Welcome to the official onboarding page for your Ledger® hardware wallet. Ledger is committed to providing the highest level of security for managing cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and thousands of others. This guide will walk you through the setup process, best practices, and important safety measures — whether you're a beginner or seasoned user.
A Ledger hardware wallet is a physical device that stores your private keys offline — this means your crypto assets remain safe even if your computer or phone is compromised. Devices like the Ledger Nano S Plus and Ledger Nano X are equipped with secure elements that are certified for data protection. Unlike software wallets, Ledger hardware wallets provide an added layer of physical security.
To get started, visit the official website: Ledger.com/Start. From there, download the Ledger Live application for your operating system. Ledger Live is the companion app used to manage your crypto portfolio, install apps on your device, and access services like buying, staking, and swapping assets.
Important: Your 24-word recovery phrase is the only way to restore your crypto if your device is lost or damaged. Never share it or store it online.
Once you write down your phrase, the device will prompt you to confirm several of the words in random order. This ensures that you've recorded them accurately. Without this phrase, you cannot recover your funds. Treat it like a bank vault key.
Within Ledger Live, go to the "Manager" tab and install apps for each cryptocurrency you wish to use. For example, install the Bitcoin app to create a BTC account. Then, under "Accounts", create your crypto wallets. Each account corresponds to a different address and private key stored securely on your device.
To receive crypto, go to the "Receive" tab in Ledger Live, choose your account, and verify the address shown on your Ledger device screen. Always double-check the address on the physical device — this protects you from malware or phishing. For sending crypto, the transaction must be physically approved on the Ledger device.