Get started with Ledger — Secure setup & best practices

A clear, professional walkthrough to get your hardware wallet running and protect your crypto holdings.

Fast overview

Unboxing a Ledger device is the start of a secure crypto journey. Use Ledger.com/start to download the official Ledger Wallet application, follow on-device prompts, and safely record your 24-word recovery phrase. This page summarizes the steps and expands with practical scenarios — restoring a wallet, updating firmware, connecting to dApps, and migration strategies.

Visit Official Start

Detailed steps — from unbox to manage

1) Verify packaging and authenticity. 2) Power the device and follow the on-device menu to set a PIN. 3) When prompted, write the 24-word recovery phrase on paper — never digitally. 4) Install Ledger Wallet and add accounts. 5) Move a small test amount first, confirm reception, then transfer larger balances.

Restore vs new device

If you already have a recovery phrase, use the "Restore device" option and enter the words only on the Ledger device. If creating new, follow on-screen prompts to generate the seed on-device.

Advanced topics & integrations

Ledger integrates with DeFi, NFTs, and marketplaces using Wallet Connect and native Ledger support. Use official app catalogs in Ledger Wallet to install blockchain-specific apps and to connect to supported third-party interfaces like MetaMask or other verified providers. Always verify contract addresses and metadata before signing.