What you’ll achieve
By the end of this guide, you will have Ledger Live installed on your computer, your Ledger device initialized with a strong PIN, your 24-word recovery phrase safely backed up, and at least one crypto account added and synchronized. You’ll also learn how to receive and send a small test amount, keep firmware and apps updated, and avoid common pitfalls that can compromise security. Think of this as your checklist for a smooth, secure first day with Ledger.
Tip: Work slowly. Double-check each screen on the device itself. If something looks off on the computer, trust the hardware display.
Before you begin
Never set up your device in public or over a shared screen call. Your recovery phrase must remain private, offline, and never typed on a computer.
Download & Install Ledger Live (Desktop)
Navigate to the official Ledger website and download Ledger Live for your operating system. Verify you are on the authentic domain and that your browser shows a secure connection. After downloading, open the installer and grant system permissions if prompted. First launch will present onboarding screens: choose Set up as new device if this is your first time, or Restore from recovery phrase if you are moving from an older Ledger.
Do not download Ledger Live from random links, ads, or file-sharing sites. Fake installers are a common attack vector.
Open Official DownloadInitialize your Ledger device
Connect the device via USB and power it on. Create a PIN on the device: use 6–8 digits and avoid predictable sequences. The device then displays your 24-word recovery phrase one word at a time. Carefully write each word in order, with legible handwriting, and confirm the phrase on the device when asked. Store the written backup in a place only you can access.
Pro move: Make two physical copies and store them in separate, secure locations. Never photograph or scan the phrase.
- Choose a strong PIN (no birthdays, no repeats).
- Record all 24 words exactly, including spelling.
- Confirm on-device; never type words on a computer.
- Keep the phrase offline—forever.
Pair with Ledger Live
Open Ledger Live and select your device model. Connect via USB and allow the app to check the genuine status. Once verified, you’ll land on the dashboard with sections like Accounts, Portfolio, and Manager. The Manager lets you install coin apps on the device—each blockchain you plan to use will require its app.
Install only the apps you need now; you can uninstall later to free space without losing assets.
Add your first accounts
In Ledger Live, click Accounts → Add account, pick a crypto (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum), and follow the prompt to open the matching app on the device. Ledger Live will derive and synchronize addresses, then create the account entry. Repeat for additional networks as needed. For Ethereum and EVM chains, you manage tokens under the same account; some tokens may require a manual add if not detected automatically.
- Naming: Give accounts clear names such as “BTC – Savings” or “ETH – Spending.”
- Sync: Allow full synchronization so balances and history display accurately.
- Fees: Learn each network’s fee model before sending funds.
If a network isn’t supported natively, you can still use your Ledger with compatible third-party wallets. Always confirm addresses on the device screen.
Receive a small test amount
Choose an account and click Receive. Ledger Live shows a deposit address and requests that you confirm it on the device. Verify that the address on your computer matches the one on the device—character by character. Copy the address and send a tiny test transaction from another wallet or exchange. Wait for confirmations, then verify the updated balance.
Only after a successful test should you transfer larger amounts. Patience is cheaper than mistakes.
Send your first transaction
Click Send on the same account, paste a known-good destination address, and choose a modest network fee. Review every detail on the device screen: asset, amount, fee, and recipient. Approve only if everything matches your intent. The transaction ID will appear for tracking on a block explorer.
Never approve blind signing prompts you don’t understand. If the device message is unclear, cancel and investigate.
Keep firmware & apps updated
In Manager, Ledger Live will notify you of available updates. Apply firmware updates only when your recovery phrase is safely stored and the device battery (if applicable) won’t die mid-process. After updating, reinstall coin apps as needed and resync accounts.
Firmware updates improve security and compatibility. Schedule them when you’re unhurried.
Buy, swap, and earn (with caution)
Ledger Live integrates partners for purchasing, swapping, and staking. These features are convenient, but fees, availability, and regulations vary by region. Start small, research providers, and confirm all details on your device before approval. Remember: yield isn’t free—assess counterparty and protocol risk.
Where regulations restrict certain services, consider self-custodied transfers from reputable exchanges and stake via audited protocols you fully understand.
Quick troubleshooting box
- Device not recognized: Try a different USB port/cable; restart the app and computer.
- Genuine check fails: Ensure the official app, update firmware, and avoid hubs/adapters.
- Balances missing: Re-add accounts and allow full sync; check network congestion.
- Wrong address format: Confirm you’re on the correct network (e.g., BTC vs. BCH).
If anyone asks for your 24 words, it’s a scam—no exceptions.
Your minimalist security playbook
Backups protect funds, not devices. If the device is lost or damaged, you can restore with the 24 words on a new Ledger—provided your phrase remains private and intact.
Common questions
- Is Ledger Live mandatory? No. It’s the official companion app, but you can connect your Ledger to many third-party wallets. Always verify addresses and transactions on the device screen.
- Can I uninstall coin apps? Yes. Removing an app frees space but does not remove your accounts or assets; those are secured by the recovery phrase.
- What if I forget my PIN? Reset the device and restore from the 24-word phrase. Without the phrase, funds cannot be recovered.
- Should I split the phrase? Generally, keep the full phrase in one secure location or use a well-understood Shamir scheme. Random splitting can increase loss risk.
Final checklist
- Ledger Live installed from the official site.
- Device PIN set and 24-word phrase written twice.
- Genuine check passed and coin apps installed.
- Accounts added and synchronized.
- Test receive and test send completed.
- Firmware and app updates reviewed.
- Backups stored securely, offline, and private.
You’re ready. Keep calm, sign deliberately, and let the device be your final source of truth.