How to set up your Ledger hardware wallet | Ledger

Overview

Setting up your Ledger hardware wallet is your first step towards securing your cryptocurrencies. With a cold storage device, all private keys remain offline, protected from online threats. Whether you hold Bitcoin, Ethereum, NFTs, or tokens, the setup process ensures your protection and control.

This guide shows you how to unbox, initialize, secure, and start using Ledger safely. We also compare with tools like Trezor Suite and flows like Trezor.io/start / Trezor Login so you understand what sets each hardware wallet apart.

Download Ledger Live

Step 1: Visit Official Site

Go to ledger.com/start to download Ledger Live—this is the verified source. Never download from links in emails or unknown sites, because scammers often mimic official pages.

Step 2: Choose Your Platform

Ledger Live is available for Windows, macOS, Linux on desktops, and iOS / Android on mobile. Pick the right installer for your system.

Initial Setup

Step 3: Unbox & Connect Your Device

Unbox your Ledger hardware wallet (Nano S, Nano S Plus, Nano X, etc.), inspect it for tampering, connect via USB (or Bluetooth if model supports), and power it up.

Step 4: Set PIN

Your device will prompt you to set a PIN (usually 4–8 digits). This PIN is required each time you physically access the device for sending or approving transactions.

Step 5: Write Down Recovery Phrase

Ledger will display a 24‑word recovery phrase. Write it down on the sheet provided. Do **not** store it digitally or take photos. Confirm the recovery phrase when prompted to ensure it's correct.

Step 6: Verify & Genuine Check

Ledger Live will perform a genuine check to ensure your device is authentic and firmware is untampered. If verification fails, contact support immediately.

Main Point: Your recovery phrase is your only backup. Losing it means losing access to your funds. Ledger and Trezor both emphasize this in their device flows, e.g. Trezor Io Start uses the same principle.

Security Tips & Best Practices

Never Share Your Recovery Seed

Your 24‑word seed phrase is the sole way to recover your Ledger hardware wallet. Treat it like gold. Other devices like Trezor Hardware Wallet similarly advise never sharing or storing seed words digitally.

Keep Firmware & Software Updated

Always use latest firmware on device and latest version of Ledger Live. Official guides (ledger.com/start) will notify you. Outdated firmware can expose vulnerabilities. In Trezor’s case, Trezor Bridge or Suite updates have similar importance.

Avoid Phishing & Fake Links

Always verify the URL (ledger.com/start), check SSL padlock. Beware of phishing messages that mimic “Ledger Live login”, “Trezor Login”, or “Trezor Suite” sites to trick you into revealing your recovery phrase.

Use Offline Backup

Write your recovery phrase physically. Use multiple secure locations if possible. Consider metal backup plates to prevent damage.

Physical Device Safety

Store your Ledger device somewhere safe. If lost or stolen, the PIN plus seed are required to access your funds. This physical security combined with hardware confirmation on device gives strong protection, also seen in Trezor devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I restore a Ledger wallet with an existing seed?
Yes. During the setup in Ledger Live, select “Restore” instead of “Set up as new device” and enter your 24‑word recovery phrase. This process is analogous to Trezor Io Start / Trezor Suite when restoring a Trezor device.
2. How many coins/tokens does Ledger support?
Ledger supports thousands of cryptocurrencies and tokens. Once devices are set up, you can add accounts for assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana etc via Ledger Live. Trezor Hardware Wallet also supports many tokens via Trezor Suite or web integrations.
3. Do I need the Ledger Live app always?
You need Ledger Live for setup, firmware updates, adding accounts, and interface with your hardware wallet. Certain operations require the app. While Trezor also uses Trezor Suite or Trezor Bridge for many operations, everything critical requires the official companion app.
4. What if I lose my PIN but have the recovery phrase?
If you forget your PIN, you can reset the device and restore using the recovery phrase. However, funds remain safe if seed phrase is kept offline. Without the seed, there is no way to recover funds. Same principle in both Ledger & Trezor ecosystems.
5. Is Ledger hardware wallet safer than software wallets only?
Yes. Hardware wallets store private keys offline, away from internet exposure. Software wallets are more exposed to malware, phishing, hacks. Ledger and Trezor both base their security model on hardware device plus offline key storage.