This guide helps you start your Ledger wallet setup and protect crypto using proven steps. Whether you're brand new or returning to maintain security, start your Ledger wallet with the correct sequence: inspect the device, connect and set up, back up recovery information, secure PIN & passphrase, and verify before moving funds. The phrase “Start Your Ledger Wallet” appears throughout naturally to help users and search engines find the most relevant guidance for Ledger wallet setup and how to protect crypto.
Start by inspecting your Ledger device packaging. If seals look tampered with, pause. Genuine Ledger devices arrive sealed — any unusual packaging should be verified with official support. This first step starts the secure chain of custody for your Ledger wallet setup and helps protect crypto from supply-chain tampering.
Start your Ledger wallet by connecting it to your desktop app (Ledger Live) using the provided cable. Launch the Ledger companion app and follow the guided onboarding. Ledger wallet setup includes choosing between creating a new wallet or restoring from an existing recovery phrase.
When you create a new wallet, your Ledger device generates a recovery phrase. Write it down exactly, in order. If you recover, carefully enter your existing seed on the device. Remember, starting a new wallet produces a recovery phrase you must protect to recover funds — protect crypto by treating the seed as your ultimate secret.
Protect crypto by making robust backups. Use the factory recovery card or a metal backup product. Do not photograph or store your recovery phrase digitally. Starting your backup strategy early prevents irreversible loss if the hardware is lost or damaged.
Set a PIN on the Ledger device during setup. Consider adding a passphrase (an extra word or sentence) for layered security. Passphrases create hidden wallets; losing a passphrase means losing access to those funds. This two-layer model helps protect crypto even if your physical device is stolen.
Always verify receiving addresses on the device screen and perform a small test transaction before transferring large sums. Confirm both the Ledger app and on-device address match exactly. This essential verification step helps protect crypto against malware and spoofed addresses.
Beyond the setup flow, protect crypto by following core hygiene:
Choose the “Recover” option during onboarding, and carefully input your recovery phrase on the device. After recovery, verify accounts in your desktop app before transacting to ensure addresses match.
No. Storing your recovery phrase digitally increases the chance of theft. Protect crypto by keeping backups offline and encrypted only in physical form (paper/metal) in secure locations.
If you have a backup of the recovery phrase you can restore to a new Ledger device. If you used an optional passphrase and lost that passphrase, those funds are unrecoverable unless you find the passphrase. Start protecting crypto by having multiple secure backups in trusted locations.
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