Your start, step by step.
A Ledger signer gives you a direct way to approve actions with your digital assets while keeping your private keys offline. This guide walks you through the essentials, from first power-on to the habits that help keep your assets yours.
Set up your Ledger device
Begin with a device purchased directly from Ledger or an authorized reseller. Check the packaging and device for anything that seems altered, but remember: a genuine Ledger device does not arrive with a recovery phrase already filled in. If anything asks you to enter a phrase that came in the box, stop. Your phrase must be generated by your own device during setup.
Power on the device and follow its on-screen instructions. You can create a new wallet or, if you already have a securely backed-up phrase, restore access to an existing wallet. Choose a PIN that is difficult for someone else to guess and easy for you to remember privately. The PIN protects access to the physical device; it is not a substitute for your recovery phrase.
Make your recovery phrase yours
During new-wallet setup, the device will display a recovery phrase, usually a sequence of 24 words. This is the offline backup to your wallet. Anyone who gets a complete copy can potentially control the assets associated with it, so treat it with the same care you would give the keys to a safe.
Write each word down in the correct order on the recovery sheet, checking the spelling and sequence carefully. Keep that record offline in a private, secure place. Never photograph it, type it into a computer or phone, save it in cloud storage, or share it with anyone—not even someone claiming to be Ledger Support. Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase. If a website, message, or person asks you to reveal it, assume it is a scam and leave.
Your device may ask you to verify selected words. Take your time: this check confirms that your backup matches what the device generated. Avoid making extra digital copies. If you choose to use a durable backup medium, follow its instructions and keep it as private and protected as the original.
Install Ledger Live from the official source
Ledger Live is the companion app for managing accounts, viewing balances, and installing supported apps on your signer. Download it only from Ledger’s official website or the official mobile app store listing. Be cautious with sponsored search results, unsolicited links, and lookalike apps. Confirm the publisher and domain before installing anything.
Open Ledger Live and follow the guided setup. Connect your device when asked, unlock it with your PIN, and verify prompts on the device screen itself. You can use the app to add accounts for supported networks and install the corresponding apps on your signer. Keep both Ledger Live and your device firmware up to date using official prompts and instructions. Updates improve support and security, but never require you to disclose your recovery phrase.
Take a careful first transaction
Before sending or receiving assets, make sure you understand the network involved. Similar-looking tokens can exist on different networks, and a transfer sent to an incompatible address or network may not be recoverable. When receiving, use Ledger Live to select the right account and asset, then compare the address displayed in the app with the address shown on your device. Approve only when they match exactly.
When sending, start with a small test amount if appropriate and practical. Check the destination address, network, amount, and fees. Read the complete transaction details on your device screen—not just on your computer—before approving. The signer is designed to let you review and confirm actions locally. If a prompt is unexpected or unclear, reject it and investigate before trying again.
Build security into your routine
Good security is a collection of small, repeatable choices. Keep your PIN and recovery phrase private, secure your phone and computer, and use bookmarks for important official websites. Be skeptical of urgent messages, giveaway offers, investment promises, fake support accounts, and requests to connect your wallet to unfamiliar sites. Never approve a transaction you do not understand.
Before connecting to a decentralized application, verify its address from a trusted source and consider what permissions it requests. A connection or signature can have consequences even when it does not look like a traditional transfer. Review permissions regularly and disconnect services you no longer use. For substantial holdings, learn about additional protections and assess your own needs before changing your setup.
Your recovery phrase belongs offline and to you alone. No legitimate support agent needs it to help troubleshoot a device or app.
You’re in control from here.
There is no need to rush. Start with a device and backup you understand, learn how the app and signer work together, and practice checking each detail before you approve. If you are unsure about a step, pause and consult the official Ledger Help Center or Ledger Academy through a verified website address. Never follow instructions from an unsolicited direct message.
Ledger provides tools for self-custody, but you remain responsible for safeguarding your device, credentials, and recovery phrase. Digital assets involve risk, and transactions may be irreversible. Take time to learn about the networks and services you use, keep your software current, and only proceed when the details make sense to you. A careful first step is a strong start.
Visit the official Help Center