01↗
Unbox & verify
Buy from an official source. Check the packaging and initialize your device yourself—never use a pre-filled recovery phrase.
YOUR FIRST STEP TO SELF-CUSTODY
Your assets.
Your keys.
Your move.
A clear, considered guide to setting up your Ledger device and taking ownership of your digital assets—with confidence from day one.
Designed for beginners. Built around security.
Take your time—this is your foundation.
Take your time—this is your foundation.
01 / OWNERSHIPYOUR CRYPTO, YOUR CONTROL
SECURITY STARTS WITH YOU↗
A BETTER WAY TO BEGIN SCROLL TO EXPLORE ↓
THE FIRST FOUR MOVES
Start with a strong
foundation.
Self-custody is a practice, not a shortcut. These simple steps help you set up thoughtfully and keep control where it belongs—with you.
02↗
Set up your PIN
Follow the on-device instructions to choose a PIN. Keep it private and memorable; it protects access to the hardware.
03↗
Write down recovery words
Record your recovery phrase offline, in order. Store it securely and separately from your device. Never share it.
04↗
Install Ledger Wallet
Use the official app to manage accounts and install apps. Confirm important actions on your device screen.
!
Remember: Ledger will never ask for your 24-word recovery phrase. Anyone who has it can access your assets.
Security checklist →A FEW THINGS WORTH KNOWING
Security is a habit.
Make it yours.
01
Keep your phrase offline.
Write it on paper or a purpose-made backup. Never store it in photos, email, cloud notes, or a password manager.
02
Verify on the device.
Before confirming, check the address and transaction details on your hardware device screen—not only on your computer.
03
Slow down around urgency.
Ignore unsolicited messages, suspicious links, and anyone asking you to reveal your phrase or connect your wallet.
THE BEGINNER'S FIELD GUIDEREADING TIME · 2 MIN
LEDGER.COM / START — A PRACTICAL INTRODUCTION
A thoughtful start to
digital self-custody
Taking control of digital assets begins with understanding what self-custody means. With a hardware wallet, your private keys stay protected offline, while you use a companion app to view accounts and prepare transactions. The device is designed to sign those transactions securely; it does not store your coins themselves, which remain recorded on their respective blockchains.
When you first set up, purchase your device through an official channel and initialize it yourself. Choose a PIN that only you know. Your device will generate a recovery phrase—usually 24 words—which is the essential backup to your wallet. Write it down in the correct order and keep it somewhere private, durable, and offline. Never photograph it, type it into a website, or share it with anyone, including someone claiming to offer support.
Install the official Ledger Wallet application from a trusted source, then follow its guided steps to add accounts. For every transaction, take a moment to check the recipient address and amount on your device screen before approving. Treat unexpected prompts and urgent messages with caution; scams often imitate familiar brands or promise quick rewards.
Self-custody brings responsibility as well as control. Keep your device software up to date, protect your recovery phrase from loss and discovery, and learn with small, deliberate steps. A careful setup today can help you build safer habits for the long term.
OWN YOUR NEXT STEP.Back to setup ↑
Clarity first. Confidence follows.
Review the four steps ↗