Before you begin
Choose a calm, well-lit surface. Keep your recovery card and a pen nearby. Avoid public Wi‑Fi and shared devices during setup. If you are in a hurry, pause — setup takes 10–20 minutes and speed leads to mistakes.
Powering and pairing
Connect the device and follow the on‑device prompts. Use the same cable that came with the device or an official replacement. When Ledger Live prompts to pair, confirm the code displayed on both the computer and the device before accepting.
Choosing a PIN
Pick a secure but memorable PIN. The device protects itself against brute force by increasing wait times between attempts. Do not share your PIN — it protects only local access, not recovery phrase possession.
Recording your recovery phrase
The 24‑word phrase is the single most important backup to your crypto. Use the supplied recovery sheet, write clearly, and verify each word when prompted. Consider a metal backup product for long-term durability. Never digitize the phrase (no photos, no cloud notes).
Login flow in Ledger Live
Ledger Live signs you into a local profile that helps manage accounts and view balances. Authentication with the device is necessary when performing sensitive operations like sending funds or installing apps on the device. Ledger's architecture separates the local Ledger Live application from the secure element in the hardware for stronger security.
Common issues and fixes
Device not detected: Try a different USB port or cable. Restart Ledger Live, then reconnect. Make sure your operating system recognizes USB devices.
Firmware update loop: Let the device complete updates; avoid unplugging during a firmware write. If interrupted, consult official Ledger recovery steps.
Forgot PIN: You will need to reset the device and restore from the recovery phrase. This is why safe storage of the recovery phrase is essential.
Security vocabulary — fresh words you can use
- Seedguard — an informal term for the recovery phrase storage solution that protects a seed phrase from damage or theft.
- Button‑confirm — the physical action required on the device to validate sensitive operations; emphasizes manual approval.
- Air‑gapped check — performing verification steps without network connectivity for extra assurance.
- Firmware stewardship — the practice of keeping the device firmware updated and verifying release notes from official sources.
- Credential silo — the concept of keeping secrets (PIN, recovery) isolated and never stored together digitally.
Words of best practice
If you’re handing the device to someone else, reset it first. If you ever suspect your recovery phrase is compromised, create a new wallet on a new device and move funds there. Think ahead: physical security (safe, deposit box) is as important as digital security.