only to confirmed actions. Enable any optional security settings available in the Ledger app and ensure your recovery phrase is stored securely, offline, and in multiple secure locations if appropriate.

Best practices for ongoing Ledger wallet security

Keep firmware up to date for your Ledger wallet, and only perform updates from official Ledger software. Never enter your recovery phrase into a website or app; Ledger will never ask for the full recovery phrase. If you receive a suspicious message or pop-up mentioning your Ledger wallet, treat it as a potential scam.

Troubleshooting common Ledger wallet setup issues

If your Ledger wallet does not power on, try a different USB port or cable and confirm the device model is supported by your operating system. If you lose your PIN or need to restore, use the recovery phrase on a new Ledger wallet to recover your accounts—remember that the recovery phrase alone is the key to your Ledger wallet assets.

Disclaimer: This article is informational and does not constitute financial, legal, or security advice. Always consult official Ledger resources and support for device-specific issues. The author is not affiliated with Ledger and cannot access or recover your Ledger wallet, PIN, or recovery phrase. Use this Ledger wallet | Starting Up Your Device® guide at your own risk.
Open official Ledger resources