YOUR FIRST STEPS, MADE CLEAR
A steadier start
for your digital life.
A practical, calm learning path for getting started with a Ledger hardware wallet—from your first setup decisions to the habits that keep your recovery information safe.
6 steps · about 7 minutes
at a time.
YOUR PACE.
THE ROUTE AHEAD
Small steps.
Stronger habits.
Move through the path in order, or revisit a stage whenever you need a refresher. Good security is a practice—not a race.
STEP 01 / 06
Start with the right idea
Ledger.com/start is a starting point for learning how to initialize and use a Ledger hardware wallet. Think of it as a guided route, not a shortcut around careful decisions. A hardware wallet helps you manage the private keys that authorize transactions; it does not hold coins inside the device, and it cannot reverse a transfer sent to the wrong address. Begin with the official instructions for your exact model and take each step at your own pace.
STEP 02 / 06
Prepare your space
Set aside a few uninterrupted minutes and use a computer or phone you trust. Check that your device, cable and recovery sheets are present, and make sure your connection is stable. Get the Ledger Wallet app only by navigating to Ledger’s official website or the verified app store listing. Avoid sponsored search results, unsolicited messages and links from strangers. Never let another person “help” by asking to see your recovery words.
STEP 03 / 06
Verify before you trust
Follow the on-screen prompts on the hardware wallet itself. During initialization, the device should generate its own recovery phrase; a phrase supplied in a box, email, website or chat is not a safe starting point. Confirm actions on the device display, and compare addresses character by character before approving a transaction. The computer screen is useful, but the device is where you should independently review what you are authorizing.
STEP 04 / 06
Set up deliberately
Choose to configure a new device or restore an existing wallet only when that is genuinely your intention. Create a PIN that is difficult to guess and keep it private. Write the recovery phrase in the order shown, checking every word and spelling. Store it offline in a private, durable place. The Ledger Wallet app can help you manage accounts and install supported apps; use its genuine interface and take time to learn what each permission or transaction means.
STEP 05 / 06
Protect what matters
Your recovery phrase is the master backup to your wallet. Anyone who obtains it may be able to access assets, so never photograph it, type it into a website, store it in cloud notes, or share it with support staff. Ledger will never need your phrase to troubleshoot a device. Keep the written backup away from casual access, water and fire, and consider a secure backup approach suitable for your circumstances. Do not store the PIN beside the recovery sheet.
STEP 06 / 06
Ready for everyday use
Before sending anything valuable, learn how to receive, verify and review transactions with a small, low-risk test if appropriate. Install firmware and app updates only through official channels, and read prompts rather than approving them automatically. If something feels unexpected, pause. Disconnecting and checking official support documentation is better than acting under pressure. Self-custody brings control, but also makes you responsible for your own backups and approvals.
BEFORE YOU CALL IT DONE
Your calm-and-ready
checklist.
Give yourself a moment to check the essentials. A little attention now can prevent avoidable mistakes later.
Explore Ledger Academy ↗I used official Ledger setup guidance and the right app.
✓I generated my wallet recovery phrase on my device.
✓I wrote the phrase down accurately and stored it offline.
✓I know Ledger support will never ask me to share it.
✓I review addresses and transaction details on-device.
✓I’ll pause and verify if a request feels unexpected.
✓OWNERSHIP IS A JOURNEY.