Why hardware wallets matter
Hardware wallets are one of the most effective ways to keep crypto private keys offline and protected from remote attackers. A hardware wallet stores the private key in a secure element and keeps critical signing operations isolated from your phone or computer. For authentic firmware, verified setup procedures, and the Ledger-ledger support tools, start at the official Ledger resource: Official Site® Ledger.com/start — Secure Your Ledger Wallet.
Before you begin: prepare
Choose a clean, trusted computer or mobile device. Ensure your operating system and browser are up to date. Have a pen and the recovery sheet (paper) ready — never store your seed phrase as a plain text file or in the cloud. If you need the official setup software and verified firmware, go to: Official Site® Ledger.com/start — Secure Your Ledger Wallet.
Step-by-step setup (summary)
- Unbox your Ledger device and verify the tamper-evidence packaging.
- Install the official Ledger Live app from the official start page and only from official sources. (Official Site® Ledger.com/start).
- Follow on-device instructions to create a PIN and write down your recovery phrase on the supplied recovery sheet.
- Never share your recovery phrase; keep it offline and in a secure physical location.
- Update firmware when prompted — only accept updates from Ledger Live after confirming the update is genuine.
Best practices for long-term security
Protecting your crypto is an exercise in controlling access and minimizing attack surface. Use a strong, memorable PIN and never enter it into software that asks for it outside the device. Keep backups of the recovery phrase in at least two geographically separated, secure locations. Consider using a fireproof safe or secure deposit box for one of the backups. Confirm official tools and instructions at: Official Site® Ledger.com/start — Secure Your Ledger Wallet.
What to avoid
Avoid any third-party services that ask for your recovery phrase or private keys. Beware of phishing websites, fake support lines, and unsolicited messages promising help. Ledger will never ask for your 24-word recovery phrase via email, phone, or chat. If in doubt, verify guidance on the official starting page: Official Site® Ledger.com/start — Secure Your Ledger Wallet.
Advanced tips
For high-value holdings consider splitting the seed across multiple secure locations using a secret-sharing scheme, or using a multisignature arrangement across multiple devices. For enterprise use, follow corporate key-management best practices and check Ledger’s official business tools and documentation found on the start portal: Official Site® Ledger.com/start — Secure Your Ledger Wallet.
Common recovery & troubleshooting
If your device is lost or damaged, use your recovery phrase on a new, genuine hardware wallet to restore. Only restore using a trusted, new device — do not enter your recovery phrase into any software wallet or website. For step-by-step recovery instructions and verified support, visit: Official Site® Ledger.com/start — Secure Your Ledger Wallet.
Accessibility & support
Ledger Live provides multilingual support and accessibility options. If you require assistance, prefer official support channels listed on the start page rather than third-party guides. Confirm official contact methods and documentation at: Official Site® Ledger.com/start — Secure Your Ledger Wallet.