Getting started — Secure wallet setup made simple

This page guides you through initializing a Ledger hardware wallet, protecting your recovery phrase, verifying device integrity, and performing your first secure transaction. We focus on practical steps and explain why each one matters so you can reduce risk while remaining in control of your assets.

Overview

Hardware wallets store private keys offline. A careful setup prevents key exposure, mitigates supply-chain tampering, and guards against common user errors. Treat the setup as the single most important security moment for your crypto holdings.

Step-by-step setup

  1. Inspect packaging: Ensure the seal is intact and there is no evidence of prior tampering. If the device looks pre-initialized or the seal is broken, return it.
  2. Power on & initialize: Only initialize a new wallet on the device itself. Follow on-screen prompts to generate a new seed. Never enter a recovery phrase supplied by someone else.
  3. Create a strong PIN: Choose a 6–8 digit PIN that you do not use anywhere else. Avoid birthdays or obvious sequences. The PIN protects the device if it’s lost or stolen.
  4. Record your recovery phrase by hand: Write the 24 (or 12) words on the included sheet or a metal backup. Store copies in physically separate, secure locations. Do not photograph or store digitally (no cloud, no phone notes).
  5. Verify device attestation: Use the official companion app to check the device certificate. Attestation confirms your device is authentic and its firmware hasn't been tampered with.
  6. Optional passphrase: Consider adding a passphrase (a 25th word) for an extra layer of security. Understand the recovery implications: losing the passphrase can permanently lock funds.
  7. Update firmware: If prompted, update firmware using the official app. Firmware updates often contain security fixes — verify authenticity before applying updates.
  8. Perform a test transaction: Send a small amount to confirm the full receive-and-spend flow is correct before transferring larger sums.

Why each step matters: on-device generation keeps private keys offline; handwritten recovery prevents remote theft; attestation ensures device integrity; and test transactions reduce the chance of irreversible loss.

Practical defenses (CVSS-style assessment)

We use a simple, CVSS-inspired framework to communicate relative risk during setup: Device Integrity, Recovery Handling, and Access Controls. The combined assessment helps you prioritise actions.

Current risk: Low

Lower is better. Move the needle by verifying attestation, keeping recovery offline, and using a strong PIN and passphrase.

Device integrity

Attestation & firmware checks verify authenticity.

Recovery handling

Physical backups and multiple secure locations reduce single points of failure.

Access controls

PIN and optional passphrase prevent local access.

Operational habits

Regularly review addresses, update software, and use minimal exposure strategies.

Common mistakes and how to fix them

  • Storing seeds digitally: If you stored a digital copy, move the words offline immediately and consider rotating funds after moving to a fresh wallet.
  • Using weak or reused PINs: Reset the PIN to a unique value; never write it on the recovery sheet.
  • Skipping attestation: Verify device authenticity with the official app before transferring significant funds.
  • Rushing transfers: Always test with a micro-transaction first.