Getting started: the secure way
Congratulations on choosing a hardware wallet — the single biggest upgrade most people can make to protect their crypto holdings. This guide walks new users through a secure, sensible setup of a Ledger device. It focuses on fundamentals: verifying authenticity, initializing safely, creating and protecting your recovery phrase, and establishing day-to-day safe habits. Follow along and keep this page handy during setup.
1. Unbox and verify
Start by unboxing the device in a private, well-lit space. Hardware wallets are shipped in tamper-evident packaging; inspect the seals and outer box for signs of interference. Do not accept or use a device that shows signs of tampering. Only purchase Ledger devices from the official manufacturer or authorized resellers to minimize risk of supply-chain attacks. If you have any doubt about the origin, contact the manufacturer’s official support.
2. Power & connection basics
When you power the device, it should boot into a clean, manufacturer-branded setup mode that does not request your seed phrase immediately. For Ledger devices, firmware and first-boot prompts are clear; follow on-screen instructions. Use a new USB cable and a trusted host computer. Prefer a personal laptop or desktop that you control rather than a public or shared machine. Keep the device’s firmware updated only via the official Ledger Live application and download that app from the official website.
3. Initialize and choose a PIN
During initialization you’ll choose a PIN code that prevents physical access to the device. Pick a PIN that you can remember but is not easily guessable. Avoid PINs based on birthdays, phone numbers, or other public data. If your device supports it, enable a longer PIN or passphrase feature for additional security layers. Remember: your PIN protects the device locally, but it does not replace the recovery phrase. Keep both secure.
4. Write down your recovery phrase (correctly)
Next the device will present the recovery phrase (24 words on most Ledger models). Write these words down on the supplied recovery sheet or use a high-quality metal backup plate if you have one. Never type your recovery phrase into a computer, phone, or cloud service. Never photograph it. Write slowly and verify each word. Some users prefer doing two independent backups on different physical media and storing them in separate secure locations (e.g., home safe and bank deposit box). Avoid storing the phrase anywhere connected to the internet.
5. Verify your backup
After writing your recovery phrase, your device will usually ask you to confirm a few words. This ensures you recorded them properly. If you fail the verification step multiple times, stop and carefully re-check your written list. Do not proceed until the device accepts the backup verification — an incorrect backup is a common cause of permanent asset loss.
6. Firmware & official software
Install and run the official companion app (Ledger Live) from the vendor’s site. When updating firmware or apps, verify update prompts on the device display — never confirm updates blindly from the PC. Ledger devices show on-screen request details; match them with what you expect. Prefer wired updates over wireless alternatives and avoid using tools or drivers from unknown sources. If you prefer, you can interact with many blockchain networks using third-party apps that integrate with the device, but verify their reputation and compatibility first.
7. Enable additional protections
Consider setting up a passphrase (optional) to create an additional hidden wallet derived from the same recovery phrase. This gives strong plausible deniability and compartmentalization, but it increases complexity: losing the passphrase means losing access to the hidden wallet. If you enable a passphrase, store it as carefully as the recovery phrase. Note that not all wallets and services support passphrase-protected accounts consistently — check compatibility.
8. Day-to-day use & small-amount testing
Before moving large funds, practice sending and receiving tiny test transactions. Confirm addresses on the device screen — this is the main defense against malware that could alter addresses on your host computer. Use the hardware wallet to verify any destination address visually, and only then approve the transaction on-device. Keep desktop and mobile OS updated and avoid clicking suspicious links or running unvetted software when transacting.
9. Recovery planning
Think through recovery scenarios. Who will access your assets if something happens to you? Many users create a simple written emergency plan: list of trusted contacts, where backups are stored, and instructions for their executor. For larger estates, consult a trusted legal advisor to integrate your crypto custody into an estate plan securely. Avoid sharing recovery details in wills that are publicly filed without encryption or secure handling.
10. Ongoing hygiene & updates
Security is ongoing, not one-time. Keep firmware, companion apps, and host operating systems updated. Periodically confirm the integrity of your backups — inspect them and test restoration with a spare device where possible (use a new device and a test network). Rotate passwords for related accounts, enable strong 2FA on exchange/email accounts that have access to metadata about your holdings, and never share private keys or recovery words with anyone claiming to offer support.
Summary
Setting up a Ledger device securely is about process and habit as much as technology. Verify device authenticity, initialize carefully, protect and verify your recovery phrase, use small tests before big transfers, and maintain a practical recovery and update routine. The steps above reduce the most common risks and give you a resilient baseline for storing crypto securely.