Setup & Best Practices
Start by visiting the official Ledger Start page to download Ledger Live or any recommended companion apps. Always confirm you are on the ledger.com domain — check for the secure HTTPS lock and the exact hostname. After downloading, verify the installer’s checksum or signature when provided; this step makes sure you have an authentic binary signed by Ledger and not a tampered build placed on a third-party mirror.
When you connect your Ledger device for the first time, you'll be prompted to either create a new wallet (generate a new recovery phrase) or restore an existing one. Choose a strong PIN and never reuse it for non-device authentication. After initialization, Ledger will display a recovery phrase — typically 24 words — which you must write down in order on a secure backup medium. Ledger provides recovery sheets; consider upgrading to a metal backup for long-term protection against fire and water damage. Do not photograph, store digitally, or share your recovery phrase with anyone — it is the sole key to your funds.
Ledger devices and Ledger Live both emphasize on-device confirmations. When sending funds or approving a transaction, always read the details on the device screen and not only in the host app. The device’s isolated screen and buttons are the last line of defense against malware on your computer. If an unfamiliar address or amount appears, cancel the operation and investigate.
For additional layers of security, Ledger supports passphrase-protected accounts. A passphrase acts like an extension of your seed and produces different wallets from the same base seed. Use passphrases only if you understand the operational tradeoffs — losing a passphrase makes its funds unrecoverable. For enterprise uses, Ledger devices can be integrated into multisignature workflows and combined with policy controls to maintain governance and auditability.
Keep firmware and applications up-to-date, but only install updates you initiate from official sources. Ledger publishes release notes and verification data so users can compare checksums or signatures before installing. If you ever suspect a compromise, move funds using a freshly initialized device with new backups, and consult Ledger support channels for guidance. Always keep multiple, geographically separated backups of your recovery phrase to protect against localized disasters.
Finally, practice good operational security: beware of phishing sites, use bookmarks for official pages, and never disclose your recovery phrase to anyone — not even support staff. Use hardware verification, short-lived session tokens, and consider splitting responsibilities among team members for high-value custody. These measures reduce human error and make it harder for an attacker to carry out a successful theft.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where do I download Ledger Live?
A: From ledger.com/start — always verify the domain and, if available, checksums or signatures.
Q: What if I lose my recovery phrase?
A: Losing your recovery phrase means losing access to your funds. If you lose it, try to restore from other backups. For the future, create multiple secure backups and consider metal backups for durability.
Q: Can Ledger recover my wallet for me?
A: No — Ledger Support will never ask for your recovery phrase. Recovery must be performed by you using your seed on a compatible device.